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vRigger Learning Center

This also applies to cable, chain, and webbing.

Gear that is anchored includes anchors, rocks, trees, tripods, trucks, etc.

A "bight" is a simple loop in a rope that does not cross itself.

A "bend" is a knot that joins two ropes together. Bends can only be attached to the end of a rope.

A "hitch" is a type of knot that must be tied around another object.

"Descending devices" (e.g., ATCs, Brake Bar Racks, Figure 8s, Rescue 8s, etc) create friction as their primary purpose. The friction in descending devices is always considered when calculating forces.

The "Safety Factor" is the ratio between the gear's breaking strength and the maximum load applied to the gear (e.g., 5:1).

Sample vRigger Files

This page contains sample vRigger files that you can use with vRigger version 13.0. You may also be interested in the free training videos.

Mechanical Advantage Files

The "angles" and "friction" checkboxes on the Forces toolbar also affect the mechanical advantage. Watch the video about calculating forces for more information on force calculations.


Mechanical Advantage (many)

This file displays rigging systems with 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, and 9:1 mechanical advantage.


2 to 1

This file displays a 2:1 mechanical advantage system.


3 to 1

This file displays a 3:1 mechanical advantage system.


3 to 1 (piggyback)

This file displays a system with 3:1 piggyback mechanical advantage (i.e., a 3:1 attached to another rope).


4 to 1 (simple)

This file displays a system with 4:1 mechanical advantage.


4 to 1 (compound)

This file displays a compound 4:1 mechanical advantage system.


AZTEK System

This file contains four different configurations of the AZTEK system that you can copy and paste.

Learn more about the AZTEK rigging system in vRigger.


Block-and-Tackle

This file explains how to create a block and tackle mechanical advantage system using a pulley with a becket.

Knot Files


Adjustable Prusik Hitch

The adjustable Prusik hitch lets you create a Prusik with any length loop. It's a little complicated to use (and can't be used in force calculations), but it is very versatile.


Barrel Knots

This file shows how to use the two barrel knots. Using these knots requires you to connect the rope to the knot twice and then use the rope benders to create the knot's loop.


Bowline Knot

This file shows how to use the "Knot (bowline)." Using this knot requires you to connect the rope to the knot twice and then use the rope benders to create the knot's loop.


Bowlines (Interlocking)

This file shows how you can create two interlocking bowlines.


Clove Hitches

This file shows how to connect a clove hitch to a carabiner.


Butterfly (adjustable)

This file shows how to create a (butterfly knot with a loop of any length. Using this knot requires you to connect the rope to the knot twice and then use the rope benders to create the knot's loop.


Girth Hitch

This file shows how to create the appearance of a girth hitch using three ropes.


Load Release (adjusts)

This file shows how to work with a load releasing hitch that has an adjustable length (the other load releasing hitches in vRigger have fixed lengths).


Multi-Loop Figure 8

This file shows how to use the "Knot (F8 multi-loop)." This is also called a "Bunny Ear Knot" or a "rigid double figure-eight loop." You can adjust the size of both loops. You can also use this to create a figure-eight knot with a single loop of any length. See the "Two-Loop Figure 8" sample file (on this page), too.


Münter

This file shows how to use the "Knot (Münter)." Using this knot requires you to first connect the Münter to a carabiner and then connect it to the rope.


Overhand (rope)

This file shows how to create an adjustable-length loop using an overhand knot on rope.


Overhand (webbing)

This file shows how to create an adjustable-length loop using an overhand knot on webbing.


Scaffold Knot

This file shows how to use the scaffold knot.


Slip Knot

This file shows how to tie an overhand slip knot. There is also a snippet that adds the slip knot shown in this sample file. The overhand slip knot will be available in the next version of vRigger. If you own version 13.0, contact us to see if a prerelease version of vRigger is available that includes The overhand slip knot.


Tandem Prusiks

This file shows how to use the "Hands (tandem Prusik)". vRigger includes a Snippet that will do all of this for you.


