How to Rig an Eight for a Two-Person Load
Rappelling or abseiling is a popular outdoor sport as well as a useful means of negotiating steep terrain. One of the many practical applications of rappelling is vertical rescue. The figure eight descender is the most popular device used in rappelling worldwide because of its simplicity and versatility. In rescue scenarios, however, the standard single wrap will not provide sufficient friction for a safe lowering system. In instances where the figure eight must be rigged for a two-person load, it will be necessary to add an additional wrap.
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Things You'll Need
- Figure eight descender
- Locking carabiner
- Rappelling harness
- Static rope
Instructions
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1
Pull a bight (loop of rope) through the larger of the figure eight descender's two holes.
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2
Fit the bight around the back of the figure eight's neck as if seating it for a standard rappel.
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3
Draw the same bight through the large hole once more, ensuring that there is enough rope to pass it around the back of the descender's neck once more.
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4
Seat the bight against the back of the figure eight's neck. The rope should at no point cross over itself, but slide easily alongside itself. The rope must be fitted snugly on the neck of the descender.
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5
Clip the locking carabiner through the smaller of the figure eight's two holes as well as the attachment point of the harnesses. Lock the carabiner.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When you're rappelling with two people, it is advisable to tie a prussik backup knot above the figure eight descender. Should the person controlling the brake become incapacitated, the prussik will prevent an uncontrolled fall.
Attempting any rope access techniques without first receiving training from a professional is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
References
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
