What is a common method to protect a rope when passing over a ledge or edge?

• A. Use edge protection like a pad or a protective sleeve and maintain a low-friction path.
• B. Directly pass rope over edge without protection.
• C. Wrap rope around rock to reduce friction.
• D. Use duct tape to cover edge.

Answer: (D)

Protecting the rope at edges is critical to prevent abrasion and potential failure. The best approach is to place edge protection—such as a pad, a protective sleeve, or a dedicated rope protector—at the edge and route the rope along a smooth, low-friction path. This setup spreads the load across a wider area, minimizes direct contact with sharp or jagged surfaces, and reduces wear and heat buildup during movement or belaying. It also helps keep the rope from snagging or catching on edge irregularities. Using duct tape as edge protection isn’t reliable or tested for dynamic loading and can peel away or fail under load. Passing the rope directly over the edge or wrapping it around rock increases wear and unpredictability in friction, making protection essential.