Page 393 - Brion Toss - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice
P. 393

Sun and Tie-down Straps
                  Braided tie-down straps are susceptible to damage
                  from sunlight. As with all regularly exposed plas-
                  tic items, inspect them regularly for signs of dis-
                  coloration and brittleness.

                  Belay Aids
                  Whether you’re pulling a stump, reinforcing moor-
                  ing lines to prepare for a hurricane, or dragging a
                  boat up the beach on its cradle, this setup will give
                  you a firm anchor when there’s no convenient tree
                  and you’re fresh out of piledrivers.
                      To make, drive two long stakes, crowbars, or
                  what-have-yous into the ground, ideally at a right
                  angle to the direction of the pull (Figure 12-2).
                  Set a stout log or beam behind them. If the latter,   Figure 12-2. A firm anchor.
                  round the corners so the line won’t chafe. Drive two
                                                      Plywood Sling

                    Ever had to carry a sheet of plywood? It forces you   end. Slip an eye over each bottom corner. Grasp the
                    into a wrist-twisting, view-obscuring, back-straining,   middle of the sling with one hand and rest the other
                    top-heavy carrying position. If that doesn’t appeal to   hand on the top edge of the plywood. That’s how to
                                          1
                    you, make up a sling about 8 ⁄2 to 9 feet (2.6 m to   do it.
                    2.8 m) long, with an Eyesplice or Bowline at either



































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