Technique Descriptions
Archived here are a series of documents written to teach new methods or techniques. Because they are written as training documents, they are designed to be read, so they are not optimized for use during classroom instruction. Teachers are encouraged to use them as supplementary reading material, and students are encouraged to use these as a means of learning new material. The technique descriptions are divided by topic to make it easier to find them. More will be added over time, and readers are encouraged to submit techniques so they can be used by other teachers and students (contact us)!
Lowering Systems:
Anchors:
Haul Systems:
Belay Systems:
Tensioning Systems:
Miscellaneous:
Lowering Systems:
- Skate Blocks
A short paper that shows how to rig and operate Skate Blocks. This is a useful technique to move a person both horizontally and vertically to avoid an obstacle, and is a useful alternative to higher tension systems like tilted highlines and guiding lines. - Münter Hitch Variations (Note: This file has been updated, so this is Version 3)
This document covers a variety of ways to tie and utilize the Münter Hitch. It is written for people with experience using the hitch, and covers a wide range of ways to tie a Münter Hitch, convert it to a one way locking hitch, tie it off, and use it to perform simple or complex rigging tasks (e.g., rescues). There is something in here for nearly all rope users.
Updated Version #3 Version #2 Version #1
Anchors:
- Simple Anchors Made From Rope (Note: This file has been updated, so this is Version 3)
This document covers a wide array of simple single point anchors that can be tied using rope. While the subject may seem simple, there are numerous inventive ways to alter rigging knots to give them useful properties. This text shows readers how to tie a variety of simple anchors, and modify them to have useful rigging properties.
Updated Version #3 Version #2 Version #1
Haul Systems:
- Vector Raises
A minimal equipment method of raising a load up a pitch. Particularly effective when few people are present to perform a raise and there is considrable edge friction. - The Spanish Pendulum
A brief description of how to construct and operate the Spanish Pendulum, which is a technique for breaking into a loaded line and raising a person when stuck on rope. This technique is most appropriate for those working with static ropes and on pitches with little friction against the rope during a hauling operation. - Auto-Locking Hitches (Note: This file has been updated, so this is Version 3)
Nine carabiner and screw link based hitches are described in which rope moves only one way, thus creating mechanisms for taking up slack, progress capture, and locking belays. These include the Garda Hitch, Lorenzi Hitch, Heart Brake, Mallion System, Carabiner System, and four one way locking Münter Hitches.
Updated Version #3 Version #2 Version #1 - Inline Traveling Hauls
Inline traveling hauls are a slick way of moving a patient up a pitch with minimal equipment and personnel. This paper describes how to rig the system with common rigging equipment and gear found in SPAR Rigging Kits. - Diminishing Loop Counterbalance
The diminishing loop counterbalance is an amazingly effective way of raising a heavy loads up free hang drops. This article was presented at the International Technical Rescue Symposium in 2013 and is available at the ITRS Archive here as well. Abstract Paper PowerPoint Figures (in PowerPoint) - Making a Prusik Minding Pulley (PMP)
This one page guide explains how to convert a normal pulley into a prusik minding pulley (PMP) with a carabiner or screwlink. This is a useful technique when a PMP is needed and only a normal pulley is available. - How to Optimize a 4:1 Haul System
This document explains how to build a piggybacked 4:1 haul system to optimize the throw. This handy document can be used to help teach riggers some of the subtle tricks in rigging 4:1's. It is well illustrated to show, step by step, how to rig the 4:1 most efficiently.
Belay Systems:
- An Introduction to J-Belays
J-Belays are a technique developed to belay people on long rappels when bottom belays do not work well. This document explains how to rig the J-belay, how to operate the system effectively, and provides additional reading for those interested. Rigging diagrams are provided for ease of learning the technique.
Tensioning Systems:
- How to Rig the Voodoo and Poldo Tensioning Systems
The Voodoo and Poldo are tensioning systems that can be built with few components for both sport and rescue applications. This document describes and illustrates how to build both systems both inline and using the end of the rope. If this was useful you may also be interested in our breaking strength testing we performed on Voodoo's posted here, a comparison of the Voodoo with other tensioning systems here, and the tensioning research posted here.
Miscellaneous:
- Tying a Lobster Tail in Webbing
This is a Youtube video that shows how to tie lobster tails in webbing. It is a way to store webbing so it can be quickly deployed which is also tight and compact. - Tying a Prusik Quickly and Efficiently
A short paper on a fast method for tying a prusik hitch that yields a correctly tied, set, and dressed prusik with the double firsherman's bend out of the way every time. We also made a short Youtube video which can be found here. - A Fast Releasable High Directional
One of the many ways to construct a high directional for rescues. This short paper shows a quick way to construct high help at the edge when an appropriate anchor is available. We acknowledge there are many ways to build high help, this happens to be a favorite of the author's so is included as an example.