Glossary term
What is Throw line?
Short answer
A throw line is a light cord with a small weight, thrown over a high branch to pull a climbing rope into the tree.
Throw line, explained for tree service owners
A throw line is a thin, strong cord with a small bag or weight on the end. The climber throws it over a high, strong branch from the ground, then uses it to pull up the heavier climbing rope. It is the first step before the climb, and it lets a worker set the rope high without climbing first. A good throw puts the line over a sound branch and clear of the other branches. It takes practice. Crews keep a few lines handy and coil them to avoid tangles. A tree service owner can tell new crew members that the throw line is a small tool that saves time and sets up a safe climb every day.
Related terms
- Aerial lift
An aerial lift is any machine that raises a worker on a platform, such as a bucket truck or a lift mounted on tracks.
- Friction device
A friction device is a tool, often a post or wrap fixed near the base of a tree, that lets a worker control a rope while lowering heavy…
- Outriggers
Outriggers are extendable legs on a crane or bucket truck that spread the weight and keep the machine level and steady.
- Pole saw
A pole saw is a saw on a long pole that cuts high limbs from the ground, so the worker does not need to climb.
- Rigging block
A rigging block is a pulley used in a tree to change the direction of a rope and reduce strain while lowering cut pieces.
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