CMC Clutch + CAPTO System

CMC CLUTCH
More is Possible

Introducing the all-new CLUTCH, the latest evolution in rescue and rope access hardware that enables the technical rope professional to do more with less. This multi-purpose device was designed and engineered in collaboration by two companies with a collective 90 year history in rope management under heavy loads: CMC, a company with roots in rescue and rope access, and Harken Industrial, a manufacturing company with roots in high performance sailing.

Suited to a multitude of rigging operations, the CLUTCH delivers efficient operation, ease of use, and optimal control. It moves seamlessly between anchor-based systems and personal use, offering unmatched versatility for the rope technician. With the CLUTCH, more is possible.

Features:

• Single wearable tool for efficient hauling, controlled lowering, smooth personal descent, easy ascending, belaying, and Twin Tension Rope Systems.
• Delivers up to 38% higher efficiency in hauling and ascending than a cam-style device: reducing changeovers.
• Moves seamlessly between anchor-based systems and personal use, doing the job of multiple pieces of equipment.
• Combines the key features of load management devices and personal descenders: reducing equipment training and cost.
• Instantly transitions between hauling and lowering or ascent and descent without having to transfer the load.
• Allows main and belay lines to be twin-tensioned in mirrored or nested configurations (Double CLUTCH Technique).
• Replaces 8 pieces of traditional equipment: pulley, rescue rack, anchor plate, load release strap, prusik cord, and 3 carabiners.
• 11 mm CLUTCH and CMC G11™ build NFPA G-Rated systems using 11mm rope, saving space and reducing weight.
• 11 mm CLUTCH is compatible with 10.5 – 11 mm rope and certified to NFPA General Use, ANSI, and EN standards.
• 13 mm CLUTCH is compatible with 12.5 – 13 mm rope and certified to NFPA General Use and ANSI standards.
• Patented. Made in the USA.

Components:

• Stainless steel ratcheting and rotating sheave provides efficient and audible auto-locking progress capture.
• Rope loading/unloading is secured with an innovative double-latched side plate that is independent of the device‘s attachment point.
• Anti-Panic brake and force limiting features ensure operational safety and overload protection.
• Machined aluminum chassis clad with stainless steel wear guards ensures light weight and durability.
• Integrated becket allows for the direct connection of mechanical advantage components.
• Control handle has large sweet spot for smooth, progressive lowering and descent control.
• Included screw can be installed in the side plate to create closed rope systems for rapid deployment.

Certifications:

• 11 mm Gray CLUTCH:
  • NFPA
    • GENERAL USE (G) MBS 40kN (8,992 Ibf) PULLEY
    • GENERAL USE (G), DESCENT CONTROL, ø 10.5 – 11 mm
    • GENERAL USE (G), BELAY DEVICE, ø 10.5 – 11 mm
  • ANSI/ASSE
    • Z359.4-2013
  • CE
    • EN 12841: 2006/C
    • EN 341: 2011/2A
    • EN 15151-1: 2012/8
• 13 mm Red CLUTCH:
  • NFPA
    • GENERAL USE (G) MBS 40kN (8,992 Ibf) PULLEY
    • GENERAL USE (G), DESCENT CONTROL, ø 12.5 – 13 mm
    • GENERAL USE (G), BELAY DEVICE, ø 12.5 – 13 mm
  • ANSI/ASSE
    • Z359.4-2013

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

CMC CAPTO
Gain the Advantage

CAPTO is an intuitive device that combines a multi-functional rope grab, high-efficiency pulley, and integrated becket for easy hauling and ascending. Built around an innovative V-groove Cam, CAPTO is designed to handle rescue loads while providing force-limiting overload protection. CAPTO is available in gray for 10.5-11 mm (7/16 in) rope and red for 12.5-13 mm (1/2 in) rope. Both models are certified to NFPA General Use and the 11 mm CAPTO is also certified to EN 12841:2006/B (200 kg – two-person rescue load rating), EN 567:2013, and EN 12278:2007 (36 kN).

Compact, versatile, and easy to use, CAPTO is well-suited to a multitude of technical applications in personal and team-based systems for rescue and rope access. It replaces multiple devices in one, streamlining training and operations. Through its combination of features and built-in force-limiting capabilities, CAPTO provides technicians with a greater degree of safety and efficiency for hauling and ascending.

