Release Devices: A Comparative Analysis

Kirk and Katie Mauthner, 99 page report

Release-devices (a.k.a. load release hitches) can be practically used in rope rescue rigging for a variety of uses, such as passing knots [bends] and releasing stuck belays. Generally, they can be used anywhere where the tension on a rope system must be transferred to another part of the system.

This extensive investigation compares 32 variations of 11 different release-devices for their performance in many different areas such as:

• The ability to withstand a shock force
• Ease of lowering after a shock force
• Static breaking strength
• Ease of tying, inspection, etc.

In addition to a review and analysis of the existing release-devices, this work also led to the development of a new release-device, which has some significant improvements.

This is not a basic report. There are several tables for cross-referencing as well as a detailed appendix covering each device. Rescuers can use this databased report to help assess the safety of their current system and to determine if there might be a better release-device available to meet their team's needs.