Fitch Saver Mid-Line Attachable Redirect

The Fitch Saver is a mid-line attachable redirect, meaning you can put it on your climbing line anywhere along its length without feeding a rope end through it. That makes it handy for setting a redirect or protecting a union while you are already working in the crown.

Using a mid-line redirect

A redirect changes the angle of your climbing line so you can reach the end of a long limb or work the far side of a crown without swinging. Normally that means a sling and carabiner, or feeding a rope end through hardware. A mid-line attachable unit skips that step, so you can set it from where you are and keep working.

Choose a sound limb that can take the force of a redirect, which can be higher than your body weight on a steep angle. Keep the redirect close enough to the main anchor that a slip does not produce a big swing.

Mid-line attachment also helps when your rope is already tied off at the base or rigged through other hardware. Instead of untying and re-threading, you add the redirect where you are, use it, and take it off on the way back. That saves time on big spreading crowns where you might set two or three redirects in one climb.

Before you climb on it

Read the manufacturer's instructions for rope diameter, loading direction and the systems it is rated for. This is life-support gear. Use it only within the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133 practice, inspect it before every climb, and retire it when in doubt. Practice clipping and unclipping on the ground before you use it aloft.

For other ways to protect the tie-in point, see our friction savers.