Squirrel proof fixed lines?

I've got a huge tree in my yard that I'm planning to have a few fixed lines on. One for trimming branches and eventually one for a Bachar ladder plus a fixed lines for a micro Trax. Just like any house downtownwith trees, we have squirrels.

I don't know if they'll mess with fixed lines but I'd like it if a squirrel wasn't the reason I die. 

My plan would be to drape the branch areas with chain and attach the ropes to the chain. Is this adequate? I'm sure a squirrel could climb down. The chain and chew the rope if it wanted to.

My other thought was to run a super thin rope through a pulley and use that to tag both the Bachar ladder and fixed lines up each day for use. This is more work but would eliminate some rsks of rodents and weathering.

Any other ideas?

steel cable

I've hung a poly twine line so I could easily run my rope up for a TR.  It worked well.  Don't use a pulley though, just usual pair of biners.  Butt tape the ends together and make a taper with the tape so it pulls smoothly.  Any hang ups, shake the rope while you pull the twine.

Are you sure the squirrels are interested?

We've had a rope swing in our backyard for 10 years with plenty of squirrels, raccoons, etc around and never any problems.

Mark E Dixon wrote:

Are you sure the squirrels are interested?

We've had a rope swing in our backyard for 10 years with plenty of squirrels, raccoons, etc around and never any problems.

This year in Boise they were eating the lawn furniture, pads, plastic and all, anything they could get to in our record setting winter (snow and cold both).

Try an old piece of lawn hose on the branch end, going down the rope aways. That also protects the branch from the rope sawing on it.

Best, Helen

I can't speak to how appetizing squirrels are likely to find your rope, but regardless it will last longer if not always out in the elements. Hang a lightweight pcord in place of the rope. Tie a clove hitch with the cord onto your rope a few inches from the end, then a few half hitches with the last at the very top of the rope. Pull the other end of the cord until it's all on the ground and your rope is in place. Reverse at end of the day. Tie off the pcord somewhere cause it will go everywhere in the wind.  It's actually really quick and easy and your ropes will last much longer. 

People protect their bird feeders from squirrels by putting slinkys around them. Squirrels cant handle the ride.  Could be simple enough to put on your lines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSGer1mi1Aw

I was going to say D-con but the slinky is more humane. Now if you can just figure out how to get up the rope with that darn slinky on it......... ;)