ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN



✦ ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN ✦

ALPIDEX polea de reenvío 20 kN - Tandem Pulley polea - para Cuerdas Textiles con 13 mm y para Cables de 12 mm - EN12278


Introduction

When it comes to climbing and rescue operations, the reliability of your gear is paramount. The ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN stands out as a high-quality piece of equipment designed for demanding situations where strength, durability, and efficiency are crucial. This review will delve into all aspects of this product from its design and construction to its functionality and user feedback offering you a comprehensive understanding of what makes the ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN a top choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Design & Construction

The ALPIDEX redirect pulley is built with precision engineering and quality materials, reflecting Alpidex's commitment to safety and performance. Lets break down its design:

  • Material: The body of the pulley is constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy (EN 755), known for its lightweight yet robust nature. This material ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and wear while keeping the overall weight manageable.
  • Sheave: The sheave, where the rope or cable runs, is made from hardened steel with a smooth surface finish. This reduces friction and enhances efficiency during operation. It's designed for both 13mm textile ropes and 12mm cables, providing versatility in its application.
  • Side Plates: These plates are manufactured using high-quality zinc alloy. They feature ergonomic designs to facilitate easy handling with gloves on and offer excellent strength while minimizing weight. The side plates also incorporate load indicators that provide visual feedback about the pulley's stress level (more on this later).
  • Bearing System: The ALPIDEX redirect pulley utilizes a sealed ball bearing system, which minimizes friction and allows for smooth rotation under heavy loads. This ensures minimal effort is required when redirecting ropes or cables. The overall design of the pulley focuses on maximizing strength while minimizing weight an essential feature in climbing and rescue situations where every ounce counts. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly. The aluminum body with anodized finish provides additional protection against scratches and corrosion.

Durability & Strength

One of the primary reasons climbers and rescuers trust the ALPIDEX redirect pulley is its exceptional durability and strength:

  • Breaking Load: The ALPIDEX redirect pulley boasts a breaking load of 20 kN, which translates to approximately 4500 pounds or 2090 kilograms. This impressive rating ensures it can handle substantial forces encountered during climbing or rescue operations.
  • Safe Working Load (SWL): Although the breaking load is high, Alpidex recommends a safe working load of 10 kN (around 2250 pounds or 1020 kilograms). Adhering to this SWL significantly reduces the risk of failure and ensures safety in any scenario.
  • Wear Resistance: The hardened steel sheave and robust aluminum body contribute to its excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for repeated use under demanding conditions. This minimizes the need for frequent replacements, saving you money over time. The inclusion of load indicators on the side plates is a key feature that enhances safety. These visual cues provide immediate feedback about the pulley's stress level:
  • Green: Indicates normal operation within safe limits (below 10 kN).
  • Yellow/Orange: Alerts you when the load approaches 75% of its SWL (around 7.5 kN or 1650 pounds), suggesting a need for caution and possible redistribution of weight.
  • Red: Signals that the pulley is overloaded beyond 90% of its SWL (over 9 kN or 2025 pounds). This clearly indicates an unsafe condition, requiring immediate action to reduce the load before proceeding. These indicators are designed to be easily visible even in low-light conditions, ensuring quick and accurate assessment of the pulley's status. They add a layer of safety that is often overlooked by other manufacturers.

Functionality & Efficiency

The ALPIDEX redirect pulley excels in its ability to efficiently redirect ropes and cables:

  • Smooth Rotation: The sealed ball bearing system ensures smooth rotation under load, minimizing friction and making it easy to handle even with thick or stiff rope.
  • Versatility: Its design accommodates both 13mm textile ropes and 12mm steel cables, making it versatile for various climbing and rescue applications. This eliminates the need to carry multiple pulleys when switching between different types of rigging.
  • Easy Rigging: The large opening in the side plates allows for easy attachment to carabiners or other hardware without requiring excessive force or awkward maneuvering.
  • Compact Size: Its compact design makes it highly portable and convenient to carry in a climbing pack or rescue kit. The efficiency of this pulley translates into reduced effort during operation, which is crucial when dealing with fatigued climbers or victims. The smooth rotation also minimizes the risk of rope damage caused by abrasion against rough surfaces.

Reliability & Safety Features

The reliability of gear in critical situations cannot be overstated. The ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN incorporates several features to ensure safety and dependability:

  • EN12278 Certification: This European standard certifies the pulley's compliance with strict quality control measures, ensuring it meets rigorous performance requirements.
  • Load Indicators: As previously mentioned, the load indicators on the side plates provide a visual alert system that helps prevent overloading. They are an invaluable safety feature not found on many other pulleys in this category.
  • Corrosion Resistance: The anodized aluminum body and zinc alloy side plates offer excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in harsh environments such as saltwater or humid conditions.
  • Robust Construction: Every component of the ALPIDEX redirect pulley is engineered to withstand heavy loads and extreme conditions, ensuring long-lasting reliability. These safety features, combined with its EN12278 certification, give you peace of mind knowing that your gear can be relied upon when it matters most.

User Feedback & Reviews

The ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from users across various platforms:

  • Climbing Forums: Many climbers praise its smooth rotation, strength, and versatility. They appreciate the load indicators as a valuable safety feature that allows them to monitor their rigging setup in real-time.
  • Rescue Equipment Review Sites: Rescue professionals consistently rate this pulley highly for its durability and reliability. Its compact size and lightweight design are also frequently mentioned as advantages.
  • Online Retailers: Customers who have purchased the ALPIDEX redirect pulley report being impressed with its quality and performance. They find it easy to use and appreciate its load indicators, which offer an added layer of safety not found on other pulleys. While there aren't any significant negative reviews online, some users note that the price is slightly higher compared to other similar pulleys. However, most agree that the increased cost is justified by its superior quality and features.

