Mechanical devices, Yey or ney

[Buddhaman]

What are some problems encountered with use of foot or hand ascenders.

 

[jmcscrap]

With some ropes you can have strands the get picked out from the teeth. I know there has been some stuff done on what can happen to a rope if shock loaded with one of these devices - peeling the cover, breaking. What are your worries?

 

[Buddhaman]

I have only tried ascenders a few times and i am weighing if it is worth the investment. I have only just started learning tree climbing in class on a traditional closed system. going to be practicing SRT and looking at some gear for practicing on my own

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Take a look at the history of rope access/climbing. The techniques that arbos are using and adapting are the same as the cave/rock climbers dialed by the late 60s. The tools, hardware and ropes/software have gotten better.

Go and study Gary Storrick's Vertical Devices web page

The concern with rope damage from ascenders is way overblown. Not that it can't happen but it is sooooo rare. More people cut themselves or their ropes and call because of no second tie in than from ascender damage.

Take a look at how many complicated machines we trust with our lives on a daily basis. Cars, elevators, airplanes, etc. Trust and check the tools. Train the operators

 

[Fairfield]

for what it is worth, I have been a big fan of mechanical devices for ten years now. They have their pros and cons for sure and same can be said about hitch climbing or trad tree climbing. I think it honestly just comes down to the climbers preferred style and what that person feels the most comfortable. Although I do find that mechanical devices make for a smoother and faster ascent, and now with the future of the Rope Runner and faster change over....... can it be considered a change over now????? I am not coming off the Runner to another device so........ I love innovation!!

 

[MickCPitlick]

Fine for assistance, but not life support in a tree. The problem is debris entering the cam area. They don't hold if a twig gets inside.

 

[Fairfield]

True, I know that has always been a concern with some. Honestly though I don't use a handled ascender. So while ascending my hand blocks anything from entering the cam. so unless something drives through my hand there is very little chance. Handled ascender I agree completely with that view!

 

[Fairfield]

Side note with the ascender in the pic being a "main life support" connection. I don't view any toothed ascender as a main life support connection. It in my eyes is only half a point of contact. So if I had my chest ascender on as well that would make for a whole point of contact to the line. Long way of saying I agree with you, but explaining my thinking.

 

[TreeLogic]

For fast ascent AND work positioning i'd skip the hand ascender and go with a Pantin foot ascender, HAAS knee ascender, and a RopeWrench. that'd take care of your SRT needs right there. IMHO

 

[tuttle]

I have had every type of device, as above the teeth ones are picky and only go one way.

The best thing is a Petzl Shunt, far more versatile, and kind on the rope, great as a foot ascender - but does take getting used to, once sussed its a dream, I even find it a better choice than a rope wrench for an srt setup.

 

[treebing]

You keep saying that but I don't understand how you are using the shunt as a descent device. Can you do a little video? I have a shunt but it seems to be an ascender or a backup device more than anything.