The fifi hook is a small question mark shaped piece of equipment used principally in aid climbing, to quickly connect a climber to gear to take their weight. It can also be useful for free climbing, alpinism, mixed climbing and ice climbing.
Typically made of stamped steel or forged alloy, it has a large hole at the bottom for connecting to one's harness and a smaller hole at the top for attaching a retrieval cord in case of a fall.
Due to its open shape, it offers very little strength and requires a great deal of caution when used. If a fifi hook is being used as main rest support, using a backup carabiner is recommended.
See also
References
Kublak, Thomas (2014). Mountaineering Methodology - Part 2 - Gear and Accessories. Tomas Kublak - MMPublishing. pp. 146–147. ISBN 9788087715130. Retrieved 22 September 2017. 9788087715130 ↩
Van Leuven, Chris; Roberston, Ashby (9 May 2016). "Tool Users: Fifi Hooks - Alpinist.com". www.alpinist.com. Retrieved 22 September 2017. http://www.alpinist.com/doc/ALP54/tool-users-fifi-hooks ↩
Lowe, Jeff (1996). Ice World: Techniques and Experiences of Modern Ice Climbing. The Mountaineers Books. p. 181. ISBN 9780898864465. Retrieved 22 September 2017. 9780898864465 ↩
Hattingh, Garth (1998). The Climber's Handbook. Stackpole Books. p. 99. ISBN 9780811727068. Retrieved 22 September 2017. fifi hook skyhook. 9780811727068 ↩