Pin Kit, a quick study

Last week we had to pull out a pinned boat and I figure it would be a good idea to create a quick resource for pulley systems and pin kits.

For the simplest system, you would need:

1. webbing or a cordelette for a sling
2. 2/3 carabiners
3. a prusik

This would allow you to create a z-drag or a 3:1.  At this point, every additional pulley would require a prusik and a carabiner.

a simple z-drag:

During our recent boat rescue, the friction from the carabiners seemed quite large and I would recommend getting a few pulleys instead.  These petzl pulleys are cheap and work well. When using a pulley, it is best to use an oval carabiner so the pulley sits balanced.

The brake is also key.  We didn't use one and had to tie it off or keep it tensioned, which is a pain in the ass.

Here are some sample systems.

Depending on what you are doing, the 3:1 or 5:1 is likely enough, but I would probably have used a 12:1 this last weekend.

Images courtesy of http://www.rescueresponse.com/store/technical_pulleys_pt1.html, where you can read alot more about it.