r start or try any new technique for a first time during a high-risk live environment. Always stick with what you know for sure first. Never incorporate something new on the job until you and everyone working with you are completely comfortable with it in practice and theory. Finally, plan your practices and jobs. Accidents are unplanned events, so plan not to have them. I hope you enjoy this new hitch as much as I have. Who knows maybe you will enjoy it as much as Mark did and win the worlds.Dwayne Neustaeter is an arboriculture instructor at Olds College in Alberta, Canada. He has been involved extensively in professional training programs as president of TreeKeepers, Inc. Dwayne also serves on the ISA Certification Test Committee and is the Certification Liaison for the Prairie Chapter.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------By Paul SissonOverview and WarningWhen tied and used properly, this knot is safer and performs better than any other friction hitch used for tree climbing. But, the knot has some shortcomings. To avoid serious accidents, climbers must be aware of these shortcomings and how to overcome them.BasicsThere are many versions of this knot. The knot basically consists of a number of wraps above a number of braids. It can be tied with either a Prusik loop or a single cord. The knot is connected directly to a carabiner. A micropulley is usually used with this knot to help remove slack in the climbing line and to fair lead the climbing line into the knot. The performance of the knot is dependent upon several factors:The pliability of the loop or cord used. The length of the loop or cord. The number of wraps and braids used. Knot Mechanics - How the Machard Tresse WorksThe Machard tresse works differently that ay friction hitches. It works like a Chinese finger trap rather than like a Boa Constrictor. As the knot tightens or loosens, the coils mostly stay apart. They do not press again...
