Rappelling Safety The Autobloc

How to back up your rappel and add safety.
OK after many requests and discussion here it is -
The Auto Bloc has like anything Pros & Cons. One thing good about it is it can be released under load wich makes it a good back up during a repel. I do not recommend using it in any type of raising, lowering our hauling system because it can release inadvertently -
To use as a back up during rapel, "Pre Rig" it on the rope before going over the edge and remember to clip it off using a locking carabiner to your harness. You can add an extension if it does not reach but be sure the extension like the autobloc is made with materials designed for mountain climbing or of "Rescue" quality. Attach above the decent device then to your harness or on the brake side of the rope. The Autobloc will lock up under load on a dry,un frozen and clean rope. Then when your ready to continue your decent, just give it a quick pull from above and your back in business.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Rappelling
• abseiling
• Repelling
• special operations
• rope
• rope rescue
• technical rescue
• rock climbing
• dave reed
• david reed
• RI
• Rhode Island
• auto bloc
• auto block
• prusik
• ascending
• Swift water
• Rescue
• Fire Department Rope

[usardave]

you must hold the autobloc with your hand sliding it down as you rappel make sure it is long enough to clip to your harness as well to reach above your device.

[usardave]

you must hold the autobloc with your hand sliding it down as you rappel

[coldice47]

prusik knot is so much easier...

and works good...

[usardave]

Easier is a relative thing

One differance is that you can release the Auto bloc under load which can be an advatage if used as a Repell break but it does make touch -ey as an ascender

and even more so if used in a hauling system.

[usardave]

That depends on what you do with this tool. It is much like a prusik sling in the way it can be place on a rope and used to grap a point as well as easliy slide along and be moved . It is not Multi Directional like the prusik but one advantage is that it is very easy to release even under load. It works very well as a back up for repell.

[chestariam1]

how do you rappel with this and keep it from locking on you? i tried this and got stuck lol.

[magkjeld]

hmm, never seen this type of friction knot before. any drawbacks?