Negative & Balanced Rigging

Step by step

1. Step 1

   Identify whether the block can go above the piece. If not, you are rigging negative — plan for higher forces.

2. Step 2

   Cut smaller pieces. Negative rigging free-falls before the line comes tight.

3. Step 3

   Attach the line at or slightly above the piece's balance point so it hangs controlled, not swinging.

4. Step 4

   Add a tag line when the piece needs steering away from a target.

5. Step 5

   Reduce friction wraps so the piece can run and shed energy instead of snapping tight.

6. Step 6

   Reassess after each piece: line condition, sling position, stem movement.

Cautions

• Negative rigging is the most common cause of overloaded slings and blocks. Halve the piece size.
• Never rig negative off decayed wood or a compromised stem.
• Keep the climber's tie-in point independent of, and clear of, the rigging path.