Tether Keeper for Saddle Hunting

What the Tether Keeper (TK) does: Prevents the tether loop around the tree from loosening when tether is no longer taut.

How it works: Friction fit onto the vertical component of the tether that acts as a stopper for the tether thru hole.

How I use it:  I use the TK for when I'm going from sitting to standing on my platform to prevent tether loop from loosening as I'm feeding the excess rope through my ascender. If I stand up quicker than I'm feeding rope, the TK will maintain the loop around the tree and prevent it from loosening and slipping down the tree. It also keeps the tether taut as I'm clipping on my ascender while using the linemans belt. 

When I use it: I install the TK as soon as I have my tether around the tree. I leave the TK tethered to the loop on my tether full time. It doesn't get in the way as I'm getting set up on the tree. It is never untied from my tether rope.

Why I use it: Ultimately it provides functional benefit as well as piece of mind as I'm less concerned that I will run into a situation where the loop around the tree loosens and falls to the point where I'm now looking at a ~4' drop if murphy decides I should fall at that moment.

Supplemental:

I used nano cord purchased off amazon to make my TK “tether.” I cut a 10" long cord, made a large enough loop on one end to pass the TK through it, and tied the other end to the thru hole on the TK.

I printed these in ABS, but see no reason why PETG wouldn't work. I avoid PLA for outdoor use, but it may work for you.

Print Settings:

Filament - ABS

Fill - 25%

Top Layers - 3

Bottom Layers - 3

Printer - Ender 3

Purchased from Amazon (copy and paste the ASIN number into Amazon):

Paracord Planet Nano Cord –Lightweight Nylon Nano Paracord (ASIN: B0DPRB6WFN)

Aside:

Updated 4Dec25 - The size in the print file refers to the diameter of rope. I use static 10mm line and use the 10mm TK. I tried the 8mm TK and it broke during a sit. Please let me know through comments what works for you and if I need to make bigger/smaller sizes. Feedback welcome and Thank you!