Tying a flip line, also commonly referred to as making a guide belt, involves creating a personal positioning system using tubular webbing and securing it with a specific knot. This process results in a versatile piece of equipment essential for various work-at-height scenarios.
Understanding the Flip Line
A flip line, or guide belt, is primarily used for work positioning and fall restraint, allowing individuals to lean back into their harness or belt while working, freeing their hands. It's a crucial component in fields like arboriculture, climbing, and construction.
Materials You'll Need
The core component for a self-made flip line is a single length of high-quality tubular webbing.
- Tubular Webbing: This material is strong, flexible, and durable, making it ideal for load-bearing applications. The length required will depend on your waist size and desired fit, but generally, a generous piece allows for proper looping and knot tying. You can learn more about tubular webbing and its uses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tying Your Flip Line
Follow these steps carefully to construct your flip line (guide belt):
-
Prepare the Webbing: Take a long piece of tubular webbing. The length should be sufficient to wrap around your waist twice, plus extra for tying a secure knot.
-
Create the Bight: Fold the entire piece of tubular webbing in half. The folded end is known as the bight.
-
Position the Bight: Place this bight directly at your midsection, ensuring it's centered and comfortable. This will form the front or primary attachment point of your flip line.
-
Wrap Around Your Waist: Take the two free ends of the webbing and loop them twice around your waist. This creates a secure and snug fit that distributes tension effectively.
-
Tie the Knot: Where the two free ends meet the original bight at your midsection, tie them together using a water knot, also known as a ring bend.
- The water knot is specifically chosen for joining two ends of webbing or tape due to its strength and reliability.
- Ensure the knot is tied correctly, snug, and has sufficient tail length (at least 3-4 inches) on both ends to prevent it from untying under load.
- You can find detailed instructions and animations for tying a water knot (ring bend) on reputable knot-tying resources.
Ensuring Safety and Proper Use
Once your flip line is tied, it's vital to prioritize safety:
- Inspect Regularly: Before each use, thoroughly inspect the webbing for any signs of wear, cuts, abrasions, or sun damage. Check the water knot to ensure it's still tight and correctly formed.
- Proper Fit: The flip line should fit snugly but comfortably around your waist, allowing for freedom of movement without being loose enough to slip down.
- Load Bearing: Understand the limitations of the webbing and the knot. Always use your flip line in conjunction with other safety equipment, such as a harness and appropriate fall protection systems, especially when working at significant heights.
Key Considerations for Your Flip Line
- Material Quality: Always use webbing specifically designed for climbing or industrial safety applications.
- Knot Dressing: After tying the water knot, ensure it is "dressed" properly, meaning all strands are parallel and neatly aligned. This optimizes the knot's strength.
- Application: While useful for work positioning, a flip line made this way is typically not a primary fall arrest component on its own and should be part of a larger safety system.
