I thought tie line was rated to 500lbs? Am I wrong? Though I did see several pieces snap clean through when some genious decided to fly out the projection screens on my last show. That was a real mess (the screens only weighted about 20lbs, but they didn't fit between the battens on the sides of them.).
I just want to clarify that we are joking about the use of Tie Line in rigging. I got a PM from Photoadv and apparently he had two "professionals" tell him it is acceptable to use tie line for rigging because it has a test strength of 500lbs. So he was asking a serious question above. Let's be really clear here... It IS NOT acceptable to use tie line for any form of rigging. These "professionals" who told photoatdv it's safe ARE WRONG and I would be concerned for my own safety working in their theater.
While I must admit that my love of tie line is nearly as strong as my love of Gafftape let's be very clear...
It doesn't matter how strong the test strength of tie line, rope, chain, or any other material is. The question is, is it rated for overhead lifting? The answer to most of those things is No. Even in super high strength chain there are many types that are not approved for overhead lifting. We are in that gray area where the answer to many questions is, "If you have to ask the question, don't do it find a qualified rigger." Unfortunatley many people just go to home depot and find some cheap Chinese chain and quicklinks rated at 500lbs and figure it will be safe to hang a batten. It IS NOT safe and you need to educate yourself more before doing any rigging.
The only acceptable ways I can think of to use tie line over head is to secure a cable to a batten or to secure a drop/curtain to a batten (and there better be a proper tie grommet at least every 12 inches on that drop or it's no good).
Now standby for a fabulous rant from WhatRigger? on the stupidity of using tie line for real rigging...
Last edited: