Cavechat.org

Does anybody know where I can get a decent quality 18 in x 25 ft rope ladder with either wooden or aluminum rungs? This is not for caving, but for playing on in the backyard while rigged horizontally at about head height.

Here's what we use in Jewel Cave:

http://shop.pmirope.com/technical-hardware/index.aspx?pageID=173&productID=27&productMasterID=27

Not cheap, but bomber.

Check out escape ladders. Might be called something else. But, they are for getting out of second story windows in an emergency. They store under the bed or in closet and hook over the window sill. Fling it out and climb down to safety. Or something like that.

I think my best bet might be to buy 4 of these and link them together:
http://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Outdoor-St ... 005OLYFOC/

Although who knows how strong that cord will be under tyrolean-like tension. But at least I'd have my rungs and could swap it out with 8mm rope if it broke.

I have always really enjoyed crossing monkey bars using both my hands and feet like I'm climbing under an overhang, but the experience is always too short. Now I have the opportunity to have a nice long rope ladder across the entire width of my backyard. I figure an out-and-back every morning will be a fun quick workout. I've also thought it would be awesome to rig one over a river, and you could just keep crossing it until you got tired then drop into the water.

Check out industrial supply houses - they get used on job sites for access. A place that sells fall arrest gear may be a good bet.

Also check West Marine or other nautical shops.

Google Bachar ladder. Rock climbers have been using these for years as a training tool. Made popular by the great late free soloist John Bachar.

Building you own may be the best route.

I've made my own using fiberglass reinforced plastic bar stock. I've used solid 3/4" diameter round bar, and 1" hollow square bar. I prefer the hollow square material. I cut the rungs to 10" and drilled 3/8" holes near the ends of the rungs for stringing 7mm cord. I tie an overhand above and below the rung to keep it in place. If you can find a slightly larger hollow square tube you might be able to get the overhand knot to rest inside the rung, which would protect it from abrasion. You can make a 15' ladder for ~$60 and none of the parts are subject to rot or corrosion.

The Jewel rope ladders are nice, but $115 for a 1 meter long ladder is crazy expensive.

Here's a source for the rung material:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DYNAFORM-Tube-Stock-4ATN8?Pid=search

Extremeophile wrote:The Jewel rope ladders are nice, but $115 for a 1 meter long ladder is crazy expensive.

I assumed that was a misprint. Are they really that dear???

Thanks for the replies, all. Looks like the Bachar ladder is perfect. Hey Derek, why do you prefer the square stock? Seems to me that, depending on the angle, your fingers would slip off square rungs. Round rungs strike me as being a little more orientation independent?

Lava wrote:Thanks for the replies, all. Looks like the Bachar ladder is perfect. Hey Derek, why do you prefer the square stock? Seems to me that, depending on the angle, your fingers would slip off square rungs. Round rungs strike me as being a little more orientation independent?

As far as grip I don't think it makes much difference, but the square stock makes for more secure footing.

Lava wrote:I think my best bet might be to buy 4 of these and link them together:
http://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Outdoor-St ... 005OLYFOC/

Although who knows how strong that cord will be under tyrolean-like tension. But at least I'd have my rungs and could swap it out with 8mm rope if it broke.

I have always really enjoyed crossing monkey bars using both my hands and feet like I'm climbing under an overhang, but the experience is always too short. Now I have the opportunity to have a nice long rope ladder across the entire width of my backyard. I figure an out-and-back every morning will be a fun quick workout. I've also thought it would be awesome to rig one over a river, and you could just keep crossing it until you got tired then drop into the water.

Thanks for this link. This is what I need.

jessa1 wrote:

Lava wrote:I think my best bet might be to buy 4 of these and link them together:
http://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Outdoor-St ... 005OLYFOC/

Although who knows how strong that cord will be under tyrolean-like tension. But at least I'd have my rungs and could swap it out with 8mm rope if it broke.

I have always really enjoyed crossing monkey bars using both my hands and feet like I'm climbing under an overhang, but the experience is always too short. Now I have the opportunity to have a nice long rope ladder across the entire width of my backyard. I figure an out-and-back every morning will be a fun quick workout. I've also thought it would be awesome to rig one over a river, and you could just keep crossing it until you got tired then drop into the water.

Thanks for this link. This is what I need.

"Weight Limit 125lbs." I don't know how much you weigh, but I wouldn't be getting on it. I cringe evertime I see that photo of that little girl on it. She looks like she's about to take a fall.
If you have to swap out the rope, you might as well make your own. I like Derick's idea much better. For that matter, you could use wooden rungs. Just buy the material at your local Home Depot type store. Drill holes near the ends, run the rope through, and tie knots to support the rungs.

Trogman

Make your own. You'll be happier with it, and it will be cheaper.
Most Bachar or campus ladders I've seen have had round stock bars. It's easier on the hands. Also, self adhesive skateboard surface makes a cheap, easy way to add a little grip to your outdoor ladders. Wooden dowels or an appropriate schedule PVC work just fine.