Got a triangular Petzl rapide today and it is rated at 45 kn on the major axis but only 10kn on its side , was wondering if that would be appropriate rating for tying off to? Two more things I was curious about was , is a alpine butterfly appropriate to use with the rapide to tie off to?and last should I really be using a wrench to tighten the rapide. Wanted to start working the tree srt instead of just ascending.
Help with rapide
- Thread starter Vincent
- Start date
The Rapide has a torque spec stamped into the frame for tightening the barrel gate. It isn't much and the threads can be damaged VERY easily from over torquing. When I'm using mine, I carry around a stubby opened end wrench for proper tension. You can drill a hole in the handle of the wrench and tie on a short length of throwline for storage. You could also leave the box end right on the Rapide frame...just slide it over the barrel and turn.
You should be fine with an Alpine Butterlfy, but it should be spiked with a carabiner since it isn't really a termination knot. A self cinching knot might be a better choice if you're tying it at the bitter end of line. If you tying somewhere mid-line, use the Butterfly with a spike.
You should be fine with an Alpine Butterlfy, but it should be spiked with a carabiner since it isn't really a termination knot. A self cinching knot might be a better choice if you're tying it at the bitter end of line. If you tying somewhere mid-line, use the Butterfly with a spike.
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Would the rapide be acting as the spike?
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Depends on the configuration of the base tie. I often run the Alpine Butterfly as stopper knot up against a mallion or quick link. In that case, yes, it's best practice to spike it.
I think I made an assumption that the knot would be at the end of your climb line, in which case, a running bowline would be best without a Rapide at all. If you're well within midline, and the eye of the Butterfly is used to hold the Rapide and the standing end of line, then the spike isn't necessary.
So let me get this right...You're only setting as much of your climb line into the crown as needed for the climb and walking the rest around the trunk and tying in midline with the Rapide and Butterfly as a choke or cinching base anchor? If that's the case, you're good, but if the knot is formed near the end of the climb line, I would choose a different anchor method.
Would the rapide be acting as the spike?
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Depends on the configuration of the base tie. I often run the Alpine Butterfly as stopper knot up against a mallion or quick link. In that case, yes, it's best practice to spike it.
I think I made an assumption that the knot would be at the end of your climb line, in which case, a running bowline would be best without a Rapide at all. If you're well within midline, and the eye of the Butterfly is used to hold the Rapide and the standing end of line, then the spike isn't necessary.
So let me get this right...You're only setting as much of your climb line into the crown as needed for the climb and walking the rest around the trunk and tying in midline with the Rapide and Butterfly as a choke or cinching base anchor? If that's the case, you're good, but if the knot is formed near the end of the climb line, I would choose a different anchor method.
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- Retired in Minneapolis
After finger tightening I use a wrench to turn the barrel one more 'flat'. The barrel has six sides/flats and use this as a guide. Don't overtighten or you might not get it open. They can be sprung and damaged too.
