The Descender

Device used for going down the rope, the one shown below is the STOP made by Petzl. The rope is threaded as shown, with the top coming down on the left side, then up through the 'cams' and out again on the right and into a STEEL Karabiner, the 'Braking Crab'.

Petzl Stop

When not moving it is usual practice to put on a 'Soft Lock', the rope on the right of the Braking Crab is brought up and over the top of the Descender. During changeovers a 'Hard Lock'is used.

The Hard Lock

The same as a Soft Lock with the addition of a loop brought through the Braking Crab and over the Descender.