Spacer – Spring 3/8″ x 1 1/2″

A spring is an optional type of spacer whereby two matched springs are placed between the top bar and the second bar.  The spring provides for a cushioned and somewhat adjustable space between those bars which dinimishes as the load increases and as the spring compresses.  This in turn allows for greater friction and increased stopping power.  Spring spacers typcially require a very long rack (>24″) to work properly.

This spring is 3/8″ x 1 1/2″.

Spacers are advanced ancillary components that typically spread or position the top and second bar on a brake bar rack. Since the top bars of a rack tend to overheat (possibly melting a rappeller’s rope) spacers spread out and reduce the rope-to-bar contact – keeping them cooler.

CAUTION – Achieving cooler bars is an immediate concern to the user in that the upper bars are no longer providing the friction a rappeller needs. Great caution should be used when spreading out the upper bars as it forces the user to use more bars to achieve the needed friction necessary to control the rappel. A safe rappeller often uses 6 swing bars below the last spacer for control.

Spacers are available in chrome – ¼”, 3/8”, ½” and ¾” and galvanized steel (see item SP-X-GS) in 3/8”, ½”, ¾” and 1”.

NOTE: Spacers without set screws need to be on the long leg of the rack and captured with a set screw spacer on the short leg. Spacers 3/8″ and 1/4″ will fit over the nose of the rack, as will the 7/16″ spacer with set screws.