Building a Rigging Kit

Without Breaking the Bank

A rigging kit forms the backbone of an arborist’s field equipment, but building one is rarely straightforward — or cheap. The number of available tools and configurations continues to grow, and so do the price tags. Simply searching “rigging kit essentials” online yields dozens of options, with pre-made selections ranging from $400 to more than $2,000.

Rigging kits can be functional, safe, and versatile without blowing your entire budget. Selecting what’s necessary while passing on more expensive add-ons can help save on costs. But going too cheap on certain items can result in lower-quality equipment that helps keep crews safe.

Here’s how experts say they would build a rigging kit that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Start with a Quality Rope

While all pieces are necessary, the rope is the workhorse of the rigging system. For Danae Jackson, an at-height business developer at Redwing Company, investing more in a rope pays off in the long run because it can last nearly a decade and serves as a lifeline. Of course, this means that rope selection is critical and largely based on use-case.

“Know what your rope is and the utilization of the rope,” Jackson explained.

Drew Dunavant, director of sales for commercial user channel at RBI Corporation said he recommends 16 or 24-strand double braid ropes for most uses and applications. Dunavant noted that a three-strand or 12-strand rope can be used on a job where pulleys and a block system aren’t required. Jackson and Dunavant both noted the importance of ensuring the rope are paired with compatible gear to help extend its life.

“Not getting compatible equipment is going to cause [the rope] to wear faster,” Jackson said.

Dunavant added that the rope needs to be paired with pulleys or blocks that will help preserve it.

“Having the rope going through something up there that’s not going to burn up the rope,” he explained.   

Rings, Slings, Pulleys, and Blocks

Solid rigging systems rely on rings, slings, and Port-A-Wraps to operate safely and effectively. These are all components Jackson stated she would have in her cost-effective kit. She prefers to have a couple of slings, including a dead-eye sling, but noted that crews need to know their knots for the application. She also likes to have a medium or large Port-A-Wrap on hand.

That said, utilization is still important for setup.

“When you’re setting up your Port-a-Wrap, get a sling that’s the right length,” Dunavant explained.

Blocks are another tool both Dunavant and Jackson recommended adding to rigging kits.

“There’s a ton of different types of blocks, but you want a block that works with the diameter of your rigging line,” Jackson said.

She noted blocks are available in aluminum or steel, but ultimately “do the same job.”

Dunavant added that some technical jobs may require a third ring or block.

“When it really starts to get interesting, you’re almost using another rigging system,” Dunavant said.   

Cheaper Comes at a Cost

When building a budget kit, there’s often a temptation to buy lower-cost tools to save money. But Jackson and Dunavant said the lower price often has its drawbacks.

“There’s a lot of really great looking knock off items that I would be very cautious going into,” Dunavant said. “Do your research on where your stuff is coming from.”

Dunavant said anyone looking at equipment should pay attention to where it’s made, as standards aren’t always the same. Jackson explained investing in quality pieces now will pay off in the long run – particularly for equipment like rope that can last seven to ten years. When equipment plays such an important role in safety, it’s worth investing more to ensure reliability and quality.

Upgrading Over Time

With more experience and jobs requiring creative solutions, it’s natural to want to add better equipment to the rigging kit. Instead of dropping a couple paychecks on new gear all at once, though, Jackson and Dunavant suggested that arborists slowly build up their kits.

Not to mention, when upgrading, Jackson said equipment can often be included in the job cost.

“That’s a good way to expand it cost-effectively,” she said.

For Jackson personally, if she were upgrading her equipment, she’d go for a tool like the Jail Break, which helps reduce rope wear and twisting.

Know the Equipment You’re Using

Regardless of equipment cost or brand, Jackson stressed that arborists need to know how to use the tools.

“Even before you buy equipment, you should be trained on the equipment you’re using,” she said, adding that most manufacturers offer some training on how to properly use and maintain the equipment they sell.

She also advocates the importance of clear communication between sales and field crews, so jobs are sold with the right equipment in mind – and the tools needed to support the work are available or purchased when required.

Dunavant added that consistent maintenance is necessary to preserve equipment and ensure it remains in good order. Simple tasks like letting wet ropes dry out can go a long way when it comes to longevity.

For Less Than a Grand, You Can Have a Kit That Serves You Well

A budget rigging kit doesn’t have to break the bank or include the cheapest equipment. By selecting the right items for the job, and taking good care of your tools, you can assemble a kit at a relatively low cost. Over time, upgrades can be made based on jobs and new techniques.

Most importantly, when it comes to choosing new equipment, arborists shouldn’t be afraid to ask salespeople for their thoughts. With the right advice and expertise to guide your decisions, Jackson stated that a great rigging kit can be put together for less than a grand.

By approaching your kit piece by piece and leaning on trusted experts when needed, arborists can strike a balance between performance, safety, and affordability. Thoughtful planning not only stretches your budget further but also ensures your gear evolves with your skills and job demands—proving that a capable, reliable rigging kit is well within reach.