Descenders are devices that use friction to control the rate of descent of the climber. They are also used while lowering equipment or climbers during rescue. Since mountaineering is not just about getting to the top, descenders also act as belay devices which help control the friction of the rope and ensure a steady descent back to the base.
In this article, we explore the different kinds of descenders available, their parts and also provide a handy guide for their care and maintenance.
Different Types of Descenders and their Functions
Figure 8: These are the most popular type of descenders and are extremely strong and simple to use. They are widely used in mountaineering, ice-climbing and during rescue operations. Figure 8 descenders are best suited when the drop is short. However, the friction cannot be changed once the load is applied to the device.
Descenders as Belay Devices: These play a crucial role in controlling the friction of the rope which determines the pace at which you descend. They prevent sudden drops and help avoid the risk of serious injury. Belay devices are available in different shapes, with the most commonly used one being the Grigri Belay Device, Reverso Belay Device and the Verso Belay Device. Grigri descenders are lightweight, compact and offer exceptional descent control. They are suitable for rock-climbing and mountaineering. Reverso and Verso belay devices are designed for belaying and rappelling during rock-climbing and mountaineering. The Reverso device allows you to belay 1 or 2 second climbers. Both are designed to reduce wear and tear and offer smooth rope gliding.
In the absence of a descender or in case you drop your descender, it is still possible to descend safely with the use of the equipment you have. Ropes and carabiners help build a makeshift belay device which controls the friction, allowing you to descend in a safe manner. Hopefully, you will not find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you have to abseil without a descender, but in case you want to know what you can do in such a circumstance, the attached article from Outside is a good resource to refer to.
Read: https://www.climbing.com/skills/rappel-without-a-belay-device/
Maintenance and Storage
The following are a few tips for the maintenance and safe storage of descenders:
- Clean the descenders to remove any dirt with the help of a swab or a soft brush.
- Soak the descender in warm water with mild soap and rinse with fresh water. Ensure that all the dirt and soap water is thoroughly rinsed.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the descender. Any moisture that does not dry out before storage could lead to corrosion.
- Lubricate the parts with oil to avoid corrosion and store in a cool dry place away from the sunlight.
We hope this article gives a basic understanding of descenders and their significance in mountaineering. Should you have any further queries, our
