Is there a way to rappel hands free?

Someone mentioned that they can rig a rappel hands free. Idt there is such things. How can one control rappel w/o using hand(s)?

B Uwrote:

Someone mentioned that they can rig a rappel hands free. Idt there is such things. How can one control rappel w/o using hand(s)?

Are you sure that they didn't mean you can rig a rappel so that you can go hands free for some necessary task? IOW, not meaning that you can rappel hands free?

The person is alone? If not, they can be lowered "hands free". 

Other than people without hands (like wounded vets), or those who have been injured and need to self rescue, it seems like Marc has the answer. 

Usually hands free rappelling is done rope free too

On a totally free-hanging rappel you could maaaaybe rig your third-hand hitch on a sling to your foot, and control it from there?

Marc801 Cwrote:

Are you sure that they didn't mean you can rig a rappel so that you can go hands free for some necessary task? IOW, not meaning that you can rappel hands free?

You're right. I might have misunderstood the person said it.

Hahaha, but it would be cool though if you control rappelling with your leg or something 

It’s definitely possible to rappel hands free. However, it will likely be your very last rappel.

There are many ways to go hands free to clean a piece of gear or for other reason. Or if someone is new to rappelling a person below can put them on a fireman’s and that would allow for hands free rappelling. The person below can control the entire rappel that way. 

Can't you go completely hands free with a rack descender? Obviously this thread is based on a misunderstanding, but pretty sure that can be rigged so you don't have to touch anything the entire way down. 

B Uwrote:

Someone mentioned that they can rig a rappel hands free. Idt there is such things. How can one control rappel w/o using hand(s)?

Use your pistol, not your AR. One hand on the brake side at all times.

Edge wrote:

The first time rappelling without my German instructor I went Hans free. 

Ouch! 

T Legowrote:

Can't you go completely hands free with a rack descender? Obviously this thread is based on a misunderstanding, but pretty sure that can be rigged so you don't have to touch anything the entire way down. 

Not really. Fewer bars up top and add more toward the bottom, but at no point are you not using your brake hand. Yes, if you have too many bars at the top of the rap you might need to feed rope, so technically that could be considered hands free, but it's really semantic nit-picking.