Tool Tuesday: Fliplines & Positioning Lanyards

Why Work Positioning Matters

When it comes to tree climbing and removals, safety and efficiency go hand in hand. That’s where fliplines and positioning lanyards come in. These essential tools help climbing arborists achieve the optimal working position within the tree, making cuts safer and more controlled.

Aerial work positioning is governed by ANSI Z133 safety standards, which outline best practices for arborist operations. One critical rule: a flipline or lanyard should never be your sole tie-in point while cutting or working at heights.

Fliplines, Lanyards & Spar Work

In our region, most of the trees we climb and remove are spruce. Once the limbs are removed, the climber is left working on what’s called a “spar”—essentially a tall, bare pole.

On a spar, a flipline alone isn’t enough to safely secure the climber. Instead, arborists must use a cinching system with their main climbing line. That’s why it’s absolutely critical to hire a tree service company that not only knows ANSI Z133 but follows its safety requirements on every climb.

The Role of Fliplines & Lanyards

So, if they’re not meant for primary tie-in, what are they for?

The answer is efficient work positioning. Without proper positioning, a climber might find themselves awkwardly hanging from a rope, trying to run a chainsaw over one shoulder while fighting gravity. That’s neither safe nor efficient.

Fliplines and lanyards solve this problem by helping arborists stay upright and stable, allowing for:

• Better control of the chainsaw

• More accurate cuts

• Safer control of how and where tree sections fall

Rope vs. Wire-Core Lanyards

Fliplines and lanyards come in two main types—rope and wire-core—each with advantages depending on the job.

• Rope Lanyards

  • Flexible and versatile

  • Work well for positioning off overhead limbs or tight natural crotches in the tree

• Wire-Core Lanyards

  • Rigid by design, making them easier to “flip” up the trunk while climbing

  • Ideal for spruce removals where arborists climb the main stem with spurs and cut branches as they ascend

  • Provide consistent, stable positioning as the climber advances

The Safety Combo

No matter the style, the key to safe climbing is using lanyards for positioning combined with a secure main climbing line. This dual system ensures arborists can work efficiently while staying fully protected at all times.