RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Fliplines for Arborist Work Positioning

Key Characteristics of Fliplines

• Steel Wire Core: Maintains shape for easy flipping around trees and poles
• Protective Sheath: Durable cover protects wire core from damage and weather
• Adjustable Length: Rope grab or prusik allows length adjustment
• Quick Repositioning: Can be advanced rapidly during climbing
• Hands-Free Support: Provides stable work positioning
• Swivel Snaps: Prevent twisting during use
• Professional Grade: Built for daily arborist and utility work
• ANSI Compliant: Meets work positioning standards

Important Safety Note: Fliplines are work positioning devices, not fall arrest equipment. Always use a separate fall arrest system (climbing line with friction hitch, SRL, or fall arrest lanyard) as primary fall protection when using fliplines.

Steel Wire Core

The internal steel cable provides the rigidity that allows the flipline to maintain its shape and be flipped around obstacles.

Key Features:

• 7x19 or similar wire rope construction
• Galvanized or stainless steel for corrosion resistance
• Maintains shape without sagging
• Allows flipping motion around trees and poles
• Provides structural support for the lanyard
• Typical diameter: 3/16" to 1/4"

Protective Sheath

The outer covering protects the wire core from damage, weather, and provides a comfortable gripping surface.

Key Features:

• Durable polyester or nylon construction
• Abrasion-resistant for long service life
• UV-resistant materials
• Comfortable to handle
• Protects wire core from damage
• Available in various colors

Adjustment System

Allows the climber to adjust the flipline length for optimal working position at different tree or pole diameters.

Common Systems:

• Rope Grab: Mechanical device that grips the wire core, adjustable by hand
• Prusik Hitch: Friction hitch tied with cord around the flipline
• Cam-Style Adjuster: Spring-loaded cam grips wire for adjustment
• Fixed Length: Some fliplines have fixed length with no adjustment

End Terminations

Hardware at each end of the flipline for attachment to the saddle and around the tree or pole.

Common Terminations:

• Swivel Snap Hooks: Rotating snaps prevent twisting
• Locking Carabiners: Secure connections to saddle
• Steel Thimbles: Protect wire rope at termination points
• Sewn Eyes: Professional terminations for maximum strength

Key Considerations

• Length: Choose based on typical tree/pole diameters you work on
• Adjustment System: Rope grab for reliability, advanced systems for convenience
• Wire Core Quality: Galvanized or stainless steel for corrosion resistance
• Sheath Durability: Heavy-duty materials for professional daily use
• End Hardware: Swivel snaps prevent twisting, locking carabiners for security
• Weight: Balance between durability and ease of handling
• Compliance: Ensure meets ANSI Z133 or applicable standards
• Application: Tree work vs. pole work may require different features

Length Selection Guide

• 8-10 feet: Small trees, utility poles, compact work
• 12 feet: Most common, versatile for average trees
• 14-16 feet: Large trees, maximum reach
• Adjustable: Provides flexibility for varying diameters

Consider that the flipline must wrap around the tree/pole with enough length to adjust for comfortable positioning.

Safe Usage Guidelines

• Always Use Backup Protection: Fliplines are work positioning, not fall arrest. Use separate fall protection
• Proper Attachment: Connect to side D-rings on saddle, not front or back
• Correct Length: Adjust so you're positioned comfortably against tree/pole
• Flipping Technique: Flip upward smoothly, ensure it wraps completely around
• Inspect Before Use: Check wire core, sheath, and hardware daily
• Avoid Sharp Edges: Don't allow wire core to contact sharp edges or tools
• Proper Adjustment: Ensure rope grab or prusik is properly set
• Stay Within Limits: Never exceed manufacturer's rated capacity

Flipping Technique Tips

• Hold flipline at adjustment point
• Flip upward in smooth arc around tree/pole
• Ensure complete wrap with no gaps
• Adjust length for comfortable position
• Test security before weighting fully
• Advance flipline as you climb higher

Daily Inspection

• Wire Core: Check for kinks, broken wires, or core exposure
• Sheath: Inspect for cuts, abrasion, or damage
• Adjustment System: Ensure rope grab or prusik functions properly
• End Hardware: Check snaps, carabiners for damage or malfunction
• Swivels: Verify swivels rotate freely
• Stitching: Inspect all stitched areas for damage
• Overall Condition: Look for any unusual wear or damage

Retirement Criteria - Retire Flipline If:

• Broken Wires: Any broken wires visible in the core
• Kinks: Permanent kinks or bends in wire core
• Core Exposure: Wire core visible through damaged sheath
• Severe Abrasion: Sheath worn through or severely damaged
• Hardware Damage: Bent, cracked, or malfunctioning snaps or carabiners
• Adjustment Failure: Rope grab or prusik doesn't hold properly
• Shock Load: Flipline has held a fall or shock load
• Chemical Exposure: Exposed to acids, solvents, or corrosive materials
• Unknown History: Flipline's usage history is unknown
• Any Doubt: Any question about flipline integrity or safety

Your safety depends on flipline integrity. When in doubt, retire it.

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean sheath with mild soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly
• Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricant to wire core periodically per manufacturer instructions
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location. Hang or coil loosely to prevent kinking
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from chain saw fuel, bar oil, and chemicals
• Proper Handling: Avoid stepping on or dragging flipline
• Documentation: Maintain records of purchase date and usage
• Regular Replacement: Replace according to manufacturer recommendations or sooner if damaged

What's the difference between a flipline and a positioning lanyard?

Flipline is a specific type of positioning lanyard with a steel wire core that maintains its shape. The wire core allows it to be "flipped" around trees or poles for quick repositioning. Other positioning lanyards may use rope or webbing without a wire core. Fliplines are preferred by arborists and utility workers for their ease of repositioning during climbing.

Can I use a flipline as my only fall protection?

No. Fliplines are work positioning devices, not fall arrest equipment. ANSI Z133 and OSHA require a separate fall arrest system (climbing line with friction hitch, SRL, or fall arrest lanyard) as primary fall protection. The flipline provides work support; the fall arrest system provides life safety protection.

How do I know when my flipline wire core is damaged?

Run your hands along the entire length feeling for kinks, bulges, or broken wires. Visually inspect for any exposed wire through the sheath. Any kinks, broken wires, or core exposure requires immediate retirement. The wire core should be smooth and uniform throughout its length. Regular inspection is critical for safety.

What length flipline should I use?

Choose based on the typical diameter of trees or poles you work on. A 12-foot flipline is most common and versatile for average trees. Larger trees may require 14-16 feet. Utility pole work often uses shorter lengths (8-10 feet). The flipline must wrap around with enough length to adjust for comfortable positioning.

How often should I lubricate my flipline?

Follow manufacturer recommendations, typically every few months with regular use or when the wire core feels dry or stiff. Use appropriate wire rope lubricant. Proper lubrication prevents corrosion, reduces friction, and extends service life. Avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt and debris.

Professional Fliplines from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving arborists, utility workers, and tower technicians, we offer professional-grade fliplines engineered for the demanding requirements of work positioning in trees, on poles, and on structures.

Our flipline collection includes wire core positioning lanyards in various lengths and configurations, all featuring durable construction, reliable adjustment systems, and quality hardware. Whether you need standard fliplines for tree climbing, heavy-duty models for utility pole work, or advanced adjustable fliplines for maximum convenience, we have the professional work positioning equipment arborists and utility workers depend on for safe, efficient climbing operations.

Browse our flipline selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade fliplines that provide reliable work positioning, climb after climb.