How to Use Rope Ascenders
Rope ascenders attach to climbing and rescue ropes and provide a one-way brake so it slides in one direction only. Ascenders are a common sight on mountaineering trips, big wall rock climbing and professional rescue teams. An ascender uses a thumb trigger to set the rope, and has a chock with ridged teeth that prevents backward slippage. Any aspect of mountaineering or climbing is inherently dangerous and should not be undertaken without adequate professional training.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Climbing and rescue gear (ropes, harness, prussiks, helmet, carabiners)
Instructions
-
-
1
Grip the handle of the ascender and place your forefinger into the trigger. Pinch the trigger with the thumb on the safety button and the forefinger in the trigger to open the rope cam.
-
2
Push the ascender up against the climbing rope so the rope enters the rope guide, a metal sleeve that holds the rope. Release the trigger and thumb lock. This sets the cam against the rope, preventing the ascender form slipping backwards on the rope.
-
-
3
Attach the locking carabiner to the bottom carabiner hole on the ascender. Use a nylon webbing anchor or rope anchor (to your liking) on the carabiner to attach into the harness. Turn the locking carabiner gate clockwise until it locks, then turn back a quarter turn counterclockwise. A carabiner is a metal D-clip and with hinged gate.
-
4
Hold the ascender grip in your hand and pull the trigger. Slide the ascender up the rope and release the trigger to set the cam onto the rope. Pull yourself up along the rope. Pull the trigger again and push up another body length. Continue this until you reach the area needed for the climbing or rescue task. Leave the ascender attached while still on the pitch or slope.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Inspect the ascender after each climbing trip or rescue for metal fatigue, bends or cracks. Retire the ascender if any damage is present.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
