The Theatrical Edge: Unraveling the Advantages of a Snub Line
What a Snub Line Really Is
In most theatre rigging contexts, a snub line is a short piece of rope used to temporarily secure a hand line so a counterweight set cannot move unintentionally. Operators often use snub lines during loading, unloading, or whenever a line set is out of balance and needs a controlled, “hands‑off” hold.stagecraftindustries+3
A snub line is usually:
- Shorter than the hand line and separate from it.
- Made of fiber rope appropriate for the expected load, with good hand and adequate strength.
- Tied around the hand line or a fixed structure to keep the hand line from running unintentionally.iweiss+1
This is different from the more general idea of “using a rope to create friction” on another line. In stage rigging practice, “snub line” usually refers to the short safety tie that backs up the operator, not just any friction wrap on a moving object.stagecraftindustries+1
How Snub Lines Are Used
The original text suggests the clove hitch as “the” way to tie a snub line, but in theatre the key requirement is that the knot or wrap must be secure, easy to inspect, and reasonably easy to release under expected loads. Knots and techniques are chosen based on system, training, and venue policy rather than one universal method.csbsju+1
Common characteristics of safe snub‑line use include:
- The snub line is attached to a fixed part of the system (such as a cleat, rail, or approved anchorage) and then tied around the hand line or directly to hardware designated for that purpose.iweiss+2
- The configuration prevents the hand line from running if the operator loses control or steps away briefly.
- The knot or wrap is chosen and taught consistently in training, with clear procedures for when to apply and when to remove the snub line.etcp.esta+1
The clove hitch is a useful general‑purpose knot, but it is not the only acceptable option and should not be presented as the industry’s single “standard” snub‑line knot. Many rigging programs instead teach a dedicated “snub” or “stop” wrap tailored to their fly rail hardware and procedures.youtubecsbsju
Safety and Regulatory Context
Snub lines are part of a broader safety system for manual counterweight rigging, not a substitute for proper design, inspection, and training.
Key references and principles include:
- ANSI E1.4‑1, Entertainment Technology – Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems, establishes minimum design and safety requirements for manual counterweight systems, including controlled movement and secure locking of linesets.ansi+1
- ANSI E1.47, Recommended Guidelines for Entertainment Rigging System Inspections, stresses regular inspection of rigging hardware and operating practices, which should include how snub lines and locking procedures are implemented.mainstage
- OSHA’s general rigging guidance emphasizes proper equipment selection, avoiding standing in the bight of a line, and ensuring the means of control can hold the load applied. These principles apply directly when using snub lines on stages.osha+1
In practice, a snub line should:
- Never be the only means of holding a heavy or significantly out‑of‑balance load.
- Be used in combination with the rope lock or other approved locking device, with clear procedures for when a rope lock may be overridden during loading and re‑balanced before the system is returned to service.nutheatrestock+1
- Be part of written procedures and ETCP‑aligned training for fly crew and electricians who operate line sets.etcp.esta+2
Real‑World Use in Theatres
In many inspections and trainings, snub lines show up in the same places: loading bridges, fly floors, and rails where line sets are often temporarily out of balance.
Typical scenarios include:
- Loading and unloading counterweights: During loading, some safety sheets explicitly require a proper snub line to be applied while the set is out of balance so the hand line cannot run if someone slips or loses grip.csbsju
- Holding a batten during focus or notes: A snub line may back up a rope lock when technicians are under or near the load, reducing the risk if the lock is bumped or misused.
- Temporary holds during cueing: When a line set is parked at an off‑standard trim for an extended period, a snub line can provide additional security beyond the rope lock.
Experienced riggers also set practical limits on what they will trust to a snub line. For very heavy or highly out‑of‑balance loads, additional measures such as mechanical locking, additional crew, or rebalancing are required; a short rope and a knot are not a cure‑all.reddit+1
Advantages, With Important Limits
The original article is broadly correct that snub lines can improve safety, efficiency, and creative control, but only when they are part of a well‑designed rigging program.
Safety benefits
Used correctly, snub lines:
- Provide a backup to the operator’s hands, reducing the chance of an uncontrolled run if someone slips or is distracted.csbsju
- Add redundancy when a rope lock is intentionally released during loading or adjustment, helping prevent sudden movement of out‑of‑balance line sets, which aligns with the “fail safe” intent behind ANSI E1.4‑1 and ETCP best practices.etcp.esta+2
However, snub lines must not:
- Replace properly maintained rope locks, loading procedures, or correctly balanced sets.
