Illinois Rope Operations Practice Test

Switching from hauling to lowering requires a hitch that can release the load from the haul line in a controlled way so the load can be carried by the lowering line. The Load Releasing Hitch is designed for this exact task: it grips the load on the hauling line under tension but includes a release action that frees the load to be taken by the lowering line, enabling a safe, controlled descent.

A tension hitch, by contrast, is meant to hold tension on the hauling line and isn’t built to release the load for a system change. The Z-Hitch is a friction hitch used for short holds and isn’t designed to provide a reliable, deliberate release path during a changeover. The Purcell hitch is a friction hitch used in lowering setups, but it doesn’t offer the same clear, controlled release feature as the Load Releasing Hitch, making the latter the better choice for switching from haul to lowering.