MORE IS POSSIBLE ~ Introducing the 13 mm CMC CLUTCH™ BY HARKEN INDUSTRIAL™

Written By: Lance Piatt

CMC CLUTCH by Harken Industrial is the latest evolution in rescue and rope access hardware. The CLUTCH is patented and made in the USA by CMC and Harken Industrial in a partnership that combines over 90 years of experience in rescue and rope management. Suited to a multitude of rigging operations, the CLUTCH moves seamlessly between anchor-based systems and personal use. It offers unparalleled versatility for the rope technician through efficient hauling, controlled lowering, easy ascending, smooth descending, bellying, and twin tensioning.

The heart of the CLUTCH is a stainless steel ratcheting and rotating sheave. The sheave has three key benefits. First, it delivers highly efficient progress capture for easy hauling and ascending, making the CLUTCH more efficient than a traditional cam-style descender. Second, the clicking sound provides an audible safety check that confirms the rope is feeding properly and progress is being made. Third, the rope takes an intuitive path around the sheave, making the CLUTCH easy to reeve.

A double latched side plate creates a two-step opening process. This safety feature prevents the side plate from opening unintentionally. The independent attachment point allows the CLUTCH to be loaded and unloaded without unclipping it from the carabiner. The user is able to perform quick transitions with less risk of dropping the device. The CLUTCH has an ergonomic control handle that is comfortable and easy-to-use with light and heavy loads.

The CLUTCH also has a built-in force limiting feature that allows it to safely and reliably slip in overrode situations. When arresting a fall, the CLUTCH limits the dynamic impact load to dissipate energy. Another strength of the CLUTCH is it’s all metal components. The machined aluminum chassis and stainless steel wear guards deliver lightweight durability that lasts longer than plastic parts. The versatility of the CLUTCH is further increased with the integrated becket, which allows direct connection of pulleys for building mechanical advantage systems.

Transitioning to a "twin tension rope system"?

The compactness of the CLUTCH and orientation of the handle also makes it ideal for twin tensioned rope systems. When two CLUTCH devices are brought together and the double CLUTCH TTRS, users can maintain nearly equal tension on both lines so that the load is shared across two rope systems. The gray CLUTCH is designed for rope diameters of 10 and a half to 11 millimeters and is certified to NFPA General Use, ANSI, and EN standards.

The red CLUTCH is designed for rope diameters of 12 and a half to 13 millimeters and it’s certified to NFPA General Use and ANSI. Both models are rated to a maximum load of 272 kilograms or 600 pounds, with a 40-kilonewton pulley and a 22 kilonewton integrated becket. The CLUTCH simplifies training and operation because it has the functionality and safety features of multiple devices in one. The thoughtful design and materials create a compact device that can accompany users into remote settings and extreme environments.

Transitioning to a "twin tension rope system"?

Peace on your Days

Lance

About The Author:

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.