Belay Devices & Descenders
Belay devices are used to control a rope during belaying, it does this by applying friction to the rope which holes the climber. If the climber falls, the belay device acts as a friction brake, slowing the climber down before locking. At many times, the safety of the climber is in the belayers hands, therefore the belay device is designed to keep the climber safe by allowing the belayer to handle a much heavier climber with minimal physical effort. The belay device is attached to the harness of the belayer with a carabiner, and comes in many types and designs.
