CMI Micro Rescue Pulley

The CMI micro rescue pulley is a compact pulley that earns a spot on a lot of climbing saddles. It tends a friction hitch, builds small mechanical advantage systems and goes into a rescue kit without adding much weight.

Where it earns its keep

A micro pulley is one of the most useful bits of hardware on a saddle. Under a friction hitch it lets you pull slack through with one hand. On the ground it turns a rigging line into a simple 3:1 for tensioning or pulling a leaner. In a rescue kit it helps build a lowering or raising system in a hurry.

Because it is small, a micro pulley is easy to carry as a spare. Many climbers keep one on the saddle for the hitch and a second in a rescue kit or rigging bag, so a mechanical advantage system is always within reach when a piece hangs up or a climber needs help.

Retire it if the sheave wobbles, the bushing is worn or the side plates are bent.

Using it safely

Confirm the pulley suits your rope diameter, use locking connectors, and follow CMI's instructions for loading. Keep the sheave clean of sap and grit and check that it spins freely. See more options in our micro pulleys section.

Anything you hang your life on must meet the applicable standard, be used per the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133, and be inspected before every climb by a trained user.

Before you buy, check that the pulley fits your connectors and rope. A sheave that is too narrow can bind, and a connector that does not sit right can cross-load.