Abstract: A belay device for climbing with at least one rope is provided. The belay device comprises a first plate having a first lobe with the rope wrapping at least partially about the first lobe and a second plate having a second lobe. A connection mechanism connects the first plate to the second plate through a rotation point with the rotation point positioned inside the second lobe. A first channel is defined by the first plate and the first lobe and the second plate and the second lobe with the rope moveable through the first channel wherein tension on the rope rotates the first plate and the second plate relative to each other thereby narrowing the first channel and impeding movement of the rope through the first channel.