The following information is meant only as an introduction and is the first of a three part informational on the loveable jigger system.

Jiggers
Generally, these beauties are considered pre-rigged pulley systems used mainly for hauling, but can be very important in lowering heavy loads as well. The advantage of these systems is in their rapid deployment, and straightforward operation without advanced levels of training or expertise. They are low maintenance and high yield work horses and have been around for many a year.

From old (and new) time mariners, to arborists, to rescuers, to the backyard working guy (or gal), jiggers have much to offer. An obvious application in industrial height safety, is lifting the weight of a fallen worker so that he can be transferred to a lowering rope. Arborists use many a jigger (fiddle blocks) for raising and pre-tensioning heavy loads. General riggers can apply these gems in hundreds of other manners (from pulling to maintaining).

Most of the time, double pulleys are teamed together to form a 4:1 mechanical advantage (depending on the line of pull, a 5:1 can also be accomplished). Efficiency is determined by the friction -- or lack thereof -- in the system (more on this in future newsletters).

Various Jigger Rigs	Adjustable Directionals	Fiddle Block	Dynamic Lowering
	Use of a Jigger in an Anchor-Travel System

There is another very important factor to consider. All rescue pulley systems (and for that matter most non working pulley systems) must have a system which allows the rope to be pulled in while not allowing it to be released. This is called a progress capture or clutch system. Either prusiks or camming units can be applied (again, we will cover this in future newsletters). Your capture device will vary with circumstances and system, so choose wisely, because all systems are not created equal.

For more information on jigger systems and safety considerations, please contact Rescue Response Gear at 888-600-9116 or visit us at www.rescueresponse.com