Basics of Quickdraws
Quickdraws are typically used to connect your rope to a bolt when lead climbing. The straight-gate carabiner on the quickdraw is connected to the bolt and then the rope is placed through the bent-gate carabiner on the other end of the quickdraw.

The main purpose of quickdraws is to reduce rope drag. Quickdraws help to 'straighten' the path of the rope therefore making the rope easier to pull. There is nothing worse than having to pull up 30 pounds worth of force (due to rope drag) when climbing.

Quickdraws also makes clipping the rope faster therefore protecting yourself faster.
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