DMM PINTO Pulley

The One Pulley That Belongs in your Kit!

DMM PINTO pulleys have become a staple in arboriculture. At nearly any tree care job whether pruning, removals, or climbing events you’re likely to see one in use. The original PINTO built its reputation as one of the most versatile pulleys an arborist can own. Now, DMM has updated that trusted design with the PINTO 2 Pulley and PINTO Rig 2 Pulley. In this blog, we’ll look at their specifications, key updates, and practical applications.

What is A PINTO Pulley?

This is the Pulley I Need To Own, or as it’s known worldwide, the PINTO pulley. Arborists are always on the hunt for a versatile piece of equipment that can be used across multiple applications while remaining within the manufacturer’s specifications. And guess what? DMM and the TreeMagineers have delivered without fail! This pulley can be utilized for light rigging, creating mechanical advantage, redirecting tree climbing rope or rigging rope, and serving as a primary anchor point.

Key Specifications & Changes

Always do your due diligence, never assume specifications remained the same. 

PINTO 2:

• Max rope diameter of 14mm

• Minimum breaking strength of 35kN

• The original version carried a 50kN minimum breaking strength

• Working load limit of 5kN

• The original version carried a 10kN working load limit

• Minimum breaking strength for BECKET attachment – 25kN

• Working load limit for BECKET attachment – 5kN

PINTO Rig 2

• Max rope diameter of 16mm

• Minimum breaking strength of 50kN

• Working load limit of 10kN

• Minimum breaking strength for BECKET – 25Kn

• Working load limit for BECKET – 5kN

The PINTO 2 pulley has increased in size by millimeters, while the PINTO Rig 2 pulley is noticeably larger. This is due to DMM incorporating a larger sheave into the PINTO Rig, which creates a larger bend radius helping keep more rope fibers loaded evenly and contributing to overall system efficiency.

Both PINTO 2 versions now feature recessed sheaves into the side plates, eliminating the gap between sheave and cheek plate. Additionally, the PINTO 2 pulleys now have sealed bearings, unlike the [original] PINTO pulleys – which I believe had bushings.

A significant difference between both [original and new] versions; the PINTO 2 pulleys are no longer forged as a solid single piece of aluminum. Instead, each side plate is forged individually, then assembled with a “tamper-free” construction. DMM explained that this method minimizes waste.

Compatibility

Both versions of the PINTO 2 pulleys can have cordage attached directly through the attachment points due to the smooth forging on the hardware. However, a DMM Spacer must be used when in this configuration. If you prefer splicing, cordage of the appropriate diameter can be spliced directly onto each attachment point separately; keep in mind, both legs of rope must run parallel to each other and not in a way that pulls the attachment points apart. The becket on the PINTO is a rated attachment point and can have hardware connected to it or cordage spliced/tied onto it. Just remember, whatever is attached to the becket must allow the sheave to spin freely without obstruction.

Finally, hardware compatibility; the best carabiners to connect onto the side cheek attachment points – OVAL. As we are all aware, oval shaped carabiners are symmetrical, meaning they will force the load to sit dead center of that carabiner and evenly share the load between the spine and gate. Oval carabiners allow the PINTO pulley to rest in the center without the need to worry if damage will occur. Be cautious when using D-shaped carabiners, they are not considered ideal for PINTO pulleys. This carabiner shape forces the load to shift to the spine (strongest part of the carabiner) and can cause the attachment point of the PINTO 2 to bend, therefore potentially damaging your pulley.

Real-World Applications

The PINTO 2 pulley can be utilized pretty much anywhere; creativity is the limiting factor. I own a few PINTO and PINTO Rig pulleys and not because I am obsessed with tree climbing gear, rather because I have found practical uses for these handy pulleys. 

1. Work positioning lanyard configurations. To facilitate slack tending any approved pulley will work but not all of them allow for a smooth interface if you plan to convert your work positioning lanyard to a mini-moving rope system. If we remember, the PINTO 2 pulley has a rated becket, allowing for the carabiner on the returning termination to attach to.
   
   

2.  Mini rigging kit. On numerous occasions, we may look up into the crown of the tree and think to ourselves, I can handle that without any rigging until we climb to that spot and our perspective changes. A small sling and a PINTO 2 or PINTO Rig 2 make up a small compact rigging kit I carry on my harness, it can be applied for light positive rigging and redirecting rigging rope.

3. Moving rope (MRS/DDRT) redirect. Yes, redirecting doesn’t need to be too complicated, hell a sling and a single carabiner can do the trick but at this point, you might as well have just run your redirect dirty [through the branch union]. You develop a lot of friction and working with this drag can be a DRAG! Instead, I opt to apply a PINTO 2 with my A.R.T. SnakeTail (loop sling will work too) to create an MRS redirect. It is quick and simple to deploy, the steps below are for a retrievable redirect:
   
   

   1. SnakeTail around branch union
   2. PINTO 2 captures the running leg of rope/hitch side of the rope
   3. Attach the pulley to the carabiner
   4. Capture the working end (splice leg) of the climbing rope inside the same carabiner that holds the PINTO and place it between the cheek plate attachment points.
      
   5. Attach the carabiner - located at the opposite end of the SnakeTAIL - onto the working end of the rope.

4. Mechanical advantage. I keep a small mechanical advantage kit consisting of 2-PINTO 2 pulleys, 2-carabiners, and 2-Tenex prussic cords. This kit is deployed whenever I need additional pulling power while felling trees or tensioning rigging systems. (Refer to the image below)
   
   

   1. If I have a hard time locating my MA kit or need to create something on the fly, I keep a spare carabiner, PINTO 2, and Tenex prussic cord in my rigging bag. When needed, I will:

      1. 1. Attach the Tenex prussic to the rigging rope heading down into the Port-A-Wrap

         2. Connect the carabiner and PINTO 2 to the Tenex prussic

         3. Attach the bitter end of the rigging rope in play to the base of the tree via Running Bowline w/ a Yosemite finish

         4. If going around the base of the tree is not an option, attach the bitter end of the rope to the Port-A-Wrap

      2. This quick configuration has come in clutch quite a few times when it has been me on the ground.

5. If you are all about the locks, foot locking that is, take some cordage and pass it through the cheek plates – ensuring the DMM SPACER is installed between the cheek plates – and make a continuous loop via Double Fisherman's bend. Voila, you now have a foot locking prussic! You will need a moving rope system to pass through the PINTO 2 and it will be your adjustable tether that will allow you to achieve an optimal lock length. 

Conclusion

 The DMM PINTO isn’t revolutionary because it does something no other pulley can do. It’s revolutionary because it does so many things exceptionally well. In an industry where tree gear often becomes more complicated, the PINTO 2 succeeds through simplicity. It combines strength, efficiency, durability, and versatility into a compact package that can assist solving complex problems.

The true measure of great equipment isn’t how impressive it looks fresh out of the box – it’s how often you reach for it after years of use! The PINTO pulley is one of those rare tools that quietly becomes indispensable. It earns a permanent spot in your tree care kit. There are more ways a PINTO can be utilized apart from what we mentioned above. Let us know how you use your PINTO pulley!