Two-Loop Figure 8

This file shows how to use the "Knot (F8 two loop)." One of the loops in this knot has a fixed size. See the "Multi-Loop Figure 8" sample file (on this page), too.


VT Prusik

This file shows how to use the VT Prusik hitch and rope eyes to create a VT hitch. There is also a snippet that inserts the various VT prusiks that are included with vRigger.


Wrap-3-Pull-2

This file shows how to use the Wrap-3-Pull-2 command and how to put a water knot on the wrap.

Gear-Specific Samples


Anchors

This file shows a variety of anchors that are included in vRigger.


Arrows

This file shows how to customize the "Arrow (customizable)" and includes a variety of arrows that you can copy and paste into other vRigger documents.


Ascentree (Petzl)

This file shows how to use the "Ascender (Petzl Ascentree)" ascender.  It includes several tips to get the ropes to appear on the correct side of the ascender.


ASAP (Petzl)

This file shows the pros and cons of using the ASAP "w/carabiner" and "wo/carabiner". Read about the newer ASAP Lock and ASAP'SORBERS.


Capto (CMC)

This file shows workarounds to use the CMC Capto. Read about using the CMC Capto. The CMC Capto will be available in the next version of vRigger. If you own version 13.0, contact us to see if a prerelease version of vRigger is available that includes The CMC Capto.


ASAP Force Calculations

This file explains how you can change the friction to affect force calculations. Read about using the ASAP Lock and ASAP'SORBERS.


Grillon (Petzl)

This file shows how to use the Petzl Grillon.


Hoist (Harrington)

This file shows how to work with the Harrington chain hoist.


Hoist (Harrington lever)

This file shows how to work with the Harrington lever hoist.


I-Beam (side and eye)

This file contains two "I-Beam (side)" items connected to several "I-Beam (eye)" items. Note that the force calculations above the I-Beams may appear incorrect because they are statically indeterminate.


Hooks (Sterling Lightning)

This file shows several ways to rig the Sterling Lightning and Lightning RT escape hooks. The Sterling Lightning hooks will be available in the next version of vRigger. If you own version 13.0, contact us to see if a prerelease version of vRigger is available that includes the Sterling Lightning hooks.


Lanyard with Hooks

This file shows two ways to create twin lanyards with hooks. You can also insert these lanyards onto the workspace using an existing snippet. The two hooks will be available in the next version of vRigger. If you own version 13.0, contact us to see if a prerelease version of vRigger is available that includes the two hooks.


MPDs

This file shows how to use the CMC MPD to lower, descend, belay, and raise. When you create a system using the MPD, make sure the loaded rope segment always comes out on the correct side of the MPD (i.e., away from the orange "release" lever).


People

This (large) file shows almost all of the men that are available in vRigger. Click on the "View" button to see this image.


Pipes and Fittings

This file shows how to work with pipes and fittings.


Pickets (snow)

This file shows several different ways to use the snow pickets.


Silhouette Men

These four silhouette men are great for creating simple, easy to understand illustrations.


Squid (with carabiners)

This file provides a few tips on using the CMC Squid in vRigger. The CMC Squid will be available in the next version of vRigger. If you own version 13.0, contact us to see if a prerelease version of vRigger is available that includes The CMC Squid.


Trusses

This file shows how to position ropes and webbing on trusses. Learn more about working with the truss.


Wire Strop

This file shows how to use the wire strop. The main tips are to change the rope color to light gray (so it looks like cable) and to use the rope benders to curve the cable.

Special Situations


Chairlift Rappel

This file contains a man rappelling from a chairlift. Instructions in the file explain how the rope was routed around the chair using slack points.


Confined Space

This file shows how you can draw a confined space using the "Shape (ellipse)" and "Shape (line)" items.


Highline

This is a basic highline system.


Storage Tanks

This file shows how you can create storage tanks using the "Shape (ellipse)" and "Shape (box)" items.


Tether

This file shows one way of creating a safety tether.