Petzl Rollclip Pulley Carabiner

The Petzl Rollclip is a carabiner with a pulley built into the frame, so one piece of hardware does the job of a pulley and a connector. Arborists use the roller carabiner to tend hitches, build quick haul systems and redirect a line.

Why a pulley carabiner

A Petzl carabiner with a pulley saves a part. Instead of a separate pulley and connector at the bottom of a hitch, the Rollclip clips straight in and lets the rope run over a sheave. That means less clutter and less hardware to cross-load.

It is also quick to clip onto a rope without opening the system, which is useful for building a simple haul with a rope clamp like the Kong Duck.

Rescue kits benefit most. A Rollclip, a rope clamp and a sling cover a lot of ground in an aerial rescue or a stuck-climber situation, and they pack down small enough to live on a saddle every day. Train with the systems you plan to use before you need them.

Inspection

Check that the sheave turns freely, the gate closes and locks or springs back as designed, and the frame shows no cracks or grooves. Keep it clean, since grit in the sheave wears both the device and your rope. Life-support gear has to meet the applicable standard and the manufacturer's instructions, get inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers.

Rope wear is a good tell. If the sheave stops turning freely, the rope starts dragging over it and wears faster. Spin it by hand before you climb and clean or retire it if it sticks or wobbles.