Shunt Back-up Rope Clamp

Comments about Petzl Shunt Back-up Rope Clamp:

This is the best self-belay device in my opinion.
I have used my Shunt for about 10 years now.
I use my Shunt as a self-belay device so I can free both my hands when I clean lichen, moss, dirt out of the cracks when I set-up new routes.

At several occasions, the Shunt has saved my life.

One warning, the screws loosen up with extensive use.
Inspect regularly (every time you use it).

Another warning like for any self-belay device, I would rather recommend using a self-locking carabiner. The screw gates locking carabiners can unscrew due to rubbing on the harness belay loop. This not a design problem, rather a proper use warning.

Like the manufacturer says: Most safe when used with a Descender (read an ATC, Figure 8 Descender, other...).

Comments about Petzl Shunt Back-up Rope Clamp:

I have had the Shunt for many years. Got it just after it first came out as a gift and I love it. I use it for a back up on repeals and it works great for double rope work. I have seen that it can be used for self belays, but have never used it for this and would think that it would drag the rope up with you. The only drawbacks are that it can easily great mud or dirt in it and is not as easy as I would like to clean and that it is not as quick to attach to the rope as other ascenders are. It is though rugged and does not have the teeth that other Petzl ascenders do.