DMM Retrieval Cone

The DMM retrieval cone is a small tapered piece that sits on the line ahead of your hardware so it can slide through a narrow union instead of catching on bark or forks. It is a cheap add-on that makes ring savers and retrievable anchors come down more reliably.

Why a cone helps

Rings and connectors have flat faces that like to snag on bark ridges and tight crotches as they are pulled back over a union. A cone presents a smooth taper instead, so the hardware rolls up and over instead of hooking. The difference shows most in rough-barked species and in narrow V-shaped unions.

Set the cone so the taper leads the hardware in the direction it will travel on retrieval. Practice the retrieval on a low limb before you rely on it in a tall tree, and keep a throw line handy as a backup plan.

Climbers who use retrievable anchors for single-rope work tend to get the most from a cone, because a stuck anchor means a second climb or a long fight with the throw line. It is also handy for crews that climb conifers with rough bark and lots of small branch stubs around the union.

Care

The cone is not part of the load path, but it shares space with life-support gear, so look it over during your daily inspection. Replace it if it cracks or the bore wears enough to slide out of position.

Pair it with a ring-and-ring saver or retrievable anchor from our friction savers section.