descending on single line

jeff_r

jeff_r

Location
BC.
If you had to, how would you descend on a single line? A figure8 is way to fast and hard to control. Must be some simple way - i.e. you're ascending srt, and then decide to stop, so you tie into the rope, disconnect your srt set up, then what? If you couldn't get into the tree to manipulate your srt access line and descend some other way, what do you do?
 
For the new smaller ropes (11mm or smaller) a Gri Gri works great for rappelling a single line. The advantage is that when you let go it automatically locks off so you are free to work hands free.

Also if you need to go back up a few feet a Gri Gri can also be partnered with a handled ascender and foot strap to be a makeshift ascending system.
 
exactly - don't let go, or even get too much speed up. It makes me nervous with 1/2", can't imagine 11mm. I guess gri gri is in order. No other way to add friction to the system with a figure8?
 
Petzl stop. Or my favorite, the Anthron.
desending devices that have a 'sweet spot', are the best for me. Those you can squeeze hard, and they stop you, or let go and they stop you. You have to hold it just right to get it to desend.
Figure eights just dont work for long descents. IF you are 100+ feet in the air, that figure 8 just does'nt cut it. too dangerous unless it is backed up.
 
I weigh about 195 pounds and I've descended on a single 11mm rope with a figure 8 more times than I can count. I trust it more than descending on a friction knot on Drt.

Keep your rope hand behind you and against your hip to stop and move it out to your side to change the angle let it slowly start feeding... make sure you have a good 12" to 24" between your hand and the 8; if your hand is too close it's hard to adjust the angle evenly.

That last bend in the rope where it exits the figure 8 from the bottom and goes to your hand is where the control is. If you bend it sharply, the rope won't feed. If you stay slow you don't even need gloves.
 
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I must be missing something as I descend on my friction hitch.

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We're talking about descending on a single line. Is that what you meant?

love
nick
 
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If you had to, how would you descend on a single line? A figure8 is way to fast and hard to control. Must be some simple way - i.e. you're ascending srt, and then decide to stop, so you tie into the rope, disconnect your srt set up, then what? If you couldn't get into the tree to manipulate your srt access line and descend some other way, what do you do?

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Lots of ways better than a figure eight but you can take two wraps on an eight and get more friction. I always carry an eight when using srt to access the canopy.
 
I use a Piranha or a Trango Cinch. However, if I was going to spend more time rapping on single lines I might invest in a Petzl stop, or similar device.
 
a munter hitch extended beyond your normal friction hitch works great for coming down on a single line. Some say that the munter is hard on your rope b/c of the bend, but I havn't noticed. I carry a web sling w/ two biners in-case I need a redirect, and if I decide I need to go down single line, I'll just tie of my line and hook the strap up with the munter. It's really quick, and your knot never gets too tight because the munter takes all the weight.
 
Why the one below and why the short sling. You´re right, the 8 needs to be backed with a friction hitch above but I would use my split tail and a vt or diestl because if something should come out of control and the hitch is engaged a prussik might get jammed and youre stuck up there. I don~t see Frans´point that 8 works for short decent only. If it works it works.
Svein
 
Figure 8 is commonly used for rescue work, not backed up and no problems. Safe as can bee. it isn't designed for a speed repel. It is used for walking down. Try a rescue 8 with ears and you will fond it much better.

8 is not recommended for repels over 100 ft because of head build up and it caused twisting of the rope. Over 100ft you should use a repel rack. or another device. I found a regualr 8 vice a rescue 8 to be a little quick for me also. I just switch belat hands and run it around my butt for friction. Also a bottom belay can stop your decent or can bring you down hands free. Just need the ground guy to take tension on the end of the rope and you'll stop. We use it on the rescue team to teach entry level rope classes.
 
The 8 can be backed up w/prussik above or below. I think its a bit easier to manage with the prussik below the 8, closer to your harness.

-Chris
 
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I'm not an srt slimber so is there a friction hitch that works "semi-smoothly" on descent?

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With the exceptoin of the Munter hitch (which is NOT what I think you had in mind when you said "friction hitch") the short answer is "no."

I once had a blake's hitch made of 5/8ths vectran single braid on half inch rope that worked on SRT. I sorta just made it to see if it could be done....then I never used it after that...mostly because it seemed goofy and impracticle.

Typically on a single line the hitch bites down so tight you can't move it.

love
nick
 
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