Tying a Releasable Rappel With the Munter Mule

2022-07-05

In order to use the Scouterhorn for rappelling, you must tie a releasable rappel. In case the rappeller gets stuck coming down, we prefer to lower them in a controlled manner than cut the rope. This page describes how to set up that knot. For step-by-step images of tying the Munter and the Mule, a good source is Animated Knots. Notice, however, the ending knot is a half-hitch. We use an overhand knot so the bight is parallel to the rappel rope, not perpendicular.

Note: this page is a work in progress. Look for announcements of new images (e.g., when we have installed the new ropes).

	A	B	C
1	The position of the rappel rope (black) and climbing rope (neon green). The end of the rope the climber (and rappeller) will use should be closest to the tower. The rappel rope goes through two rappel rings. The climbing rope goes through the rapid link. 07/05/2022 04:08 PM 0.22MB	The Munter hitch. A loop of webbing is wrapped twice around the jack housing. A steel locking carabiner is clipped into both loops of the webbing. The end of the rope from the top of the tower is passed back-to-front through the carabiner, and down. With your right hand, palm away and thumb down, grasp the rope that is ABOVE the carabiner. Rotate your hand to form an overhand bight and pass that byte into the carabiner. The photo was taken when the brake end of the rope was put parallel to the end going up to the rappel rings. 07/05/2022 04:02 PM 0.32MB	The Munter hitch (closest to the carabiner) and the Mule (slip knot above the Munter). 07/05/2022 04:08 PM 0.24MB
2	The Mule tied off with an overhand knot and clipped to the rappel rope with a carabiner. 07/05/2022 04:09 PM 0.29MB