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

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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