How to Rig a Descender

Descending a rope requires proper equipment and careful concentration. Whether you're descending a cliff after climbing, lowering yourself into a cave, performing a rescue or working high above the ground, rappelling is very dangerous if you don't properly rig the descending device. You can prevent a serious accident by choosing the correct descending device and using it as designed. Anyone can descend a rope safely with the proper equipment and understanding.

Things You'll Need

  • Descender
  • Locking carabiner
  • Harness
  • Rope
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Instructions

  1. Mechanical Locking Descenders

    • 1

      Open the descender. Look for markings that describe where to put the top of the rope -- the section of rope coming from the anchor -- and where to put the bottom of the rope. Set the rope in the descender with the correct orientation. Mechanical ascenders have an automatic locking mechanism to safely descend while performing other tasks, or for use in rescue situations.

    • 2

      Close the descender according to the manufacturer's description. Connect a locking carabiner through the designated hole in the descender.

    • 3

      Locate the attachment point on your harness. Connect the same locking carabiner to the harness attachment point and lock the carabiner. Proceed to descend the rope after double checking all attachment points.

    Figure Eight Descender

    • 4

      Take a single or double rope and make a bight, or loop, in the section of rope you want to connect. Hold the figure eight descender in one hand and thread the bight of rope through the large hole in the descender.

    • 5

      Orient the figure eight with the large loop on top. Grab the section of rope protruding through the large hole in the figure eight and pull it down and around the section on metal below the large hole. Pull the rope tight in the descender. The rope should come in through the top, wrap around the bottom section and then go out the top again. Connect a locking carabiner to the designated hole at the bottom of the figure eight device.

    • 6

      Connect the locking carabiner and figure eight descender to the main attachment point on your harness. Lock the carabiner and double check all connections.

    Two-Slot Belay Devices

    • 7

      Take a single or double rope and make a bight, in the rope. Orient the belay device with the slotted metal section on top and the wire or loop on the bottom. Thread a single bight through the top of one slot in the belay device for a single-rope rappel. Thread one bight through each slot in the belay device for a double-rope rappel.

    • 8

      Clip a locking carabiner through the loop or loops of rope, and the loop section of the belay device. Ensure that you connect all these pieces. Without the rope attached to the carabiner, it will disconnect upon descending. Without the belay device loop attached to the carabiner, the belay device will not function properly.

    • 9

      Attach the locking carabiner to the main attachment point on your harness. Lock the carabiner and double check all connections.