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Rappelling

dalton916 said:
I’ve read multiple times to NOT use hollow block with Oplux.

I use a simple prussic below as an autoblock. I’m also only running one bridge and clipping the ATC XP to it so I have plenty of room between it and my autoblock.
Click to expand...

Why shouldn’t you use a hollow auto block?


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I use the hollow block with a basic prusik configuration. I had NOT had success using it tied as an autoblock.
 
Chrighton said:
I use the hollow block with a basic prusik configuration. I had NOT had success using it tied as an autoblock.
Click to expand...

Did yours not catch or something?

I used the hollow autoblock yesterday for the first time and I think I prefer it just because its super easy to tie and dress.
 
Yeah, I've never been able to get it to grab... I don't think I'm doing it wrong... there isn't really much to it.
 
I recommend you practice at home from about 10 feet so you can get use tying the auto block correct. You want to make it doesn’t bind on your rappel rope to point you can’t release it as you stop on your way down. (Dont ask me how I know this) Also make sure it is at distance it can’t get sucked into your atc


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reggoh75 said:
For those of you that use your rappel rope as your tether...

What do you do with the long tag end that hangs down?
I feel like it would move constantly at ground level if I was moving for a shot on a deer.
I feel like pulling it up and sticking it in a dump pouch would be a big wad hanging up in the tree.
Click to expand...
I keep all of the slack in the back pocket of my vest while climbing and while up. I just pull it out and drop it when im ready to come down
 

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DanO said:
Where did you see not to use hollow block with Oplux? So I should be dead then? :openmouth::)
Click to expand...

I read it on here.....I thought. Maybe I misread it, lol

rutjr said:
Why shouldn’t you use a hollow auto block?


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Click to expand...

Good question. I don’t know. I’ve convinced myself that I had read it on here several times so I went the jammy route. Nothing wrong with that at all, mind you, but now I have to spend forever on the search function.
 
What you may have read was: "don't use the hollowblock as your primary connection point". I think some were using it on their tether and that isn't what it was designed for. It was designed to be used as an autoblock and works fine on Oplux.
 
Chrighton said:
Yeah, I've never been able to get it to grab... I don't think I'm doing it wrong... there isn't really much to it.
Click to expand...

Add an additional wrap or two. That makes all the difference, difference diameter ropes require more or less wraps. I use a full 4 turns on HTP.


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weekender21 said:
Add an additional wrap or two. That makes all the difference, difference diameter ropes require more or less wraps. I use a full 4 turns on HTP. It works with three turns but it’s easier to control descent with 4.


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Click to expand...

Autoblock requires being “dressed” a little more than some friction hitches but it really is the better option for a backup below an ATC. Well worth figuring it out in my opinion.


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8mm oplux rappel line sterling hollow block from DanO for auto block. I will try more with the auto block wraps.
 
bj139 said:
This video explains a lot. I would suggest an assisted belaying device like a Gri Gri, Madrock Safeguard or Lifeguard like @robstewart says. The Safeguard has no spring to keep it open so is a bit safer and Madrock even says it is a descender not really a belay device. I started with an ATC and autoblock and got a GriGri and then Lifeguard and then Safeguard. I would never go back to an ATC to hang in a tree. The Safeguard is much better and simply does what it is supposed to do with no unexpected failures, IMHO. ATCs require you to know what you are doing and make no mistakes to stay safe.
Click to expand...

So I found the Madrock Safeguard online after reading your post and decided to go ahead and buy one. Hopefully it's here by the weekend hunt!
 
DanO said:
What you may have read was: "don't use the hollowblock as your primary connection point". I think some were using it on their tether and that isn't what it was designed for. It was designed to be used as an autoblock and works fine on Oplux.
Click to expand...

Roger that

I’ll change my username to MSNBC since I’ve been spreading misinformation, lol
 
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