Low friction vs rappel rings

PabloPicasso

PabloPicasso

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In another thread someone suggested using aluminium low friction rings instead of blocks in some running rigging applications. I see climber's rappel rings are similar, can be used in a similar manner, but are a fraction of the cost.

Any comments on why/why not to use the cheaper climber rappel rings
 
PabloPicasso said:
In another thread someone suggested using aluminium low friction rings instead of blocks in some running rigging applications. I see climber's rappel rings are similar, can be used in a similar manner, but are a fraction of the cost.

Any comments on why/why not to use the cheaper climber rappel rings
Click to expand...
The usual type of low friction rings have an outside grove for attachment, for many applications easier to install.
The larger low friction rings have higher rated strength than the rappel rings.
 
So if rappel rings are rated for the load they would seem to offer a cheaper alternative in many traditional block applications, with few drawbacks?
 
PabloPicasso said:
So if rappel rings are rated for the load they would seem to offer a cheaper alternative in many traditional block applications, with few drawbacks?
Click to expand...

Yes. F'r example, I use them instead of 'microblocks' when making up lazyjacks. Much cheaper!
For tweakers, etc, again much cheaper and quite satisfactory. If concerned about rope 'bend radius', use two... Also, use tape, cowhitched on. Cheaper than Dyneema Softees. Learn and use the 'tape knot'....
 
oldbilbo said:
Yes. F'r example, I use them instead of 'microblocks' when making up lazyjacks. Much cheaper!
For tweakers, etc, again much cheaper and quite satisfactory. If concerned about rope 'bend radius', use two... Also, use tape, cowhitched on. Cheaper than Dyneema Softees. Learn and use the 'tape knot'....
Click to expand...

A tape knot like this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0OxmKi_cRYw

How stretchy is the tape?
 
Climbers don't trust the cheap aluminium ones, but then they hang their life on them, rather than some lazyjacks: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/...luminum-descending-rings-in-permanent-anchors

Trz0d.jpg
 
Hello! Climber here. Those are low quality, single use, ultra lightweight hollow rappel rings for emergencies, or for alpine routes where every ounce counts. Most sane climbers sacrifice weight for security and use solid aluminum ones, like the models used by Omega Pacific. Funnily enough I found this post looking for the opposite of what Monsieur Picasso was looking into- I'm a climber thinking about using low friction rings in place of rap rings.
 
In fact, mostly what you are seeing is the effect of many, many rappels with sand-encrusted desert ropes. Like running sandpapper over it for thousands of feet under about 300 pounds of pressure. Not really related to sailing. I've been using quality solid rap rings on my barberhauler for years. The anodizing is still good.
 
you can now source rap rings with an opening gate, from Xinda in China. Its not a very convenient opening but better than nothing. It may be an original design, Xinda are good, but it may be a copy of....??

Just one link

XINDA outdoor 23kN Openable Ring 7075 aluminium multi directional gated ring for climbing

I am intending to buy a couple - but its not been high priority

and much better

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4001299292430.html

I found the price in the first link higher than I remembered and not one I would have paid.

Jonathan
 
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