Paul D

Drew raised some concerns about the safety gate on the Petzl Rig. I have never had the safety gate open but that certainly does not mean it cannot happen. In order to remedy that the Rig has a hole next to the safety gate that will accept additional hardware to lock the safety gate closed. A quick release pin, such as what is used with the RW only smaller, is one option. Larger bar stock carabiners such as the DMM Boa make the Rig harder to open but it can still be opened. I would like to mention that Petzl designates the GriGri 2 for use with EN 892 dynamic rope only.

I perhaps over stated my concern by using the word "major". I have found this to be the only safety concern with the Rig (literally the only one whether small or great) and would agree with Dave that with training it is easily overcome. The panic grab with the Rig is different than a hitch based system because friction heat is not contacting the users hand like it would with a panicked grip on a hitch. This burning should cause the user to release the hitch but previous accidents have proven this does not always happen. The designation by Petzl for "expert users only" stems from the lack of a panic release and unlike the I'D the rig does not lock up if the rope is threaded incorrectly. These are both non issues in my mind with proper training but the I'D offers some protection from themselves for inexperienced climbers. The answer is training, staying at home is never an option. Oldmilltrees I could see how your "momentary bottom clincher" could occur but its sounds to me like you were able to recover without pulling on the LJ until you hit the ground. A proper mindset and an understanding of the limitations of any gear will go a long way towards safe and efficient climbing. I prefer the small Petzl Swivel and will note its the only type of swivel I have used.

The only major concern with the Rig is the same as in any rope discipline, that is the absence of a panic brake such as the I'D features. It is imperative that the climber condition themselves to release the handle in a fall. Depending on the rope used when the Rig's handle is pulled completely the climber is in a free fall, there is almost no friction and this fast acting drop can cause a climber to panic. Human nature is to tense up in this sort of situation which causes one to grab the handle harder, falling is exhilarating but that sudden stop at the end is not so pleasant. This is the primary reason the Rig is designated for "expert users" only. The Rig can be safely operated with only one hand with training in my experience but I will note this does not fit the confines of Petzl's instructions. The eminent control the Rig offers comes with practice and offers a high level of performance and safety. Once the attenuation of the handle is mastered the Rig offers a versatile and productive climbing system for those willing to dedicate the time and effort required to learn the device. Lastly, I find the swivel to be mandatory as an attachment point on a climber's harness to effectively use the Rig. This allows use of either hand comfortably. Climb safe.

Drew, its all good mate. I am with you on the other gear and I only footlock the tail of the Rig in a RADS configuration for real short ascents otherwise RADS is too painfully slow. There is more but this thread is about the Rope Wrench and I will not derail any further. Climb safe, Paul

Drew, I disagree and find the Rig well suited for tree work. The Rig does require ancillary gear to ascend a vertical rope but I find it performs quite well particulary on swings, jumps, and limbwalking. I found the learning curve for the Rig to be steeper then the RW due to the change from a familiar friction hitch in lieu of a handle but with practice I find the Rig smooth and reliable allowing swinging descents with great control (as does the RW). The Rope Wrench and the Petzl Rig are both wonderfully designed pieces of kit that allow SRT climbing, although in slightly different ways. The RW has definite advantages over the Rig but I find the opposite true as well. If I was asked to recommend just one device it would be the Wrench due to the familiarity of a hitch, but I would not want to climb without my Rig.

The Rig can be operated with one hand, it just requires some practice. The ascent method Al described works the same as a sit stand method with the Rope Wrench and a Pantin. The Rig is so easily and quickly installed that changeover from a Frog Walker or Rope Walker setup is the way to go for initial ascent although it can be configured in a pseudo Rope Walker. The Rig can also be installed while hanging from a footlock prusik giving the climber a quick descent option.

Jordan Glossop of iCLIMBinc has produced a stellar video featuring Petzl and Jared Abrojena.

A Hedden Hitch is very similiar to a Klemheist but with fewer wraps. It is best tied with cordage smaller then the host line. Not recommend for life support as it has limited grip due to fewer turns.

The correct name is Gripping Sailor's Hitch as it is a gripping version of the Sailor's Hitch. It is typically used to grip onto a solid object and will even grap a tapered object much in the way a Icicle Hitch will. Supperior in performance to the Rolling Hitch. I am not aware if its use as a climbing hitch.

The Double Figure 8 Bend is another name for the Flemish Bend. For more information see Flemish Bend.

The Flemish Bend is used to join two ropes together of similar diameter. It is fairly secure but there are better options to use in a life support configuration. The Flemish Bend is also prone to jamming, so again there are better options to use in a high load scenario such as a pull line.

The Double Figure 8 is also known as "bunny ears," it is applicable for creating a equalized anchor in rock climbing. It could also be used to create an improvised harness, although that would leave much to be desired in terms of safety and comfort. When tied, dressed, and set properly it is very stable and resists pulling line from one loop and shortening the other.

I use a 34 inch (86.36cm) length of 5 mm NER Maxim Tech cord tied with a double fishermans and girth hitched to the Rope Wrench and a Petzl OK carabiner for the tether. It works great for me for what its worth.

It is indeed a rope bridge for the Cougar harness that was recalled. The Anchor Bridge Climbing System is unaffected. As stated in the attached document in the original post a replacement is offered at no cost to the user.

Mark sets his static line like a SRT system, then attaches his climbing line with a Hitch Climber and friction hitch already in place to an alpine butterfly. This setup isolates the two legs of the rope so the two cams on the ascender (currently Mark uses a Petzl Ascentree) can work independtly thus acting as a backup. This also allows his climbing rope and system to be waiting for him, as Mark mentioned in the video, when he gets the top.