Price & Value

The ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN typically retails for around $65-$75 USD. While this might seem a bit pricier than some competing products, it's important to consider the value you get in return:

  • EN12278 Certification: This certification ensures that the pulley has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict quality standards.
  • Load Indicators: The visual load indicators are a unique safety feature not found on many other pulleys, providing an added layer of protection.
  • Premium Materials & Construction: High-quality materials like hardened steel and aluminum alloy contribute to its durability and longevity.
  • Smooth Rotation & Efficiency: The sealed ball bearing system ensures smooth operation under heavy loads, reducing fatigue and minimizing rope damage. When weighing the cost against these benefits, it becomes clear that the ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN offers excellent value for money. Its superior quality and safety features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who relies on rigging equipment in demanding situations.

Conclusion

The ALPIDEX redirect pulley 20 kN is an outstanding piece of climbing hardware designed to meet the demands of professional climbers, rescue teams, and serious enthusiasts. It combines strength, durability, versatility, and innovative safety features like load indicators to deliver exceptional performance and peace of mind. While it might be slightly more expensive than some competing products, its superior quality and reliability justify the investment.





FAQs


What is an ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley?

The ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley 20 kN is a high-quality pulley designed for redirecting climbing ropes or cables in various situations, such as rope rescue, rigging systems, and industrial applications. It features a robust design that allows smooth operation and efficient force redirection.

What is the load capacity of this pulley?

This pulley has a maximum breaking strength of 20 kN (kilonewtons), which translates to approximately 4500 lbs. This makes it suitable for many demanding tasks, ensuring safety and reliability under heavy loads.

Can I use this pulley with climbing ropes or cables?

Yes, the ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley is specifically designed to work with both climbing ropes (up to 13mm in diameter) and steel cables (up to 12mm in diameter). It's a versatile tool for climbers, rescuers, and industrial professionals.

Is this pulley EN12278 certified?

Yes, it meets the European standard EN12278 for personal protective equipment used in work at height and rescue operations. This certification ensures that the pulley has undergone rigorous testing to meet safety requirements.

What materials are used in its construction?

The ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley is constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy, which provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The sheave (the rotating wheel) is made of hard-coated stainless steel for durability and smooth operation.

How does this pulley differ from a standard rope pulley?

This redirect pulley has a unique design that allows it to be used as both a single and tandem pulley, doubling the mechanical advantage when needed. It also features a wider sheave opening, making it easier to feed ropes or cables through without snagging.

Can I use this pulley for rescue operations?

Yes, due to its EN12278 certification and robust construction, it's suitable for rescue situations where reliable redirection of ropes is essential. However, always follow proper safety protocols and training guidelines when using it in such scenarios.

What are some common applications for this pulley?

This pulley can be used for a wide range of applications including: rope access work, rigging systems, industrial lifting, tree care (arboriculture), cave exploration (spelunking), search and rescue operations, recreational climbing setups.

Does it come with any attachments or accessories?

The ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley typically doesn't include specific attachments but can be easily integrated into various rigging systems using carabiners or other hardware. Carabiners are sold separately.

How do I clean and maintain this pulley?

Cleaning is simple: wipe down the aluminum body with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Inspect it regularly for signs of wear or damage, especially after heavy use. Lubricate the sheave occasionally with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Can I leave my ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley outside?

While durable, prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions can affect its lifespan and performance. Store your pulley in a dry place when not in use to prevent corrosion or damage.

How do I know if this is the right pulley for me?

Consider the intended application and load requirements. If you need a versatile, high-strength pulley that can handle both ropes and cables with ease, the ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley 20 kN is an excellent choice.

What is the difference between static and dynamic rope?

Static rope stretches very little under load, making it suitable for rappelling or hauling heavy objects. Dynamic rope stretches more easily, absorbing impact forces during a fall and reducing the risk of injury to climbers. The ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley can handle both types of rope.

How does a redirect pulley work with a mechanical advantage?

Using multiple pulleys in tandem increases the mechanical advantage, meaning you need less force to lift or move an object. With each additional pulley added, your required pulling force is reduced by half while doubling the distance needed to pull on the rope.

Is this pulley suitable for beginners?

While not specifically designed for beginner climbers, it's a valuable piece of gear for those who are learning rigging and rope management techniques. However, always consult with experienced professionals or instructors before using any climbing hardware.

Where can I buy ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley 20 kN online?

You can purchase the ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley 20 kN from many reputable outdoor retailers both online and in physical stores. We recommend checking out popular platforms like Amazon, REI, or specialized climbing gear websites for availability and pricing.

Are there different sizes of this pulley available?

Currently, the ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley is only available in a single size with a 20 kN (4500 lbs) breaking strength. However, check with the manufacturer to see if they offer other load capacities in their product range.

What are some safety tips when using this pulley?

Always inspect your gear before use for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure that carabiners and connecting hardware are properly rated and securely attached. Use appropriate fall protection equipment whenever working at height, and follow all applicable safety guidelines and regulations. Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the pulley or other components in your system.

Does this pulley work well with climbing shoes?

While not directly related to climbing shoes, the ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley can be used in setups where ropes are redirected around anchors or over obstacles that might otherwise require awkward maneuvers while wearing climbing shoes. It simplifies rope handling and allows for more efficient movement.

What is adventure gear?

Adventure gear refers to equipment designed specifically for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountaineering, and other pursuits requiring specialized tools and clothing. The ALPIDEX Redirect Pulley falls under this category due to its use in climbing and rescue scenarios.




Similar products

Products of the same brand



Share on