descending on a munters hitch

[ben lightfoot]

Are you actually aloud to descend on a munters hitch, i know you can because i have done it. Was out footlocking the other day without a figure 8 so used a munters to descend using a krab, told someone and they reckon it should only be used for belaying. Can anyone shed some light?

 

cheers

[Justme]

Rock climbers would use it if they need to, after say loosing a decender / fig 8 / stitch plate.

[Rupe]

"Allowed" is deabtable. No ones going to turn up and tell you off.

 

If you let go of the rope you will hurt yourself, and you know you would be in the wrong. Other than that, just don't hurt yourself. Its not a secure method, rock climbers would only use it a last resort for descending or belaying.

[ben lightfoot]

thats what i thought because you could easily let go whilst using a figure 8 and still fall

[Rupe]

Yep, figure 8 "should" be backed up, I don't always though, and a munter is even more unsafe. Simple decision to make really, or just use it very carefully. I used to use it often to come down the pulling rope before felling a stem, but am slightly more aware these days.

[slack ma girdle]

It is the same with anything these days. if you are awear of the risks you can ensure that you do not put yourself in a position where it becomes a problem. However it is always the unexpected that causes the problems, like a wasp sting on the neck..............

Buttocks i have just fallen out of the tree

[Justme]

The munter is no less safe than a fig 8 or proper belay device. All can be backed up with a prussik or similar.

[ukminch]

When abseiling after a rock climb I'd back up whatever descender I was using, with a pru

ssik without a doubt. So many climbing accidents happen on the descent. Difference there is the prussik is a back up rather than the actual descending tool as we use in treework.

 

R

[Lorry thompson]

munter is even more unsafe.

 

Haha sounds funny we used to call ugly lasses a munter

[santacruz]

Descending on a munters will rapidly wear your rope