First Mechanical Device Failure Tonight (Safeguard)

[boyne bowhunter]

Tonight I dragged the camper to the area I'm hunting this weekend and arrived right at 6:00. Rushed out to spend an hour in an observation sit. I was setup on the edge of a large clear cut and sat right to last light. When I went to rappel down the lever of my Safeguard came right off in my hand. I wasn't very high so I just one sticked back down the tree. Still it was a bit of a shock.

 

[MFD205]

That sucks. Hope they warranty that. Glad you're ok.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Thanks but there was no danger, just inconvenience. I carry an ATC and prusik as a backup but didn't feel the need to break it out. I also have a backup Safeguard here in the camper so my weekend isn't even ruined. I really wanted to bring attention to the fact that these things can and will happen so have a backup plan.

 

[fbwguy]

Glad you still had your stick, would have been a bummer had you tossed it down first

 

[Chrighton]

I trust Joe has a plan for that too. Way to be prepared.

 

[Bwhana]

Glad you are ok. I would not have expected to see that happen. I thought this thread would be about broadheads!

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Glad you are ok. I would not have expected to see that happen. I thought this thread would be about broadheads!

I didn't expect it either.

 

[heretic]

Wow! Didn't figure that could/would happen. How long have you been using that safeguard? I'm assuming there were no obvious signs of fatigue/wear? Maybe I should invest in a backup/atc

 

[Red Beard]

Glad you're ok!

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Wow! Didn't figure that could/would happen. How long have you been using that safeguard? I'm assuming there were no obvious signs of fatigue/wear? Maybe I should invest in a backup/atc

Best as I can figure that Safeguard has been with me for about two years. Its seen a lot of use but I hadn't noticed anything odd. I used it last on Sunday morning and it felt normal then.

 

[CZMark]

I use my Safeguard as an ascender only and I rappel with an ATC. The lever on my safeguard is extremely difficult to release while under load.

 

[bj139]

I'm glad it was only the lever and not the cam bolt. I assume there was no real danger of falling. Have you ever tried rappelling with a munter hitch?
I carry my ATC in the bottom of my pack as a paperweight so far.
Edit: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/almost-toast-munter-rappel-goes-bad

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I'm glad it was only the lever and not the cam bolt. I assume there was no real danger of falling. Have you ever tried rappelling with a munter hitch?
I carry my ATC in the bottom of my pack as a paperweight so far.
Edit: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/almost-toast-munter-rappel-goes-bad

I've tied it so I'm familiar but I can't say I ever rappelled on one. At this point it would be a last resort type of solution.

 

[rakbowhunter]

Glad you're ok! Kind of makes me feel better about my switch to an ATC. Go team 9!

 

[slonstdy]

Happy to hear it was an uneventful failure, other than a possible monetary loss. I have removed all mechanical devices from my setup to keep Mr. Murphy at bay...

 

[movehuntir]

Take it easy, Joe. We expect you back at work Monday.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

Good thing about this site. Now we know what to be aware of.
Glad your ok.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[onestringer]

Holy cow, thanks for sharing. Glad you are ok.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Take it easy, Joe. We expect you back at work Monday.

No worries. Backup plans work when you have them.

 

[pesqimon]

Great suggestion about the munter hitch! Everyone using rope to get down ought to know it.