The best way is to use a Munter hitch with a carabiner. I have tried this in the house on a pullup bar and could not hold the tail end of the rope firmly enough to feel confident I could control my descent. I found that if I passed the tail end under my butt and up the other side I could control my descent easily. The "butt" friction along with creating a sort of sling which you sit in with the rope made it easy. Bring the tail end up to the rope coming down from the tree under your butt on the right side and up to the line from the tree on your left side and grab both together. You have created a rope sling you are sitting in. Combined with the Munter hitch through the carabiner, significant friction is created. I have not tested this extensively. Before you try anything like this make sure you do at a safe level. I plan to try it in a tree sometime. You could probably use an auto block knot instead but would have to be prepared with the necessary equipment and practice.I guess my main question is what would be the best way to let myself down if I got half way down and device quite working for what ever reason and I’m hanging on side of tree?
Devices like the safeguard are not meant to be used with a backup. My thought is attempting to back it up will be more hassle than it is worth. If you don’t trust that piece of equipment you’re better off switching devices. Lots of ways to get safely down a rope!
I guess my main question is what would be the best way to let myself down if I got half way down and device quite working for what ever reason and I’m hanging on side of tree?
Impossible is not in Murphy's vocabulary.That’s probably not likely but impossible with an ATC/autoblock.
A series of hitches could get you out of that scenario if it did happen.
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Impossible is not in Murphy's vocabulary.
A series of hitches could not get you down if you don't know what that series is.
Have you actually tried to rappel on an autoblock hitch? I don't think that is recommended anywhere. A munter hitch is recommended by climbing professional guides.True. Most of this SRT rope climbing arborist stuff assumes a certain level of knowledge base. That kinda makes me want to recommend sticks (which I also use regularly) to everyone although SRT is safer IF used properly.
But to your point, you can definitely get an autoblock jammed in an ATC if you don't know what you're doing.
In either case, I'd:
-pull out my foot loop/ascender
-take the tension off my rappel system
-attach a prusik or autoblock to my harness and the rappel line
-disconnect the tangled or faulty equipment
-and come down on the hitch.
Have you actually tried to rappel on an autoblock hitch? I don't think that is recommended anywhere. A munter hitch is recommended by climbing professional guides.
I like the simplicity of the RADS method. It even includes two carabiners (one and a backup) you would need to rappel with a munter hitch if something failed. You can concentrate more on hunting and less on climbing.
We should line up a professional at SaddlePalooza to go over this type of stuff.
This entire discussion reinforces the value of a climbing/rappelling knowledge base. Those that wish to use SRT should really seek assistance in person from a professional, it’s hard to cover the details on this forum.
Many people here just want to hunt from trees and don't wish to become climbing experts. Two simple devices will get them up and down a rope reliably with no difficult hitches to tie or make sure they will grab or release this time.
Murphy has thoroughly tested these devices (ascenders and descenders) in the rock climbing world and they are as bulletproof as can be. That is why I recommend them. Go to arborist sites and see what comments professional tree climbers make about friction hitches. When I did I was surprised how widely they vary in performance from slipping to completely locking getting you stuck halfway up the rope. Professionals can deal with these problems while I think newbies could not. I was stuck up a tree a few times with friction hitches and with an ATC in guide mode. I figured out how to get down but gave up on them for that reason.Yep, and as long as everything goes perfectly they’ll never need more information. Murphy???
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