Refining SRT system

[rfwoodvt]

OK, I've put the SRT ropewalking system into our bag-o-techniques but one area I'm not satisfied with is the means by which I attach my DdRT to the single ascent line.


Before this tread heads off in a tangent, I'm using a modified bungee walker system to ascend the single line while pushing my DdRT pulley up it. I work off the DdRT and like how that is going.

What I don't like is the prussic assembly I'm using. With everything in the system it is just too long for my preference.

Basically I use a VT to which I attach my DdRT pulley and line. as I climb SRT I advance the VT and pulley. Very much like the footlock prussik.

This gives me my center point attachment to the SRT in the event of a foot/knee ascender, or chest box, failure.

My goal is to shorten the distance I have to shove the DdRT above my head before I can readily transfer my weight to the system.

Right now between the VT, the biner, the pulley and the spliced eye forcing larger fairleads into the DdRT pulley it is not as convenient as I would like.

Can I use a gibbs or similar ascender (or any ascender for that matter)in place of the prussik or is there some obscure ruling that requires a more "permanent" attachment like a prussik?

If I can use a gibbs, shunt or other hardware, do I have to swap the pin for a bolt? (doing so would negate some of the advantages of the device so...)

Thots?

 

[Crazy_Jimmy]

Take picture.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

yes, a couple of pictures would help a lot.

When I've needed the most compact system I've used scaffold hitches to terminate ropes/cords. Splices interfere with rope functions and lengthen the system.

In all of the reading/surfing that I've done over the years the only place that I find a requirement to replace the spring pin in a shelled ascender is in arb work. And even then, the requirement only seems to be in the ITCC rules. In all other rope disciplines the spring pin seems to suffice.

This is something that I'd like to know more about. What is the source of the fear? Did a spring pin come out? Was it the fault of the tool or the technician? Like most safety changes they are made because of pilot error. No one that I have ever talked to has ever had a spring pin loosen.

Not saying that it can't/won't/hasn't happened either.

There is no arguement a bolt with a lock nut is more secure. When I used a Gibbs for a lanyard adjuster I used a 3/8" socket head cap screw for the pin. The round head of the SHCS mated nicely right down on the shell of the Gibbes. Using a hex head bolt means that the head of the bolt is compressing the plastic plate on the side.

 

[Climber020]

Without a pic I'm not getting the whole mental image but do have an idea as far as a working Ddrt system to use with your SRT set up. Gonna assume using something like this, http://www.onrope1.com/store/images/products/secondary/3.jpg, as far as your bottom set up is going. For the top have you tried using a handled ascender with a prussik above it attached to the top of the ascender and instead of using a tether to attach it, attach ur Ddrt setup to it. That way you can go up, set prussik knot above ascender and u unlock the cam on the ascender allowing you to come down on you Ddrt set up and work. And being your cam isn't locked onto the rope you don't have to worry about it cutting it in the event of a fall. Then when ready to ascend again adjust your Ddrty set-up to the length needed to move and reach the ascender, lock the cam and ready to go again.

 

[rfwoodvt]

OK, Pics will be forthcoming.

As for the RW system take the pic tom posted. That is a double bungee system.

To make mine, replace the stirrup on the left (as you look at it) with a Pantin and no bungee. Take the knee assembly on the right and tie the bungee off to the chest box.

For safety I then connect what is essentially a foot locking prussic to the center ring and advance it as I climb.

With me so far? ( you can also look at a Mitchell system substituting the upper hand ascender with the right knee ascender. and the lower hand ascender with a pantin.)

Now, to make it so I can stop and work part way up I have replaced the "foot locking prussic" with a pulley and eye and eye through which I attach my DdRT rope.

All I have really done is created a moving DdRT TIP on my SRT line.

In a perfect world, I'd like to advance my DdRT TIP and when I stop simply undo the roller and lower ascenders and go to work.

Still with me? or is this as clear as mud?

The problem, or more accurately inconvenience, is that mainly because of my spliced eye on my DdRT rope and the prussic i cannot push it high enough to transfer my weight to it without having to descend with the ascenders.

So, I'd like to find a way to shorten it up a bit so I can just advance the DdRT TIP, sit, disconnect the foot gear and roller and go to work.

My thots are the spliced eye stays so I really only have the prussic and other hardware to look at.

So with all that rambling info the question is quite simple. Can I replace the prussic with a dual handled, toothed ascender or a gibbs type?

If so does it have to be backed up with a prussic? And in the case of a gibbs type, do I have to replace the pin with a bolt?

 

[TrEeVeRdE]

Try using a locking Revolver instead of the binner and pulley.

 

[TrEeVeRdE]

I have been using a HRC prussick with a revolver in each end,tied with a double fisherman for re- directs,SRT floating system and as a attachment point during crane operations.