Frost Rope-riders
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Frost
Rope-rider I
Like
its larger brother, this a clever design implemented with excellent
workmanship. In this case, though, bigger really is better.
The Rope-rider I consists of a central vertical shaft (reminiscent of the Sky Genie) with a spring-loaded V-slot stop mechanism, and a removable cover plate. The mechanism is similar to the one on the Rope-rider II, but with some key differences. Unlike the Rope-rider II, the Rope-Rider 1 cover is held in place by a hex cap screw. The cover is tubular, with no slot in the side, so one cannot rig the Rope-rider 1 without threading the end of the rope through the cover. Another difference is that the lower rope guide is a hole instead of a slot, so the end of the rope must be threaded through this as well. Finally, the guides notches on the on the Rope-rider I force you to use an integer+a half number of turns, taking away the option of varying friction in half-turn increments as can be done with the Rope-rider II. (Note the difference between the rear view of the spool at left and the front view above).
The Rope-rider I is designed to be used on 8 mm. (5/16-in)
braided rope only. This indicates that it is an emergency escape
device rather than a general purpose rappelling device. It certainly
is not worth serious consideration for routine industrial use,
caving, rock climbing, or "sport rappelling," whatever
that is. If it is used for emergency evacuation only, one must
be sure to prepare it in advance. Anyone who doesn't and finds
themselves in a blazing third-floor apartment better just jump,
because by the time they find the proper size Allen wrench, take
the screw out, thread the end of the rope through the proper holes
in the proper order, find the screw and replace it, its too late,
they're already lemon barbecue.
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Frost Rope-rider
II|
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Not
only is this a clever design, but the Frost Rope-Rider II has
excellent workmanship as well. Although this isn't the cheapest
device around, it definitely deserves a star.
The Rope-rider II consists of a central vertical shaft (reminiscent of the Sky Genie) with a spring-loaded V-slot stop mechanism, and a detachable cover plate. Rigging is simple: Press the release button and slide the cover off the top. Pull the sliding collar downward and press the button to latch it in the open position. The V-slot is now exposed. Slide it over the rope, then twist the collar and slide it back up, catching the rope in the slot on the collar. Rotate the collar until it is aligned as shown in the lower photo. Now wrap the rope the required number of turns (usually 3 to 5, depending on the rope material, diameter, construction, condition, and phase of the moon) around the rod, slide the cover back on, and make sure that the release button engages the hole in the cover.
Clip in, and get into a normal rappelling position. Prudes should stop here and find another device to read about. Grasp the cover with one hand, and pull it down. This slides the collar down, and moves the rope to a wider part of the V-groove. To slow down, move your hand up, to go faster, pull it down. The whole process works very smoothly...except its still a vertical spool, and on a free drop, you will probably spin.
These
are not complete instructions!! Obtain proper training before
using this device.
This will not replace the rappel rack as the preferred deep pit device, nor is it light enough for serious consideration in rock climbing, but in an industrial environment, it should provide some more idiot protection than many other options can.
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©2007, Gary D. Storrick
