Page 73 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice
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(Figure 3-2). A hitch made in the opposite direction
is perversely inclined either to slip or jam, and looks
awful besides.
Note: many rigging practitioners inveigh against
the use of this finishing hitch, claiming that it can
result in a jammed belay. And it can … if it is a bad
belay. Without sufficient figure-eight turns on the
cleat, a heavy load can cause the rope to “crawl,”
and eventually pull the hitch so tight you might
need an axe to clear it away. If the hitch isn’t there,
the belay won’t jam, but it will keep crawling, with
potentially disastrous results. Therefore, the opera-
tor’s assessment of the number of figure-eight turns
needed is an integral part of the belay; small, slick
Figure 3-4B. When belaying to a pin, as when belay-
ing to a cleat or bitt, take a turn around before start-
ing the figure-eights (left). A turning block can improve
Figure 3-4A. Belaying to an anchor bitt. Finish with the lead to the pin and allows for an upward pull,
a Half Hitch around the pin. in which one can exert much more force than with a
downward pull (center). Make a Half Hitch to finish
the belay (right).
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