Moderator: Tim White
Scott McCrea wrote:So, the locked off 8 is "blocked" against the screw link when the rope is loaded, right? Any trouble unlocking the 8 while it is loaded? Can you still operate the 8 even when it is blocked?
Anonymous_Coward wrote:Bonny routinely lowers me and has no trouble keeping it under control by herself.
chh wrote:Since the 8 is not clipped to a harness, during the cycles of people getting on and off rope on the other side, are you ever concerned about the bights coming off the 8 if it's not properly attended to especially with a stiff rope? I doubt it would do so under load. That'd be the one thing I could think of, though it might not be an issue. Maybe clip a biner through the two holes in the 8 and around the bight of rope before the lock off?
chh wrote:Is is faster than a locked off munter? Maybe, maybe not, but it may be smoother.
Derek Bristol wrote:Andy, have you ever had to use the releasable block in a canyon, or only for practice? If so, what was the circumstance?
Anonymous_Coward wrote:One more thing Derek. Why do you think the block would not be sufficiently strong for ascending? I am not arguing, just wanting to learn if you know something I don’t. I have ascended on this rig a few times now.
Derek Bristol wrote:I definitely don't know anything you don't.
Derek Bristol wrote:Going to a releasable anchor for caving would require using webbing or cord to connect individual points together (bolts, natural anchors, trees, etc.) into a master anchor, and then rigging off the master point, rather than using the rope to connect each individual anchor.
Derek Bristol wrote:This is standard practice in other vertical pursuits so I don't see a problem with it. I think the concept of a releasable anchor for caving is worth further discussion. Since most caving parties don't carry figure-8s maybe some new techniques need to be developed using the gear we already carry.
Anonymous_Coward wrote:This is an excellent point you bring up. The block can be safety-ed off by clipping a biner through the small 8 hole and then around the webbing on the anchor. I have never seen the bights loosen or try to come off the 8, but this safety prevents it. Also it prevents catastrophe if someone was to rig into the pull side instead of the intended rappel side.
Anonymous_Coward wrote:It was a trip through Sinking Cove and McBrides last spring that got me thinking along these lines.
chh wrote:Obviously this doesn't work for the last person down either. They just have to make sure they don't suicide rig it
wyandottecaver wrote:The one thing I wonder, is if your already committed to hauling the extra rope, why abandon the safety for the last guy? Couldn't you just quickly reverse the setup so that the last guy raps the "safety leg" and the group below could feed the former main line if needed?
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