Matthew Bonnington Arborist LOLER

Matthew Bonnington Arborist LOLER Offering LOLER thorough examinations on arboricultural climbing and rigging kits.

Knowledge is power. By keeping my training up to date this means I will endeavour to provide my fairest and best possibl...
25/04/2024

Knowledge is power. By keeping my training up to date this means I will endeavour to provide my fairest and best possible service to any existing and new LOLER customers. Whether you are a company which have multiple kits or just a freelancing climber looking for someone to carry out a thorough examination feel free get in contact with any questions.

This courant synchro cambium saver had me scratching my head today. Brand new so wasn’t looking for any defects so maybe...
24/02/2024

This courant synchro cambium saver had me scratching my head today. Brand new so wasn’t looking for any defects so maybe that’s why I missed the perhaps obvious id tag, an error on my behalf but everyday is a learning day. Thankfully a quick message to had me on the right path instantly. The tag is placed between the webbing by the black small ring end. Clever little touch by as I’m sure this will help it from being caught in use and ripped off.

Rigging rings, pulleys or both? The dmm impact block xs has got to be hard to beat but I’d say both have their specific ...
24/02/2024

Rigging rings, pulleys or both? The dmm impact block xs has got to be hard to beat but I’d say both have their specific places and uses for sure. I’m definitely starting to see more people using the rings. Perhaps they’re not as good if being used in systems with a Grcs etc but on the other hand a bit of friction in the canopy otherwise can only be a good thing? As long as bend radius’ are taken into consideration and used accordingly?

Whilst on a role posting for once, the lock stitch on this courant kalimba bubblegum rope differs from the factory machi...
24/02/2024

Whilst on a role posting for once, the lock stitch on this courant kalimba bubblegum rope differs from the factory machine stitch produced by but it is the correct results from a hand stitched splice produced by certified splicers from and offers a ce certified end product. It’s clear from todays LOLER that Tommy certainly likes his courant products.

Trip into London this morning. Bit of core exposed on this Teufelberger tachyon rope, bent spring bar and heavy wear on ...
17/02/2024

Trip into London this morning. Bit of core exposed on this Teufelberger tachyon rope, bent spring bar and heavy wear on a ct axis carabiner and a knackered set of hip to leg loops on a tree motion harness were among my favourite items. Pre use and weekly checks on your climbing gear might not be an exciting task but it doesn’t take long and it may pay favours in the long run.

Picked up a 125cm adjustable cambium saver. Not a new concept, but with a possible maximum 10 year lifespan maybe a mor...
20/01/2024

Picked up a 125cm adjustable cambium saver. Not a new concept, but with a possible maximum 10 year lifespan maybe a more cost effective alternative over time than some of the other adjustable ones on offer and not much more than the price of some ring to ring versions. Maybe not as versatile in some situations due to the length but still a great option to have. By putting a dmm revolver in the free weblink I’m able to anchor round two separate forks still being retrievable if orientation is correct as per manual (garden chairs may not be a bomber life support, choose anchor points wisely). A petzl rollclip may also be a good alternative carabiner to use. Being adjustable may also aid in being able to be choked on a stem creating a false anchor point on moving rope system. Lastly it can be stored nice and neatly on the back of the harness. I hate storing anything bulky that gets in the way. Thumbs up from me on first impression

Evening LOLER to avoid any downtime without a kit. Probably my all round favourite rope
24/08/2023

Evening LOLER to avoid any downtime without a kit. Probably my all round favourite rope

I had a customer ask me if there was any general rule for the lifespans of kit. It would be great if there was but unfor...
24/08/2023

I had a customer ask me if there was any general rule for the lifespans of kit. It would be great if there was but unfortunately it’s not that straight forward. All the relevant product information can be found within the user manuals.

The first picture shows three different types of cordage from the same manufacture all with different lifespans.
10mm Sirius accessory cord, 5 years from first use (8 years from date of manufacture so technically could be stored for 3 years and used for 5).
8mm ocean polyester, 3 years from first use (5 years from date of manufacture so technically could be stored for 2 years and used for 3)
7mm ocean dyneema which forms as part of the od loop T 2 years from first use (5 years from date of manufacture so technically could be stored for 3 years and used for 2)

The next photo is a 13mm T-vee climbing rope. The lifespans on Teufelberger climbing ropes vary and depend on end termination of rope. Just a free length of rope could last up to 10years from manufacture date, splice/ spLIFE up to 7 years from manufacture & slaice terminations 5 years from first use (8 years from date of manufacture so technically could be stored for 3 years and used for 5).

Just an example of how many variables there could potentially be. Also these lifespans are only potential would have to be retired from service if they became no longer safe for use.

also kindly shares his wealth of knowledge in the form of a lifespan pdf on his website which is a great reference that anyone is able to view.

Redwood deadwood. I find using two of the same devices/ or hitches makes for easier two rope working. I can easily contr...
22/07/2023

Redwood deadwood. I find using two of the same devices/ or hitches makes for easier two rope working. I can easily control both lines using one hand if for whatever reason I can’t use the other (an argument against two rope working often brought up). Using the zig zag with a chicane to srt up then removed to work off mrt. Climbing regularly keeps me up to date on new & old equipment which helps me when it comes to carrying out inspections on climbing & rigging kits. Get in contact for any LOLER enquiries

One way to get the most out of your kits is making sure items are compatible with each other and that they are used with...
10/06/2023

One way to get the most out of your kits is making sure items are compatible with each other and that they are used within their safe working loads (swl). I recently saw a video of a 16mm rigging line snapping. The rope was ran through a green isc compact rigging pulley which is designed for ropes up to 13mm. I’m not saying that was the reason of failure as there could of been more elements at play but I would suggest over time it would contribute largely to premature failure. A large rigging kit is going to be overkill on light rigging likewise a small rigging kit isn’t going to cope with lots of large heavy rigging. Dependant on the type of work you’re doing it’s always good to have different kits for different tasks. Bollards also need to be compatible with the size rope that’s being used. A small diameter bollard is going to generate a lot of heat on a thick rope and is not going to give a correct bend radius. The Arb Association Technical guide 3 has a good section on compatibility and configurations for more thorough information

Found this amongst a kit tonight. Unfortunately melting rope damage with a lighter does not magically fix nor hide the p...
23/05/2023

Found this amongst a kit tonight. Unfortunately melting rope damage with a lighter does not magically fix nor hide the problem (if anything makes it more obvious). “That’ll be alright” will be alright until it’s not and then it’s a problem. This rope being part of the petzl grillon lanyard system should be replaced with the same rope to follow the grillon user instructions. This post is intended to educate rather than slate the owner of this kit. If you don’t know ask there’s no such thing as a stupid question

Checking your kit prior to use and recording interval inspections between thorough examinations might not be the most ex...
20/05/2023

Checking your kit prior to use and recording interval inspections between thorough examinations might not be the most exciting thing to do but kit failure leading to accidents probably isn’t ideal either. By doing so you’ll know that all your ppe & rigging items are all working as intended, and anything that isn’t can be retired from service and replaced ready for your next LOLER. If you’re unsure about any of your kit I’m always happy to be contacted and answer any questions even if I don’t personally look at your kit

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