If you use it this way you might as well just use an ATC. You are bypassing the advantage that the Safeguard has over other methods making it functionally into an ATC. I am not saying there is anything wrong with doing this it's just that you don't need to spend an extra $60 for the Safeguard.I use a leather palmed (belay) glove and I open the Safeguard all the way and control the tag end side of the rope with my hand close to the device to manage descent speed and line lay over the end.