Autoblock
Appearance
The Autoblock is also known as the Machard knot, named after its inventor, Serge Machard.[1][2]
Using an Autoblock is a climbing and caving technique used in rappelling and ascending.
An autoblock is a rope device that slides freely over the rope during a controlled descent, but jams in the descender in the event of a sudden drop or loss of control, stopping the descent. This prevents uncontrolled falls in the event of an accident in which the abseiler loses control of the rope.[3]
It is often made using a friction hitch around the rope that is being descended, and may be combined with other climbing equipment for further safety.[4]
See also
References
- ^ "The Machard Knot". Retrieved 2016-10-20.
- ^ Eric Vola, « Le nœud Machard et son histoire », site du CAF-Marseille, 2015
- ^ "How to Tie and Use an Autoblock Knot for Climbing". Retrieved 2015-04-24.
- ^ "6-Step Guide to Rappelling with an Autoblock Backup". Retrieved 2015-04-24.
External links
- Grog. "The Klemheist". Animated Knots. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
- Backing up an Abseli