How to Use a Figure 8 Descender

Figure 8 descenders are a common type of rappel device. They are simple to understand and easy to set up. As with all climbing gear, you should practice using one before attempting to rappel with it. A figure 8 is a handy piece of equipment to keep with you whenever you climb is case you need to rappel.

Things You'll Need

  • Climbing harness
  • Climbing rope
  • Figure 8 descender
  • Locking carabiner
  • Top rope anchor
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Instructions

  1. Rappelling

    • 1

      Set up your top rope anchor above the route you want to rappel down.

    • 2

      Put on your climbing harness and clip the locking carabiner to your belay loop.

    • 3

      Pick up your figure 8 descender. Hold it flat in your hand with the small hole facing your belly and the larger hole facing out.

    • 4

      Take a bight of each strand of your rope and shove them up through the large hole. Loop each bight over the small hole and pull the rope tight.

    • 5

      Clip the locking carabiner to the small hole of the figure 8 and lock it. Your rope should now be running securely through your descender.

    • 6

      Take in any slack in the rope by feeding rope into the figure 8 with one hand while pulling it down and out with your other hand. At this point you should double check each element in your system to prepare for descending.

    • 7

      Hold both strands of your rope in one hand, preferably your dominant one, as they come out of the figure 8, pulling them down toward the ground. Use your other hand as a backup or guide hand.

    • 8

      Back up to the edge of the cliff and begin to lower yourself off. Lower yourself by letting the rope run slowly through your dominant hand. You can either relax your grip a little or change the angle at which you hold the rope to accomplish this.

    • 9

      Sit back and stick your legs out toward the cliff face as you descend. Let the rope run through your hands at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you need to stop for any reason, simply pull firmly down on the rope. Never let go of the rope with your dominant hand until you are on the ground.