Basal Anchor Drop Test

This is an attempt at a real-world scenario with a high tie-in, lots of rope in the system, a load cell, and the full weight of a climber. What happens when your rope is over something small above the union, and then drops into it suddenly? Hope you can get some value out of it.
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." - Ernest Hemingway
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- Patrick

[@Billster1955]

Wow, 2x the weight with only a 7 inch fall. That was very interesting. Thanks Patrick.
Another interesting test for your load cell would be to simulate the weight of a chainsaw falling several feet, showing the forces on a chainsaw lanyard.

[@davideaton5642]

First Class Demo! You really worked hard for it. Very much appreciated. Thanks

[@nicod1886]

Awesome man 👍👍. Thanks! I know how much work it is to just set up the line and climb it but I can’t imagine doing that plus all the videoing, editing, etc. so thanks again!

[@hamiltontaylor9600]

I had an incedent with exactly this scenario. Anchor was at about 15m and i had ascended about 4m I dropped about 1-1.5m and got smashed in the face and hand by the anchor that broke. I was very nearly knocked out but managed to get down after a minute or so of groaning.... groundie was concerned about my hips as he said the drop looked brutal but getting smashed hard in the face was all i felt. Everything was fine in the end just 3 days off work 😅 much more careful with setting/checking anchors from the ground now...

[@smallchunkaground2071]

What an eye opener,even though i dont climb for a living but do occasionally around my home your knowledge and effort you put into your content have been great learning tools for me. Thank you.

[@Jerry_Padilla]

That is really eye opening thank you for taking the time to do this demonstration.

[@TimberTrainer]

Thank you so much for testing that setup. I know a lot of climbers who don't tie in properly, and ascend on a sketchy base tie. I'll be sharing this with them.

[@havespurswillclimb]

Enjoyed the video. Your efforts to create this demo are appreciated. That is a lot of work. Phew!

[@dankotos61]

Really good video Patrick thanks for sharing that

[@joshpomponio2993]

Thanks for that vid that was a lot of work an set up for that there is a whole lot of dynamics on systems when you bomb out just a little 👊👊

[@Lojka59]

And the less total height - the more will be drop weight. Even static ropes have about 5% stretch. So less rope = bigger hit.

[@Sethhaun78]

Thanks fir putting in work

[@br-dj2ti]

You're amazing Patrick it hit the ground go back up the tree to reset it that's amazing it really is thank you so much for the test cuz this does help a lot I always wondered about

[@frederickrodger7249]

Well done.

[@liftedppg4370]

Awesome demonstration, this will definitely help to curb my “just send it” mentality that tends to creep in after 40 minutes of trying to hit the fn crotch 😅👍🏻

[@larrykost4186]

Real World, Real Hard on the Body!

[@joeshmo5399]

Which climbing devices would slide the most to absorb the shock?

[@peterkroneberg5456]

Hi, thank you for posting this issue. I have to admit I took this issue a bit light minded so far due to no incidents (yet). Guess you saved me some bruises, thank you! Did you do the Drop Test with a static or a semi static ascent rope?
Greetings from Switzerland, climb save, Peter

[@AssafLevyIL]

I have a small cheap binoculars with me to see exactly what anchor I got. Had a time where I only discovered at the top the exact situation he describes.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Small binoculars are a good idea to have on the truck - Patrick

[@mikethomas9544]

Too big go the Monocular

[@treebarbers]

Well done. I think you slipped in a slide of Julia Roberts for a moment...

[@stevemoore445]

Was that a static or dynamic rope?

[@rossgish2427]

What did the line scale say for peak force in KN.

[@jbcardin]

Nice video. I've heard a 3 ft drop is enough to break a pelvis. If 16 inches is double the weight it woul be getting pretty close at 3 ft. Especially the way a saddle with a bridge pulls together on your body.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Yes. I was going to test it from higher but it was difficult to get that 80 lb bell up any higher...

[@neild7971]

I believe it as a factor 2 fall, but I think all the rope in the system would ease a lot of that force. I’ve seen guys take 6’plus whips and be total fine other than shitting themselves.

[@natestruck9131]

I worry more about making that kind of unexpected movement while starting a cut with a running saw...

[@christopherch7307]

👍😎👍

[@batmantiss]

I know I don't sound like I mean it but thank you

[@Mattydunde]

Just spur it stir that pot

[@shadowscape6290]

If the branch you were over broke when you were up close to the top the force would be a lot more because you wouldn't have 100 feet of stretch to absorb the shock, only 50.

[@jackshort2033]

I was thinking the same thing but unsure of I was correct. It seems like less line to stretch would be more dangerous.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Yes for sure, and the friction at the crotch would stop a good chunk of the rope from absorbing the shock efficiently

[@shadowscape6290]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM I think you should go back up there and give us a demonstration. Ouch! Just kidding of course. Try the same with that Beal and be surprised at how low it is, but you better have the weights about half way up or they will hit the ground. Good stuff, Patrick!