Combining draws?

I keep seeing pictures where it seems like the climber has taken two quick draws, removed one of the carabiners from one, and then clipped the draws together. What is the point of this?

This is used to create one long draw, usually used because it helps keep the rope off of high friction areas, reducing wear on the rope and extending its life

longer draw

So is it safe? Thanks for the quick responses

I've been climbing for a few years, have worked everything from 5.6 to 5.14 and have used this method, I feel safe with it, and so does Chris Sharma, so I'm pretty okay with it. You could also buy real long draws, but combining regular draws usually provides a stiffer, therefore better, draw for clipping.

Very safe. Same as linking a couple of slings together with a biner.

Good point about being stiffer for harder clips.

totally safe. just be sure you clip the dog-bones correctly. accidents have happened because only the rubber piece (not the actual dog bone) that makes the rope end stiff was clipped. As long as they are put together properly this is fine.

TDoyle wrote:totally safe. just be sure you clip the dog-bones correctly. accidents have happened because only the rubber piece (not the actual dog bone) that makes the rope end stiff was clipped. As long as they are put together properly this is fine.

Also it is better to only have 1 bolt side biner being used because the rope side biner should never have any sharp spots that could cut the dogbone.

You are correct. There is no real need to remove the rope side biner to combine draws. But accidents have happened because the rope side biner was improperly clipped and seeing how this is the beginning climbers forum I thought it was worth mentioning.

in theory having a long draw is marginally "safer" as theres one less moving part (gate in the system that can open)

in reality, it probably doesnt matter

note that you can use a long sling just fine

;)