Weight Bearing Grappling Hook

Weight Bearing Grappling Hook:

Project Cost: $25+ (actual price depends on length and material of rope)

Construction Time: 15-30 minutes

Materials:

Trolling Anchor (I suggest a collapsible one with a locking ring, I found a
decent one at Dick's Sporting Goods. See Picture 2)

Rope (The diameter and length is up to you and your budget. The stronger
ropes will bear more weight but will cost more to purchase.)

Construction Instructions:
It is relatively easy to make this grappling hook once you gather the materials.
You will need to know how to tie a bowline knot for this project. I have links to a
video below, and there are even more on YouTube if you need them.

Step 1
Lay out the anchor and rope. With one end of the rope, tie a bowline with the loop
passing through the ring on the anchor (See Picture 3). If your anchor does not
have a ring similar to the one in the picture, or at least a hole large enough for the
rope to pass through, one can be made out of pieces found at a local hardware
store. (Though for convenience's sake, I suggest trying to find an anchor with an
appropriate sized ring.)

Step 2
The most common use for a weight bearing grappling hook is climbing assistance,
so it is important to create hand and foot holds for scaling the rope. This is an easy
step, simply tie an overhand knot every 10-12 inches until there is about a foot and
a half left of free rope. Doing this will shorten the length of the rope, but it will
make it easier to climb.

Step 3
When throwing the grappling hook, chances are you will want to control it so that
it does not launch out of reach, so the last step will be a small, yet simple safety
measure. With the remaining free, unknotted rope tie another bowline to create a
small loop a little larger than your fist. (See Picture 4) When you are preparing to toss the
grappling hook make sure that someone is holding on to this loop so that control
of the launch can be maintained. It would be most unfortunate if you accidentally
broke a window or something when testing your grappling hook.

Testing Tips and Important Notices:
Please take in mind the strength rating of the rope you are using. Ropes can not
safely bear weight that exceed their work load. Check your rope's work load
before attempting any climbing. Falls from certain heights can lead to injury and even
death, so do not try climbing your rope if you weigh more than it's working load.
If you plan on climbing your rope, always test to make sure the grapple hook is
securely in place by hanging your entire weight on the rope before ascending.
If everything holds for more than thirty seconds, than the hook is most likely
securely in place. However, this is not an absolute guarantee for your safety.
Never climb alone, have at least one person around in case of emergency
and be wary about what you are climbing and how high you are climbing.
Do not attempt climbing any ropes if you lack physical strength, especially
in the upper body muscles.

Bowline Instructions: