A method to retrieve a carabiner

Question

I saw this a few times, years ago

I met some guys who were top roping next to us in Jackson Falls, IL 25 years ago who showed us a method of retrieving your top carabiner(s) when you were done top roping.

They attached the rope to the 'biner in a strange way AND I seem to remember some para-cord being used to pull on and the 'biner would just 'unsnap' from the anchor and come down, on the rope maybe?

Does someone recognize what I'm describing?

I also recall the method as being a bit unsafe and never used it, therefore my imprecise description of the practice.

Answer 1

I believe that what you are referring to is called the "Texas Rope Trick". I hope that it's obvious that this is an incredibly risky idea and that you are better off just leaving the carabiner.

Answer 2

Here is a collection of retrieval methods, some including carabiners. Perhaps looking through here will job your memory.

http://dyeclan.com/outdoors101/canyoneering101/?page=rigging-a-retrievable-rope

Answer 3

You might be referring to this. The gray line would be the paracord / accessory cord and the blue line would be the rope.

I guess this might not be it since you never want to thread your rope directly through an anchor.