How to Ascend a Rope Mechanically

Ascending a rope with mechanical ascenders is required for most wall climbs. Doing it right is required to stay alive.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Climbing Gear
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Helmets
• Climbing Ropes
• Climbing Shoes

1. Attach the ascenders to the fixed rope using the manufacturer's instructions for that ascender.

2. 

   Fasten your etriers to the ascenders with a carabiner.

3. Secure your daisy chain to the ascenders with a locking carabiner. The daisy chain should be attached at a length that allows you to extend your arm almost completely.

4. 

   Slide the top ascender as high as you can on the rope.

5. 

   Stand in the etrier attached to the top ascender and slide the bottom ascender up until it meets the top ascender.

6. 

   Stand in the etrier attached to the bottom ascender and slide the top ascender up.

7. 

   Repeat the process until you've ascended the rope or completely run out of gas.

8. Tie in short! This means every 20 feet or so you need to tie a knot in a bite of rope and clip it into a locking carabiner on your harness. This is absolutely critical because your ascenders could come off the rope.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are ascending an overhanging pitch, it helps to slide the top ascender up as far as you can and hang on the ascender while you slide the bottom ascender up. Then stand in the bottom ascender and quickly slide the top ascender up again. This saves strength in your arms.
• If you are ascending a low-angle face, it helps to keep your feet shoulder-width apart to act like a tripod. You might want to wear gloves to save your knuckles.
• To keep your feet from constantly coming out of the etrier, it can help to either twist a loop into the step of the etrier and slip your foot into the loop, or duct tape a loop of 1-inch elastic into the etrier step and slip your foot into that.
• Tying in short is an absolute imperative.
• Make sure the rope you are ascending is not going over a sharp edge - it could easily be cut.
• Climbing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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