Load releaseing hitch

[fyrfitr42]

What type of load releasing hitch do you use and why?

[resqtek]

We use the radium release hitch. We used to use the BC LRH with 8mm cord and have gone to the radium because of the strength advantage. It was easier to change LRH's than to purchase 9mm cord for the BC LRH.(It is recommended that the BC LRH be tied with 9mm)I like the fact that I can operate the radium release hitch with one hand where the BC LRH required you to manage the coils with one hand while feed ing rope with the other.

[ADSNWFLD]

I use the CMC ProSeries Load Release Strap, I also have made one with a rescue runner but the Load release strap is stronger.

[resqtek]

The load release strap is by far the strongest(in theory). The problem that can be encountered with it is that it is too static and can melt when shock loaded. The LRH's made from accessory cord contribute some shock absorption to the system and I have found that they are smoother to operate. Rigging for Rescue from Invermere BC has created a very comprehensive report on load release hitches. You can buy it from their website http://www.riggingforrescue.com .

[jmatthe2]

We use the radium release hitch as well. Very easy to tie and untie, quick to reset, and easy to operate.

However, we have found this LRH to create too much friction under smaller loads. We use a 30' piece of cord with a bight in the center, resulting in a 15' piece. I have also seen using the entire 30' piece and we have tried this method. It seems to work better.

We have also used the hokie hitch. Essentially, this uses a munter hitch for the friction (same for the radium release, but you also wrap the "body" of the release (Similar to a load release strap). This LRH works quite well, but can be difficult to manage with a 30' piece of cord. It take two hands to operate as you must unwrap the hich to loosen it up to begin the lower.

Resqtek ofers some good advice, DO NOT USE STANDARD WEBBING to tie a LRH. CMC (and others)claim the webbing in their release straps will not melt under shock load, but I haven't seen any testing documentation to prove this. If you have seen documentation I would love to see it.

[fyrfitr42]

Thank you for all your comments. We used to use the BC hitch, but our concerns about tensile strength motovated us to use the 2:1 BC. I purchaced the Release Device Comparative Analysis last year, and after speaking with Kirk, are diciding whether or not to switch to the Radium. Still up in the air.

Just wanted to see what others are using. Thanks for your comments.

[fyrfitr42]

The hokie hitch.....

It looks like a mutha to tie. I see that it has 44 kN tensile strength. We have enough trouble getting people to tie our current LRH right!!! (training, training, training, right!!?!)

jmatthe2, Why do you not use this hitch any more?

Any others with thoughts, please reply!!!

[jmatthe2]

I didn't mean to give the impression we do not use the hokie hitch anymore. We do still teach the hokie hitch. We pretty much allow the riggers to use what they feel comfortable with. All personnel must be checked off in their field book with either the hokie hitch or the radium release. The hokie hitch however, is fairly new to our rope curriculum.

If I were forced to choose, I would go with the hokie hitch. I feel as though I have better control over the load and can maximaize the "release" distance with our 30'cord. It does take two hands to release, but if your the guy operating a LRH and I'm the load I want you to have two hands on it anyway!!!!

You mention the hokie looks hard to tie, but it is similar to any other cord type LRH. Like the radium release, it uses a munter hitch to create friction. Once we can get the team members to tie the munter right than it's smooth sailing. As a matter of fact, most members prefer the hokie.

As we all know there is no fool proof knot, hardware, or method for every circumstance. I prefer to master a technique and move on to another technique. It never hurts to know too much!!

[ResQFF]

We use a Marinner's Hitch

[ResQFF]

Better illustration

[lutan1]

I too use the Marinners Hitch....;)