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Belay Device

Definition of Climbing Equipment Word

By Stewart Green, About.com

A belay device is an essential piece of climbing equipment.

Stewart M. Green

Belay Device

A metal piece of climbing hardware, which is used in belaying as well as rappelling or sliding down the rope to reach the ground. The device allows the belaying climber to hold a fall by the active climber with the friction of the rope as it runs through the device. It’s an essential piece of gear that every climber must own and use. Sometimes called a BD.

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