8/14/2019 B52inst

1/2

I N S T R U C T I O N S

B e c a u s e I t s B o m b e r

T h e Tr a n g o B - 5 2 i s t h e f i r s t b e l a y d e v i c e w h i c h

w a s d e s i g n e d f r o m a t o t a l p e r f o r m a n c e p o i n t - o f -

v ie w. I n de ve l op i ng t he B -5 2 w e d i d n ' t s t o p

d e s i g n i n g w h e n w e g o t a d e v i c e t h a t h a d g r e a t

s t o p p in g p ow e r. T h a t pa r t w a s e a s y. F r o m t h e r e we

w e n t o n t o t w e a k i t s o i t h a s a n a l m o s t f r i c t i o n -

l e s s a n d j a m - f r e e f e e d a n d s u p e r b m o d u l a t i o n s o

t h a t i t r a p p e l s a s s m o o t h l y a s a l a rg e F i g u r e - 8

( w i t h o u t t w i s t i n g t h e r o p e) . I n a d di t i o n th e B - 52

i s a n " a u t o b l o c k " d ev i c e t h a t w i l l l o c k t h e r o p e

a u t o m a t i c a l l y w h e n t h e l e a d e r i s b r i n g i n g u p a

c li mb er f ro m b el ow. A nd in a p i nc h, t h e B - 52

c a n

b e u s e d a s a n e m e rg e n c y a s c e n d e r.

Please read this carefully before use. It contains all the necessarynformation you need to correctly use the B-52 belay/rappel device

for mountaineering and climbing. Incorrect use or improper mainte-nance can lead to serious accidents or death! It is therefore necessaryo receive adequate training (knowledge of techniques and of security

measures) before using this device. Practice these techniques in a safeand risk free location before using your B-52 in the field. These arenot belaying or rapelling instructions. Thorough knowledge of theseechniques is required before using the B-52.

USE ONLY THE TECHNIQUES ILLUSTRATEDAny other uses are potentially dangerous. The user is responsible for therisks to which he exposes himself. If you cannot accept this responsibility,do not use the B-52. The manufacturer and resellers of the B-52decline any and all responsibility for any damage or other type of negativeconsequence that may occur due to the use of this article.

METHODS OF USE (SEE ILLUSTRATIONS ON BACK)Be careful; the amount of braking power which the B-52 can develop isdirectly related to the diameter and the type of rope, (UIAA and UIAA inconformity with UNI EN 892) used. If you use new, thin or very smooth-run-ning ropes, practice the techniques described here in a safe and risk freeocation before using the the B-52 in the field. When descending, always

use a backup knot (prusik), especially if there are objective dangers present.Make sure the prusik knot does not jam up against the B-52 (fig.4), or itmay not lock up when needed. ATTENTION: never let go of the rope withyour brake hand. You and your partners safety depend on you. It is impor-ant to always tie a blocking knot in the free end of the rope to eliminate the

risk of rappelling off the end of the rope. Rappel smoothly and in control soas to avoid excessive heat which will cause rapid wear of the B-52 itself and could damage your rope.

IMPORTANTAlways use locking carabiners (locked) to attach the B-52 to your har-ness. Only use equipment suitable for mountaineering and rescue which iscompatible with the applicable European (CE) directives. The cable attached

to the B-52 is for carrying convenience only. Do not use it in any load-bearing capacity.

MAINTENANCEReplace the B-52 if it shows any sign of corrosion. Clean the B-52 with

fresh water and dry with a non abrasive cloth.STORAGEStore the B-52 in a cool, dry place, and keep away from heat sources andcorrosive substances.

LONGEVITYIt is impossible to predict the life of any piece of climbing or rescue equip-ment. Useful life depends on many factors. Inspect your B-52 for anysigns of wear before each use and replace it if necessary.

CONTACTIf you have any questions or require any additional information please con-tact Trango: 800.860.3653 -or- www.trango.com

This product is designed for climbing andmountaineering only.

Climbing, and any other activity for whichthis product may be used, is inherentlydangerous.

It is the user's responsibility to under-stand and follow all instructions for prop-er use.

W A R N I N G

www.trango.com800.860.3653

8/14/2019 B52inst

2/2

PRUSIK KNOT

PRUSIK KNOT

Fig. 1Rig the B-52 as you would any

tube-style device. The brake ropemust pass over the side with theTrango logo.

Attach the B-52 only to thebelay point of your harnessusing a locking carabiner, asdescribed by your harness man-ufacturers instructions.

Feed rope or take it in asrequired by the climber.

Be sure to keep your brake handon the rope.

Fig. 2To catch a fall, move your brakehand back to lock off the ropes.

The fall will be stopped quicklybut dynamically. In a hard or long fall the B-52 will providea dynamic catch and some ropemay run through the devicebefore the falling climber isstopped.

Wear leather gloves to preventrope burn.

Practice catching falls with asecure back up before attempt-ing these skills in the field.

Fig. 4Be sure to prevent the prussic knotfrom coming in contact with theB-52, or it will jam.

Extend the B-52 from your harness using a runner.

-OR-

Attach the prussik to the leg loopof your harness.

Fig. 5Belaying the second climber:

It is much easier to belay thesecond if the rope to the secondis directed through an overheadprotection point.

When lowering the climber,always keep both hands on therope.

INSTRUCTIONS1

2

3

B e l a y i n g t h e L e a d e r

R a p p e l l i n g

B e l a y i n g t h e S e c o n d

A u t o b l o c k ( F o r E x p e r t s O n l y )

4

5

Fig. 6The B-52 can be used as an autoblockto belay one or two seconds.

Clip the B-52 into the anchors using alocking carabiner clipped through one of therope slots.

The B-52 should be clipped throught thesame slot as the rope is passed through.Fig.6b

Do not hang the B-52 by the keeper cablewhen using it in the autoblock mode. Thiscable is for carrying convenience only and isnot designed to safely hold a climber.

The rope passing over the top should lead

directly to the climber.The fall will automatically be stopped by thebottom rope being pinched by the top rope.Fig. 6a

A hanging climber can be lowered but this isan advanced skill that must be practicedbefore use in the field.

6

6 a 6 b 6 c

Fig. 3The B-52 can be used as asmoothing running rappel device.

The brake ropes must pass over the side with the Trango logo.

Use a prussik knot to back upand control the descent.

Tie a back up knot in the bottomof the rope to prevent rapellingoff the end.