Ratchet Blocks for going aloft

[Mark Johnson]

I have hoisted myself exclusively useing a 3 to 1 block set up for 25 years, with no problems. My hoisting rig is made up of two Harken ratchet blocks (with the little switches), and Regatta braid for the good grip in the sheaves & my hands. I do engage both ratchets and therefore "sometimes" have to give the last leg of my hoisting line a little shake when I want to go down a bit, (or I just hang there). When I get where I need to be, I feed a folded 2' section of the hoisting line through a ring on my harness, and do a single half hitch. This acts as a safety, although there is "0" load on the knot, so it doesn't tighten up. When ready to come ALL the way down, I disengauge the lower ratchet block, and letting the line gently slide through my hands, I'm down in a few seconds. The system works great!