|
Post by Sharon Faulkner on Mar 6, 2007 9:38:59 GMT -5
Speaking of belay systems in this thread, I saw a Munter Hitch Belay being used this past weekend. I knew of the munter hitch belay and had read about the technique, but had never actually seen it put into practice. In this instance, it was being used to meet college liability requirements. Certainly an acceptable safety precaution to meet any group liability requirements whether college, boy scouts or other. All participants did perfectly fine on rappel (with a standard 6 bar rappel rack), but it was interesting to see the munter hitch being used to provide a top belay. Nothing like seeing something in use to get a complete picture of any advantages or disadvantages of a particular system. Does anyone use the munter hitch belay system or under what circumstances would you consider using it?
|
|
|
Post by tncaveres on Mar 6, 2007 12:42:13 GMT -5
I have used it to belay & I have even used it to rappel on . That reminds me I was suppose to show Bullnss the Munter hitch last weekend.
|
|
|
Post by Rebel Rouser on Mar 6, 2007 20:35:55 GMT -5
Munter hitch is good to know but rough on rope. Rebel
|
|
Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
|
Post by Brian Roebuck on Mar 7, 2007 18:29:01 GMT -5
Munter hitch is good to know but rough on rope. Rebel Rebel would you say it is worse on static caving rope (PMI etc) or on dynamic climbing rope? I think it is used more by climbers than by cavers but I am not very knowledgeable on the subject. I suspect with the short bend radius of rope used with this hitch that caving rope would not work as well as dynamic rope would. Just a guess though..
|
|
|
Post by tncaveres on Mar 7, 2007 22:57:28 GMT -5
Oh you can fly on a Munter with 11m pmi rope. Been there done that.
|
|
Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
|
Post by Brian Roebuck on Mar 9, 2007 6:33:42 GMT -5
Oh you can fly on a Munter with 11m pmi rope. Been there done that. Well thats a good piece of information to have ;D but I was wondering more about rope damage between the different types of rope using a Munter hitch. I imagine dynamic rope is more easily bent and might not get damaged as easily because of that. Does anyone have information on that?
|
|
|
Post by Tim White on Mar 9, 2007 10:00:35 GMT -5
It can really kink the rope. Not a good idea to use if the rope is attached on a rebelay. The twist can't twist themselves out. I use it often when climbing on dynamic rope. I use to carry a HMS biner on my cave harness as a back-up rappel device, but over time replaced it with a large non-locking biner. (that I must admit, I have used with a Munter Hitch to rappel a short drop or 2 Not a technique that I would recommend! I watched the rope very close and was fully aware of the chance I was taking.)
|
|
|
Post by Rebel Rouser on Mar 11, 2007 21:27:55 GMT -5
Munter hitch is good to know but rough on rope. Rebel Rebel would you say it is worse on static caving rope (PMI etc) or on dynamic climbing rope? I think it is used more by climbers than by cavers but I am not very knowledgeable on the subject. I suspect with the short bend radius of rope used with this hitch that caving rope would not work as well as dynamic rope would. Just a guess though.. Definitely more difficult with static line for the reason you suggest. The use of the Munter is rough on rope because of the nylon on nylon situation. A good hitch to know as back-up but there are too many less damaging techniques or should I say devices. Rebel
|
|
Brian Roebuck
Site Admin
Caver
Caving - the one activity that really brings you to your knees!
Posts: 2,732
|
Post by Brian Roebuck on Mar 13, 2007 5:34:45 GMT -5
Thanks Rebel and Tim
Use of the Munter Hitch is a convenient but not so desired technique for times when the situation may demand it. Often we cavers have to improvise and it is always good to have alternate techniques in your bag of skills. Practicing this technique in a controlled environment outside a cave would be a good idea though..
|
|
|
Post by Karsthuntr on Mar 16, 2007 17:13:52 GMT -5
[quote author=rebelrouser board=Business thread=1173191939 post=1173666475 Definitely more difficult with static line for the reason you suggest. The use of the Munter is rough on rope because of the nylon on nylon situation. A good hitch to know as back-up but there are too many less damaging techniques or should I say devices. Rebel[/quote]
The nylon on nylon is not a real problem because both are moving. When one of the nylons are stationary is when nylon on nylon is a problem.
The one bad thing with the munter hitch is the method of how to "tie" it. It can be tied wrong very, very easily.
I use it for practice climbing in my backyard, the wife can feed me rope with only two fingers on the rope.
I think the Munter is best reserved for emergency situations.
|
|