lineGrip Frequently Asked Questions (with short/basic answers)
Refer to our Knowledge-Base for a comprehensive and searchable compendium of in depth lineGrip-knowledge.
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General Questions
What is the lineGrip and what is it used for?
In the widest sense it is comparable to the well known rope clamp (or “Jumar”) used for grabbing a rope. It easily attaches to loose and tensioned slacklines and firmly grips the webbing, wherever it is positioned to.
However, unlike the rope clamp, which uses steel spikes, the lineGrip is equipped with rubber clamping surfaces to grip the webbing. This guarantees the integrity of your precious slackline, no matter how often you grip at the same spot or how hard you pull.
Learn more about the lineGrip rubber >
By attaching a tensioning system to the lineGrip, it allows you to tension your slackine, attach the loose end to a web-lock and then remove the lineGrip and tensioning system from the rigged slackline, leaving you with a so called “softpointed” line, with nothing but webbing, from anchor to anchor.
What is the alternative to using a lineGrip?
Theres a few… three of the most prevalent are:
- leave your tensioning device in the system when walking the line
- use a prusik or klemheist knot to grab the line (very risky!)
- build a lineCoil(TM) style device to grab the line
- build your own line grabbing device (some instructions are available online)
Please note, that all of these alternatives have great disadvantages compared to using a lineGrip and thus none of these are encouraged or supported by us. Especially using the “prusik-method” requires in depth fundamental knowledge and great experience to avoid accidents, damage to gear and the emergence of potentially fatal situations.
What is the advantage of using the lineGrip?
The lineGrip enables you to safely and reliably grab the slackline at any point, then attach the end of the tensioned webbing to a webbing locker, and remove the lineGrip with the tensioning device from your rigged system, before walking it.
Aside from making the line more enjoyable to walk, removing the tensioning system also gives you the option to rig other slacklines with the same tensioning system, eliminating the need for additional tensioning gear, when rigging multiple lines.
Another huge advantage, is the possibility to re-grip the line any time, at any point. This eliminates the prior meticulous calculation of how much stretch you will pull out of the webbing during the tensioning process. It also helps with keeping your tensioning system compact, light, and cheap, because there is no need to carry 70-100m of static rope for an extra long tensioning-system usually needed to tension super long lines.
What exactly is "softpointing" a slackline?
Softpointing a slackline: to remove the tensioning system from the slackline after tensioning it.
A softpointed slackline system consists of only anchors (e.g. slings w. tree-pro), webbing lockers (e.g. lineLock) and the webbing.
Why softpoint?
Aside from making the system safer by reducing the load bearing components, and making the line more enjoyable to walk by eliminating unnecessary oscillating weight, removing the tensioning system also gives you the option to rig other slacklines with the same tensioning system, eliminating the need for additional tensioning gear, when rigging multiple lines.
Are there lineGrips from other manufacturers?
No, we are the only ones manufacturing lineGrips. This technology is patented, and at this point not licensed to any other manufacturer.
We are supplier of lineGrips to other slackline and slackline gear manufacturers and dealers around the globe.
There are also alternative, commercially available devices, that grab a slackline and thus allow for softpointing. To our honest knowledge, however, none of these alternatives offer the ease of use, versatility, reliability and safety you will experience when using a lineGrip.
It is also notable, that to date none of these alternatives offer the beefy 15 kN safe working load you will have with a G5 or G4 lineGrip.
I found/saw a lineGrip, that looks very different to the ones here...
Theres multiple explanations to this:
- It might be one of our “older” lineGrips (pre 2011), which do indeed look very different (see here)
- It might be one of the many unique custom made personal copies, made by a slackliner for his personal use (either due to lack of money, but mostly because some just love to build gear). This is absolutely ok with us, as long as the unit is not sold/transferred to another person. Copying a patented device in self-construction solely for personal use is no patent infringement. However, it is prohibited to commission others (3rd parties) with the production of the device or parts thereof! In other words, it is illegal to commission a Laser-Cutter with cutting out copied lineGrip parts.
- Or it’s a commertial pirate copy. We have knowledge of 5 pirate copies, that were manufactured between 2013-2016 in multiple quantities mostly from steel and sold illegally under the name “Linegrip”. Two were made in China, one in Portugal, one in Brazil and one in Chile. All of these were bungled and unsafe, manufactured in an unprofessional and cheap manner. We managed to acquire some of them and now store these in our archive.
Caution, be aware of pirate copies! Most of them do not really work at more than 2kN, or they are untested, dangerous, unreliable and unsafe! Before you buy, make sure it’s the original. You can identify an original lineGrip by its “seal of authenticity” and the lineGrip-Logo on the clamping plate.
If you are in doubt, whether a specific device is genuine, please contact us and we will gladly help you to identify its authenticity.
If you encounter an offer of potential lineGrip pirate copies, please report this to us, so we can investigate the issue and possibly prevent any unsafe and dangerous devices from putting unaware slackliners at risk.
Which lineGrip models are there and whats the main difference?