More about CAPTO

CAPTO installs quickly and easily on tensioned and un-tensioned lines, and is designed to be used one-handed. The double-action side plate protects against accidental opening and moves the cam out of the rope path to facilitate rigging. Both the rope grab and pulley are immediately accessible, making it possible to build a 3:1 haul system in a single motion without using knots, hitches, or additional equipment. Compared to a traditional 3:1 involving a G-Rated rope grab, pulley, and carabiner; CAPTO is faster to install, lighter weight, and half the length. Its compact size maximizes the haul field and reduces the number of resets. Adding more mechanical advantage is simple and straightforward. CAPTO smoothly progresses from a 3:1 to a 5:1, and works well in combination with piggy back systems and additional CAPTOs.

CAPTO components are adequately spaced to prevent ropes from rubbing against each other. The pulley is highly efficient (91% raising efficiency with 11mm rope) and made for long-lasting durability. The becket is integrated directly into the pulley to promote clean rigging and efficient hauling and ascending. As an independent attachment point, the becket is ideal for attaching mechanical advantage components, lanyards, foot loops, and retention systems to prevent dropping the device. CAPTO also has a hollow cam axle (3.9 mm diameter) for installing an accessory loop to support remote resets and device stowage. CMC offers a CAPTO Soft Shackle accessory that is strong, durable, and specifically sized for this purpose (sold separately).

A key feature of the CAPTO is its force-limiting V-groove Cam. The V-Groove Cam is designed to safely dissipate energy in overload situations to protect the rope system. When a load-limiting event occurs, the V-groove Cam will reliably slip to alert the haul team of an issue. Upon inspection and identification of the cause, operations should be able to resume if deemed appropriate. The V-groove Cam is also gentle on rope, making it ideal for hauling heavy loads, taking up slack, or repeatedly ascending and downclimbing. The V-groove Cam can be held open by pushing on the thumb grip, making it easy to collapse haul systems and adjust position. It runs along the rope with minimal friction, allowing CAPTO to travel down towards the load in vertical environments. Watch the Meet the CAPTO video for more information.

Features:

• Combines a rope grab, pulley, and becket in a compact device for hauling & ascending.
• Incorporates a force-limiting V-groove Cam designed to provide overload protection.
• Installs quickly on tensioned and un-tensioned lines, no need for knots or hitches.
• Opens one-handed and gives simultaneous access to components for rapid rigging.
• Builds efficient M/A systems and smoothly progresses from a 3:1 to a 5:1 M/A.
• Releases and resets easily, even after high loading, making it ideal for rescues.
• Travels down rope in vertical systems, resetting and maximizing the haul field.
• Allows installation of an accessory loop for remote resets and device stowage.
• Provides an integrated becket for M/A components, lanyards, and foot loops.
• Works well in combination with piggy back systems and additional CAPTOs.
• Replaces multiple devices in one, streamlining training and operations.
• Patented. Made in the USA.

Components:

• Multi-functional rope grab with a force-limiting V-groove Cam
• High-efficiency, 44.5 mm (1.75 in) diameter sheave pulley
• Integrated becket independent from rope loading / unloading
• Moving sideplate with double-action release button
• Hollow cam axle for accessory loop installation (3.9 mm diameter)
• Ridged Cam Grip for one-handed device positioning

Certifications:

• CAPTO 11 mm Gray:
  • NFPA
    • GENERAL USE (G), ROPE GRAB, Ø 10.5-11 MM
    • GENERAL USE (G), MBS 36 KN (8,093 LBF) PULLEY*, Ø 13 MM MAX
  • CE
    • EN 12841:2006/B; 200 KG, Ø 10.5-11 MM
    • EN 567:2013; Ø 10.5-11 MM
    • EN 12278:2007; 36 KN (18+18)*, Ø 13 MM MAX
• CAPTO 13 mm Red:
  • NFPA
    • GENERAL USE (G), ROPE GRAB, Ø 12.5-13 MM
    • GENERAL USE (G), MBS 36 KN (8,093 LBF) PULLEY*, Ø 13 MM MA

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 

 

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A technical rope rescue technician is a professional skilled in advanced techniques essential for emergency rope rescue operations in challenging environments. Their expertise encompasses a range of specialized courses including ‘Elements of Rigging,’ ‘Pickoffs,’ ‘Knot Craft,’ ‘Mainline Rescue Systems,’ ‘Mechanical Advantage Theory,’ ‘Equipment,’ ‘Anchors and Anchor Systems,’ and ‘Litter Operation.’ Along with a commitment to ongoing training, these technicians excel in critical thinking and adaptability, ensuring safety in dynamic situations. Their role is characterized by physical fitness, effective team collaboration, equipment proficiency, adherence to strict safety standards, and certification, all crucial for managing risks in high-risk environments.