Myth # 20: The Rule of 12 applies to both high line tensioning and haul systems.
The rule actually says that no haul system should exceed 12 people hauling or mechanical advantage of 12 to 1 or any combination of the two. i.e. 3 people pulling a 4 to 1…3 X 4 = 12
This applies to a 7/16” (11.1 mm) rope. A ½” rope moves to the Rule of 18. Haulers are only pulling a few feet when tensioning a high line, while a haul system depends on the hauling of long distances and a much larger number of folks can be used so as not to exhaust the haulers.
If the system becomes too difficult to haul, look carefully at all the components of the system. Typically, the system needs only for you to reduce internal friction.
