Smooth Operator
(BluuGnome version of the Fiddlestick)
Basic Concept
Ok first things first. The Smooth Operator is a fun to use
retrievable anchor that that can be useful in a few situations. It has
proven reliable when used properly and with attention to detail. With that
said there are still risks associated with the use of the Smooth Operator. The
user accepts all risk and liability for use or misuse of the Smooth Operator.
Below are a couple of warnings / disclaimers. Please take the time to read
and understand these. After the warning and legal notice we can get to the
fun stuff..... using the Smooth Operator.
If you do not know how to use a Smooth Operator or or new
to it, do not use this page as your only source of information! Take
the time to read and fully understand the information contained on the
detailed how to use the Smooth Operator page. This page is simply here to
give you the big picture if you are wondering what the Smooth Operator does.
This page does not take the place of instructions.
Smooth Operator Caution / Warning
Using a Smooth Operator is an advanced technique. Before using a
Smooth Operator educate yourself on the proper use and possible
pitfalls. It is important to practice and gain an
understanding of the Smooth Operator in a safe setting BEFORE use in
the real world. As with
any anchoring system there is potential for failure where injury or
death may occur. The Smooth Operator is an advanced techniques
that has proven reliable if used properly but should be used with
attention to detail.
The only way to keep the Smooth Operator as safe as possible is to
continue to pay close attention to every aspect of the process, use
good judgment at all times and discontinue use if you, or anyone
with you, is not comfortable with the situation. Even with
constant attention and good judgment there is still risk associated
with use of the Smooth Operator. You assume all risk with the use
or misuse of the Smooth Operator.
The Smooth Operator is not designed for shock
loads. Avoid situations where the Smooth Operator can experience a
shock load from a fall. Do not ascend on a Smooth Operator.
General BluuGnome Gear - Warning / Legal Notice
***WARNING***
Canyoneering, climbing, mountaineering, rappelling and related
activities in any form are inherently dangerous. Engaging in
Canyoneering or related activities can damage gear, damage personal
property and can cause serious injury and/or death to you, and/or
others.
BluuGnome, BluuGnome.com, any person or entity associated
with BluuGnome in any way, its owners or heirs will be referred to
herein as BluuGnome. Any equipment, gear, products, or merchandise
associated with BluuGnome in any way will be referred to herein as
BluuGnome Gear.
By purchasing, using or misusing BluuGnome Gear you
agree to the following:
BluuGnome Gear must be used in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and only for the specified
purpose it was designed for. Prior to use you are responsible to
read and fully understand all information associated with BluuGnome
Gear; learn proper techniques and procedures for the activities you
are engaging in; get instruction on the safe and proper use of
BluuGnome Gear; know, respect, and accept the risks and limitations
of BluuGnome Gear; educate those associated with you during the use
of BluuGnome Gear.
By purchasing and/or using BluuGnome Gear, you
assume personal responsibility for any and all damages or injuries
of any kind, including death, resulting to you and/or others while
using or misusing BluuGnome Gear. You acknowledge and accept the
potential risks involved with the use or misuse of BluuGnome Gear.
You assume responsibility for any harm, loss, damage, property
damage, personal injuries, or death to you or others resulting from,
arising out of or in and way related to your use or misuse of
BluuGnome Gear.
You and your heirs further agree to hold harmless,
indemnify, protect and defend BluuGnome against any incident or
action involving or arising out of use or misuse of BluuGnome Gear.
You and your heirs hereby waive, release and discharge forever
BluuGnome from any and all liabilities, claims, demands or actions
whatsoever for any harm, loss, damage, property damage, personal
injuries or death to you or others due to use or misuse of BluuGnome
Gear.
Inspect BluuGnome Gear before each use and discontinue use if
it appears damaged in any way. Check hardware for cracks, fissures,
dents, loose parts, excessive wear and overall smooth operation.
Check sewn goods for abrasion, frayed stitching and overall
integrity. Destroy retired gear to prevent future use. Do not use
equipment with unknown history.
How to use a Smooth Operator (quick basic overview)
Note:
If you do not know how to use a Smooth Operator or are new to it, do not
use this page as your only source of information! Take the
time to read and fully understand the information contained on the
detailed how to use the Smooth Operator page. This page is simply
here to give you the big picture if you are wondering what the
Smooth Operator does. This page does not take the place of
instructions.
If you prefer a quick video overview, scroll to the bottom of this
page for an embedded YouTube video explaining the basic concept.
After you know the basic Smooth Operator concept, it will be easier
to relate to the finer points.
Here's a basic outline using
pictures and captions.......
Locate a suitable anchor and wrap the rappel rope around it.
Tie the stone knot and insert the Smooth Operator.
Connect the safety carabiners to both ends of the Smooth
Operator
Then clip each of them to one of the rope strands above the
knot.
The safety carabiners prevents the Smooth Operator from an accidental
pull for all but the last person.
Next attach the pull line to the Smooth Operator. The pull
line can be standard rope as shown or a smaller diameter pull
line.
Throw the rope over the drop.
Then all but the last person rappels down and deploys the pull line.
Note the pull line is attached to the person on rappel.
I
was not rappelling which is why I was not wearing a helmet.
Last person removes the both safety carabiners then rappels down.
The last person should not have to do anything with the pull
line.
The pull line should have already been set by those
who rappelled first.
Removing the safety carabiners makes it possible to pull the
Smooth Operator out from the bottom of the rappel so the last person
should be careful not to accidentally pull on the pull line
during rappel.
From the bottom of the rappel, use the pull line to pull the
Smooth Operator out of the stone knot.
The rappel rope is then pulled which un-ravels the stone knot
and allows the rappel rope to pull around the anchor as a single
strand with no knots left in it.
If you prefer a video for a quick overview of how the Smooth
Operator
works check out the video below.