EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS/FAULTS

 

FIGURE OF EIGHT The most dangerous configuration of the figure of eight. The figure of eight has simply twisted, and so this situation is very easy to get into. If the gate is screwed up then the device will usually flip round. Although, it could break the gate, and if this happens not even a safety prussik can save you.

 

TUBER After time and a lot of use grooves wear into the central bar. As this bar is hollow, when the side is worn through the edge is razor sharp. This edge will strip and slice a rope in an instance. When abseiling and lowering the force of the rope against the bar is much increases. Thus the chances of device failure are increased. So unless you are sure of the device, using one for abseiling is not advised. Instead use an Italian hitch.