How to use an Auto Belay

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR AUTO BELAY CLIMB

1. CHECK YOUR HARNESS

  • Check the climbing harness is correctly fitted and tightened
  • If your harness has a standard buckle, remember to double it back
  • Different types of harnesses require different safety checks. This is not a complete guide to checking your harness. You are responsible for being familiar with your harness and how it should be worn.

2. CHECK AUTO BELAY OPERATION BY PULLING OUT A SHORT SECTION AND ALLOWING IT TO RETRACT

  • If the Auto Belay line fails to retract, do not clip into the Auto Belay and request assistance

3. OPEN THE TRIPLE ACTION, AUTO-LOCKING CARABINER

  • The carabiner is opened by sliding the gate down, rotating the gate's collar and pushing the gate open towards the center of the carabiner. Be careful to not let go of the carabiner or else the entire webbing will retract into the device.

4. CONNECT THE CARABINER TO THE BELAY LOOP ON THE HARNESS WITH THE GATE FACING AWAY FROM THE USER

  • As previously mentioned all harnesses are different. For most harnesses, the correct connection point is the belay loop. Do not clip the carabiner into multiple hard points. This will cause tri-axle loading. The carabiner is designed to work best when force is exerted on it in two directions. If three directions of force are exerted on the carabiner it will increase the risk that the carabiner will fail.

5. CHECK THAT THE CARABINER IS PROPERLY LOCKED

  • Allow the latch to snap shut, ensuring the collar has rotated back and is locked. Ensure that no clothing, webbing or other objects are obstructing the gate or latch.

6. ENSURE THE CARABINER IS ONLY LOADED ALONG ITS VERTICAL DIRECTION


7. DOUBLE CHECK YOUR CARABINER IS ATTACHED TO THE PROPER POINT ON YOUR HARNESS


8. DOUBLE CHECK THAT THE CARABINER IS LOCKED

 

TIPS FOR PROPER OPERATION WHILE CLIMBING

  • Never climb alongside or above the Auto Belay.
  • Do not climb faster than the auto belay is able to retract.
  • Do not climb outside the belay zone.
  • Most climbing gyms will mark the auto belay boundaries. Do not climb a route outside the auto belay boundary.
  • A typical belay lane is shown in the picture below.
trublue auto belay climbing lane  

PROPER OPERATION WHILE DESCENDING

  • Do not start your descent from above the auto belay
  • Prior to descent, make sure that your descent path is clear from obstacles and other climbers
  • Always descend feet first, using feet to fend off obstacles and prepare for landing.
  • Reattach the carabiner to the belay gate or designated attachment point