Front	Rear

Side	Open for Rigging

		DO NOT CLIMB SOLO! Nothing can make solo climbing safe.

		If you are reading this then you do not have the necessary expertise.

Do not even think about learning anything about anything from an internet web site.

Technical Details

I acquired my Wren Industries Silent Partner from Mountain Tools in 1999.

My Silent Partner is 73 mm. long, 165 mm. wide, 70 mm. high, and weighs 430 g.

The Wren Industries Silent Partner consists of two stamped aluminum alloy side plates surrounding a roller with an integral centrifugal clutch. The plates are 3.1 mm. thick and are bent to meet at the top, where each has a 29.7 by 15.3 mm. attachment eye. The roller assembly is 44 mm. long with a 16.4 mm. central rib. The roller is 44.4 mm. in diameter at each side of the rope grooves, 42.mm at the center of the U-shaped grooves, and 59.3 mm. at the central rib. For details of the internal clutch, please refer to U.S. Patent 4,941,548. Each plate supports a 6.4mm pin at the bottom that acts to keep the rope ends separated.

My Silent Partner has "SILENT PARTNER" printed on one plate and a warning sticker (each different) attached to each plate.

Comments

This is the device for roped solo. The climber ties a clove hitch around the spool in a specific fashion, and then climbs. The rope feeds smoothly, but if the climber falls, a centrifugal clutch engages and keeps the spool from rotating. I was on a waiting list for two years before I got my Silent Partner, and since testing it I've given up on using anything else.

This device works very well, but one must thoroughly review the manual before using it. I mean the entire manual, not just the few excerpts available below. Don't forget backup knots!! Remember, one mistake and the life you lose will be your own.

The Silent Partner was developed by Mark Blanchard and was protected by U.S. Patent 4,941,548 in 1989. Rock Exotica made the initial Silent Partners, but production moved to Wren Industries in 1999, where it remained until 2008 when Wren discontinued their Silent Partner and Rock Exotica resumed production. At this time, the Silent Partner is no longer manufactured, but is readily available on eBay for insane amounts of money.

DO NOT CLIMB SOLO! Nothing can make solo climbing safe.