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Oplux rope and a mechanical rappel

N

Newhunter1

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2018
Messages
1,791
Ok, I have 52' of Oplux and would like to get a mechanical device that will allow me to rappel. The GriGri 2 is 8.5mm minimum and I'm hestitant. Anyone?
 
This may work , but if you break your neck trying this you will be own your own, being out of spec . Good luck be safe
 
Back it up with an auto block I do that with my mad rock safeguard


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Last edited:
rambotogo said:
This may work , but if you break your neck trying this you will be own your own, being out of spec . Good luck be safe
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What may work? The Grigri... that’s 8.5mm min. I think the madrock safe guard is 8.1 for rigging and 8.5 for climbing.


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Ontariofarmer said:
Back it up with an auto block I do that with my made rock safeguard


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Ok. After looking at the safeguard I bought the last one at eastern outdoor. Now what is the auto block?


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Auto block is a prussic tied differently. Basically 3-4 wraps around main line both loops to a carabinier clipped in to harness/lineman's loop
 
Jon Zachow said:
Auto block is a prussic tied differently. Basically 3-4 wraps around main line both loops to a carabinier clipped in to harness/lineman's loop
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does it go above the safeguard and it is long enough to attach to the carabiner that is also attached to the safeguard and bridge? Or does it go below the safeguard?
 
Newhunter1 said:
does it go above the safeguard and it is long enough to attach to the carabiner that is also attached to the safeguard and bridge? Or does it go below the safeguard?
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Below. Make sure that if you raise your leg, it is still low enough that it won’t jam in the Safeguard.


 
I understand the concept. However he does not have the safeguard. I have the cordage from dano or the oplux that I use to rappel down by using the scwabisch hitch. The safeguard is a belay device that can be used in conjunction with my friction hitch that will be now attached to on side of my lineman’s loop. With the madrock how does one operate the belay release. I think the handle release is on the right side and put my friction hitch too on the right side?


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I have a figure 8 that I used years ago for rappelling. I’ll test that out at ground level. Either that or a trip to rei.


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How do you get your girth hitched rope up top out of the tree?
 
Patriot said:
How do you get your girth hitched rope up top out of the tree?
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that’s easy. My oplux is my tether. At hunting height I take a carabiner and hook it to my loop with 550 cord that is 30 feet long. At ground level I pull on my cord and it comes down.
 
I have used Beal 8mm dynamic rope with a GriGri and both a Madrock Lifeguard and Safeguard. They all worked fine and locked on the rope without an autoblock knot. Try it near the ground and see what you think. I now have enough confidence in them I even take my hand off the tag end of the rope. Test it yourself and decide if it is right for you. IMHO, these are FAR safer than any friction hitch I have tried.
 
bj139 said:
I have used Beal 8mm dynamic rope with a GriGri and both a Madrock Lifeguard and Safeguard. They all worked fine and locked on the rope without an autoblock knot. Try it near the ground and see what you think. I now have enough confidence in them I even take my hand off the tag end of the rope. Test it yourself and decide if it is right for you. IMHO, these are FAR safer than any friction hitch I have tried.
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An auto block is probably not necessary but it sure makes me feel better hanging in the air 30 feet on a rope that is thinner than recommended for my safeguard.
 
bj139 said:
I have used Beal 8mm dynamic rope with a GriGri and both a Madrock Lifeguard and Safeguard. They all worked fine and locked on the rope without an autoblock knot. Try it near the ground and see what you think. I now have enough confidence in them I even take my hand off the tag end of the rope. Test it yourself and decide if it is right for you. IMHO, these are FAR safer than any friction hitch I have tried.
Click to expand...

I'll have the safeguard on Tuesday...the friction hitches I'm using is getting old.
 
mattsteg said:
I also find it easier to modulate descent smoothly with the autoblock than the safeguard.
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Did you post before that you hold the handle fully open on the safeguard and descend by pressing the autoblock knot?
Why not use an ATC instead of the safeguard since that is what you are using it as?
 
bj139 said:
Did you post before that you hold the handle fully open on the safeguard and descend by pressing the autoblock knot?
Why not use an ATC instead of the safeguard since that is what you are using it as?
Click to expand...
When I use it, it's also an ascender/progress capture. I also figure a device that will (but isn't guaranteed to) lock/catch plus a hitch that will also catch me is nice for safety. But honestly I don't rappel much currently.
 
Patriot said:
How do you get your girth hitched rope up top out of the tree?
Click to expand...

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