- Be used beyond their capacity or without training in knots, anchor points, and body positioning to avoid being in the bight of the line.osha+1
Efficiency and operations
Snub lines can improve workflow when:
- Crew members can secure an out‑of‑balance line set quickly while weights are moved, rather than “white‑knuckling” the line the entire time.
- Smaller crews can safely manage routine loading and adjustments, because there is a consistent method for temporarily securing lines that complements rope locks and loading procedures.csbsju
This efficiency must come from clear procedures and training, not from cutting corners or reducing crew below what the rigging design and load actually require.etcp.esta+2
Creative possibilities
Snub lines support creative work indirectly by making manual rigging more controllable and predictable:
- Directors and designers can rely on smooth, repeatable movements if the line sets are operated within a structured, safe procedure that includes snubbing when appropriate.ansi+1
- Technicians can safely hold unusual trims or special‑case positions during rehearsals and notes, which supports more complex staging and timed effects.
These benefits are really the result of a robust rigging program; the snub line is one small tool inside that larger system.
Practical Recommendations for Your Venue
For a performing arts center or school theatre, consider the following steps.
- Develop or update written fly‑system procedures
- Include when snub lines are required, how they are tied, and where they are anchored.
- Reference ANSI E1.4‑1 and E1.47, and align your procedures with ETCP‑recognized best practices.mainstage+3
- Standardize your snub‑line hardware and knots
- Use appropriate diameter and material for snub lines, rated for the expected loads and compatible with your hand lines.
- Select and document one or two approved knots or wraps for snubbing, and train all operators in those techniques rather than allowing ad‑hoc methods
- Train and qualify your operators
- Provide hands‑on training that covers:
- When a line set is considered out of balance.
- How and where to stand relative to the bight of the line.
- How to apply and release snub lines while maintaining control.osha+2
- Encourage ETCP‑based curricula or consultation with an ETCP Certified Rigger or Electrician for program design.abebooks+2
- Provide hands‑on training that covers:
- Include snub‑line practice in inspections
- When your rigging system is inspected under ANSI E1.47 guidance, ask the inspector to review operational practices, including snub‑line use, rope lock condition, and loading procedures.mainstage
- Document any corrective actions or training needs that arise.
- Set clear load and use limits
- Establish in policy when additional mechanical locking or rebalancing is required beyond a snub line and rope lock.
- Prohibit using a snub line as the sole means of holding very heavy or severely out‑of‑balance line sets.
Conclusion
Snub lines are not glamorous, but they are an important part of safe manual rigging in theatres when used within a well‑designed system. A short piece of rope, used correctly and consistently, can prevent uncontrolled movement, support safer loading practices, and give your crew more confidence when operating line sets. Aligning your snub‑line use with ANSI E1.4‑1, E1.47, OSHA rigging guidance, and ETCP‑based training is a practical way to strengthen your safety culture and reduce risk on every show.osha+5
References
ANSI E1.4‑1‑2016. (2016). Entertainment technology – Manual counterweight rigging systems. ESTA Technical Standards Program. https://tsp.esta.orgnutheatrestock
ANSI E1.47‑2017. (2017). Entertainment technology – Recommended guidelines for entertainment rigging system inspections. ESTA Technical Standards Program. https://tsp.esta.orgmainstage
ETCP. (n.d.). Examination content outline: Rigger – Theatre. Entertainment Technician Certification Program. https://etcp.esta.orgetcp.esta
Glerum, J. O. (2007). Stage rigging handbook (3rd ed.). Southern Illinois University Press.books.google
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Rigging: Analysis and prevention measures. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.govosha
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Advanced rigging principles – Student handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.govosha
Saint John’s University. (n.d.). Fly system operation safety information sheet. College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University.csbsju
Stagecraft Industries. (n.d.). Glossary of stage and theatre terms. https://www.stagecraftindustries.comstagecraftindustries
iWeiss. (n.d.). Theatrical glossary. https://iweiss.comiweiss
Theatrica. (n.d.). Theater terminology. http://www.theatrica.nettheatrica
