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Edited by Scott Rogers


With a Line Locker, it is possible to set up a slackline with no knots. Furthermore it will be perfectly flat with no twisting whatsoever. This method is just as easy to do as tying a knot (if not easier) and comes undone with little to no effort when you’re ready to take down your line. It consists of no more than a single link from a high strength chain. The material should be approximately 5000 pound working load high strength 3/8” chain. You can find this at any hardware store in most cities. Buy 1 foot of the chain and either cut every other link with a hack saw or beg the worker at your local hardware store to do it for you. Obviously you have to cut half (every other) of the links to get the other half free. You’ll get about 5-6 Line Lockers per foot of chain. We recommend painting them so they won’t rust. The following is a step by step guide on how to tie a Line Locker:

By Harlan Hayes


After releasing your slackline, do your hands suffer from rope burn? Perhaps, you become “uneasy” when the time comes to take down? Be worry free friends. There are precautions we can take to avoid such unnecessary concerns. In this picture we see a Slackline Bros. setup, ready to be un-tensioned. First, let us notice the end of rope is secured, with a knot, in the Slackline Bros. Break Arm. Second, observe how the carabiner is clipped onto the “break rope” with a sling. (note: anchor rock is padded with bicycle tires tubes) From here, the slackliner pulls the sling. This allows the rope to freely run through the carabiner, instead of your hands. have fun, send smooth, and always listen....

How can you set up a slackline where you are? If you already know how to set up a line but are having troubles finding good anchors, read on. Hopefully this guide will help you out. Obviously you'll need an anchor for each end of the line. Using a tree on each end is easiest. But if you only have one tree or none at all you'll have to do a little more work. Well, here are some examples of what you can use for anchors:


It is possible to set up a slackline anywhere you want. An important tool for setting up the perfect line anywhere is the A-frame. The A-frame is a simple wood construction that you can use to set the end of your line at the height and length you want. The line passes over the A-frame (and anchors to it) and goes to whatever anchor you may have. If you're having troubles finding anchors click here. Tools you'll need to build the A-frame include a circular saw (a jig/sabre saw will do), a drill, and a 1.5-inch hole saw/spade drill bit. you'll also need lumber, screws, and wood glue. **Be sure to use safety glasses when using power tools.** You'll also need a 3/8" high strength chain link of approximately 5000 pound working load. You can find this chain at Home Depot in most cities. Buy 1 foot of the chain and cut every other link with a hack saw to free the others. You can also use a high strength 2" rap ring with a breaking strength of no less than 50kN.

Learning how to fall right is essential to NOT getting hurt on a highline. If you know how to take whippers the falls don't even shock you. I am speaking from experience here with easily over 100 highline whippers some from loss of control, and the rest from failed trick attempts.

I find that if you are falling the best way to fall is jump out as far as you can so you end up swinging beneath the line. When you get used to this swing, you can ride it long enough to launch you into the air giving you the ability to catch the line without even a single pull up! Don't believe me? come highline with me.

If you are doing tricks leash placement is crucial so you don't take hard falls. getting caught in your leash can give you gnar gnar rashes, and bruising. If you are spinning a 180 or 360 to the left your lease will be....? on your left side.
If you are spinning right....? on your right side.

  • no falls = no pain and less potential risk. Wink
    however, my moto is if you aren't taking whippers you aren't trying hard enough, lol.
  • When catching the line... using your armpits may save you from a whipper, but holy crap its so painful i do not think its even worth it.
    The best way to catch the line is to grab it with both hands, and hook your feet as you fall. There is only one flaw to this strategy
  • if you do fall, and you try to catch the line, and miss... you end up plummeting straight down... ouch. thats always is an ouch.
    when you let your knees buckle, bend down only to miss the line, and fall straight down directly below the line; I think those can be the worst whippers. I have seen someone fall straight down with the line in between her legs (another huge NONO) and flip head over heels around 5 times. Think of an utterly out of control cart wheel. No fun.
  • the last thing to avoid is NOT trying a highline because your scared of falling. Falling is scary, and you have to get used to it. You can't pick up a guitar and just start playing little wing, it doesn't work like that. You need to practice walking, and you need to practice falling. The worst thing you can do is NOT get out there and try.

But remember to be safe, and always double check your double checkings.