PETZL MAESTRO features

Written By: Lance Piatt

The MAESTRO combines the abilities of a progress-capture pulley and a descender for effective hauling, releasing and lowering of the load. The AUTO-LOCK system locks the load automatically and returns the handle to the stop position.

Let’s start with a Petzl Maestro Overview!

1. Working principle

The MAESTRO uses a pulley mounted on a ratcheting wheel, which allows the rope to run in one direction and lock in the other direction. In the rotation direction the pulley enables rapid rope glide.

In the other direction, the rope locks by being pinched between the moving brake plate and the fixed brake plate.

The rope can run in the hauling direction, even when the moving brake plate is in the lock position: hauling is always possible, even when the rope is locked, without having to operate the handle.
The handle enables the lock to be released so that the rope can run. The brake-side rope must be held when operating the handle, to ensure proper control of the descent.
The AUTO-LOCK system locks the load automatically and returns the handle to the stop position.

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2. Varying friction to control the descent

Normal friction: every descent must begin with the rope running over the external brake.

Direct the rope so that it always stays in place inside the brake. Beware of twists or loops of rope that could cause the rope to come out of the brake.

Minimum friction: during the descent, if there is too much friction, (swollen or dirty rope, light load…), the rope can be removed from the external brake.

In all cases, the brake-side rope must be held during the descent.

WARNING: the movement of the handle releases the lock; the more the handle is pulled, the more the moving brake plate disengages to let the rope run. If the handle is pulled too far, the moving brake plate will no longer brake the rope.

Warning: any excessive pulling on the handle can cause a loss of control.

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3. Hauling efficiency

The large diameter sheave mounted on ball bearings offers great efficiency at the head of a haul system or in a counterbalance situation.

The lock is released automatically when the rope runs in the hauling direction, with no need for any specific manipulation by the user.

For setting up complex pulley systems, the MAESTRO has an auxiliary attachment hole.

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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.