While doing Munter hitch belaying, what should never be removed from the rope?

• A. The anchor point
• B. The belay device
• C. The rope
• D. Your brake hand

Answer: (D)

In Munter hitch belaying, your brake hand is what keeps the rope under control. The belayer uses the brake hand to pinch and slow or stop the rope as it moves through the belay device, so the climber’s weight can be arrested if they fall. If you take your brake hand off the rope, there’s nothing to hold the rope back, and it can slip freely through the device, leading to a rapid, uncontrolled descent. The anchor point, the belay device, and the rope all stay in place, but the critical safety action is keeping continuous contact with the rope with your brake hand. You can still feed rope with your other hand, but never release the brake hand from the rope.