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The prototype differed from the production model in several respects. The rope guide was in line with the center of the tube, so the rope ended up bending around the guide. This was not desirable since the guide would overheat. The retention pin was installed horizontally, which worked, but made the device unwieldy for packing into a cave pack.
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The Rappel Tube is a relatively recent reintroduction of the rappel spool idea. The tube is 1-5/8 inch stainless steel tubing. A rope retention rod is welded to one end. The other end has holes, through which pass a rod with an eye at the lower end and a hook at the upper. A second hole on top engages the hook when the device is in use. To rig the rope the tube is slid down the rod toward the eye, and then rotated 90 to 180 degrees. The rope is inserted into the hook, and the hook is rotated back into place and slid down into the tube. The rope is then wound around the remainder of the tube. I find that two to three total wraps are about right. The long pin keeps the tag end from coming off the spool.
One nice touch is a sponge stuffed inside the tube. This can be wetted before use to help keep the tube cool.
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©2007, Gary D. Storrick