DIY life lines

Life lines IMO are something every bow hunter should use. However, they can be very costly. Does anyone out there make their own? If so, where do you get your materials (climbing rope)? Is it even worth making your own?

Thanks.

Be Safe

 

From what I've seen and when I researched it a couple years ago, it's pretty hard to save much money making your own. Especially if you want to ensure your safety.

 

Agreed, the appropriate rope needed is not cheap.

 

REI has climbing rope and caribiners if you want to price it out. I bought a 3 pack of HSS lifelines last year, best investment I have made in hunting equipment besides the actually safety harness.

 

I made several a couple of years ago. I ordered the rope from Cabelas. It came in a 100' roll and was not that expensive. I also checked the weight rating for it and it was within the range I needed. I have also see half-inch rope at my local farm store and I don't recall it being overly expensive. I now have life-lines on all my sets. You can look up how to tie a prussic knot on you tube.

Blessings.........Pastorjim

 

Most are 30 bucks a pop right? You can make your own but between time and materials it's not going to be a lot of savings I don't think unless you buy in bulk for material.

 

I bought a climbing rope and a prussic knot and after shipping all it did was save me 10 bucks which around the amount that HSS charges for a carabiner. IMHO I think HSS is reasonable for their price. Especially something that can save your life. If you want I can post pics of it.

 

my recommendation would be to use climbing rope as it is designed to take a fall and has some stretch. Some ropes have a sheath over the fibers that actually support the weight and it can be hard to see damage, so would also recommend non-sheath rope if possible.
Also one thought on liability. I would be hesitant to loan out homemade safety equipment because if someone does get hurt it could come back to you. good hunting.

 

Thanks guys. I have a few of the HSS life lines. I like them. I will continue to use them because as some have mentioned my life may depend on it. Thanks for the replies.

 

For those of you with HSS life lines....how long do they come...I have some stands where the stand is at 26-30 feet...they come long enough?

 

I don't recall the exact length but they are long, I have to wrap the excess around the bottom rungs of my ladder stand 16ft.

 

That's my worry...I'd want it ending up above the stand for quick connection to safety harness strap...meaning probably twice the height of your stand at 16....hmmm

 

I just looked it up for you, they are 30 feet long.

 

Yeah just discovered that on their site....still may get a couple and make them work.

 

Obviously you don't want to skimp on safety, but most "climbing rope" is overkill and designed to handle falls of 50'+. You don't need a 10,000# rated working load if you will fall at most 3' before the line catches you. Unless you weigh about 3,000 pounds.