Currently there are 4 models in multiple colors available from us:
- lineGrip G5 • 1″
- longlineGrip G4-SBR • 1″
- highlineGrip G2-SBR • 1″
- tricklineGrip G1-SBR • 2″
Additionally we currently have some 2016 models with and without retainer-pin still in stock.
Learn more on our Comparison and Overwiew page >
How long will a lineGrip last?
lineGrips are designed to last forever – literally!
We at lineGrip Corp. do everything we can, to assure you will enjoy your precious equipment literally forever. We constantly strive for a product quality, that will ensure you won’t ever need to replace your lineGrip with another one due to wear, fatigue, or failure. When used as designated, we guarantee that nothing but the wear parts – the rubber plates – must be replaced over time, no matter how often you use your unit.
Given the case you should ever be concerned about the function, reliability, or safety of your lineGrip, we will verify, check, and service your unit free of charge, anytime you request us to do so.
Learn more about the lineGrip lifetime warranty and service policy >
What length slackline can I tension with a lineGrip?
The length of the slackline is not limited!
The only limit is given by the max. safe working load of the lineGrip. You may use any length of webbing as long as you stay within the MWL of your unit.
So in theory, you could even tension a 10 km slackline with the lineGrip, if you can walk it (at 15 kN tension 😉
Webbing Related
Can I use the lineGrip as webbing locker/anchor?
The lineGrip is only for tensioning the slackline, not for anchoring/attaching it!
The lineGrip must always be removed before anyone gets on the line, even if the backup line locker is installed!
Learn more about the dangers of using the lineGrip as anchor >
Can I use wider or narrower webbing than designated?
Wider webbing than designated on the lineGrip plate may never be used under any circumstance!
Even if you could squish it inside, either rolling up the edges, or folding the webbing, it will tend to flatten out with rising tension, potentially damaging itself and the lineGrip by forcing the levers apart.
Narrower webbing is less an issue, as long as you ensure it is properly centered between the plates, and reduce the load as the webbing approaches 16mm, which is the minimum approved width.
Use MWL 12kN for 20mm and MWL 8kN for 16mm as rule of thumb,
Learn more about using alternate webbing widths with the lineGrip >
Will the lineGrip work with any type of webbing?
Uncoated PES, PA (Nylon) and Vectran webbing can be used without limitation according to the “Temperature-Load Chart” in your instruction manual. This chart takes ambient temperature into account and shows you the MWL for your specific scenario.
While any other materials can be used, be aware that they are not (yet) officially approved and therefore must be excluded specifically from lineGrip use.
Many lineGrip users rig their dyneema, dyneema-hybrid or coated PES webbing and have not had any issues at low tension (up to 6-7kN). If you plan to do this, please be extra careful and alert while approching this load, beause slipping can occur suddenly!
Learn more about lineGrip certified webbing >
Learn all about lineGrip and webbing >
Learn more about backing up the lineGrip to avoid damage in case of slipping >
Technique / Handling
What else do I need to tension a slackline besides the lineGrip?
The lineGrip is a webbing clamp. As such it is the link between your tensioning system and the slackline.
To rig a slackline with the lineGrip you will additionally need anchors, webbing lockers and a tensioning system.
Do I need any specific/special tensioning system to use the lineGrip?
No, the lineGrip is compatible to virtually every tensioning system out there.
Is the lineGrip water proof?
Yes! Using the lineGrip in the rain or even under water is no issue at all. Clean and pure water even increases the grip of the rubber on PES and PA webbing.
The lineGrip clamping plate is equipped with drainage holes, that enable you to drain out any water that might have accumulated inside the plate (under the rubber).
Using the lineGrip in salt or sea water is nor problem either. However, to avoid corrosion it is important to rinse the lineGrip with fresh water before storing it. In any case, leave the lineGrip to dry completely in a dark place before storing it away.
lineGrip Care
Does the lineGrip need maintenance / cleaning?
If cleaning appers to be sufficient, you can do this yourself.
Learn more about lineGrip care, cleaning and service >
It is a good idea to clean the rubber coating from time to time, to restore stickyness and remove any residue that has collected on the rubber surface.
Learn more about cleaning the lineGrip rubber coating >
We recommend to send in your lineGrip to us for service and maintenance, if it is obviously damaged, or whenever it does not perform as expected. lineGrip maintenance and service is free for life!
Learn more about the lineGrip lifetime warranty and service policy >
Must I ever replace the rubber plates?
Depending on the frequency of use, and the intensity of solar radiation the lineGrip is subjected to, the rubber plates must be replaced after 1-2 years, to ensure a reliable grip.
How do I determine the age of my lineGrip's rubber plates?
How do I best store my lineGrip when unused for a longer period of time?
Make sure its dry and clean and store it in a dry, cool and dark place with unlatched clamping plate.
Be aware, that the rubber’s aging process will not be stopped when not in use. The rubber plates must be replaced after 2 years, even if it was never used during that time.
My lineGrip is very old, is it still safe to use?
An undamaged, complete lineGrip will be just as safe and reliable, as a new one, given that is has never been droppen from great height, and is equipped with rubber plates that are not over 2 years old.