A Petzl Ascension/Frog system question for the vertically knowledgeable
Posted by: JD Martin on November 01, 2000 at 13:13:40:
I have normally seen folks attach both their foot loop and their safety (i.e., a dynamic line running from the ascender to the screw link on one's seat harness) to a small screw link hanging from the lower of the two eyes at the bottom of a Petzl ascender. Is it possible/advisible to run the foot loop from a screw link on the lower of the two eyes, and the safety from the upper (or vice versa)? And what, if any, are the dangers/advantages of substituting a locking carabiner (locked, of course) in place of a screw link at the ascender?
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Posted by: Yvonne Droms on November 01, 2000 at 17:59:08:
Is it possible/advisible to run the foot loop from a screw link on the lower of the two eyes, and the safety from the upper (or vice versa)?
It don't think it matters at all. Some handled ascenders like the Jumar have only one hole, and then you have no choice.
And what, if any, are the dangers/advantages of substituting a locking carabiner (locked, of course) in place of a screw link at the ascender?
Again, it doesn't matter. Screw links are used because they are small (they must be life-supporting, though), and therefore take up less space and weigh less. If you use your upper ascender for other uses, then a carabiner makes it easier to remove the ascender when you need it for something else. One difference is that the screw link is shorter than the biner, and so it will make a difference in the total length of your attachment: you may need to adjust the length of your loops or cords, so you are most efficient, and so that your cow's tail can still reach above your upper ascender.
-Yvonne
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Posted by: Martha Hendrix on November 01, 2000 at 17:53:55:
I have normally seen folks attach both their foot loop and their safety (i.e., a dynamic line running from the ascender to the screw link on one's seat harness) to a small screw link hanging from the lower of the two eyes at the bottom of a Petzl ascender. Is it possible/advisible to run the foot loop from a screw link on the lower of the two eyes, and the safety from the upper (or vice versa)? And what, if any, are the dangers/advantages of substituting a locking carabiner (locked, of course) in place of a screw link at the ascender?
Not sure how small you mean when you say small screw link but if I was going to use a link for my "dynamic line" I definitely want a "big" one.
I personally have my ascender tied in directly to the "dynamic line" to my saddle. I used to attach it with a locking caribiner but it was more bulk.
I have always attached my foot loops with a screw link separately, but this is not the only way to do it.
If you are a grotto member I'd talk to the people who do the vertical training sessions for your grotto. Also, check the NSS Bookstore (to the left of the page) They have some good books on the subject. If you are an NSS member please note the NSS also has a vertical section - you may be able to contact them from the page on NSS Organizations, or contact the NSS main office to get contact information.
I hesitate to discuss technique too much here as it is too easy to misunderstand. I'm by no means an expert but have assisted with grotto vertical training sessions and have almost 7 years of vertical experience. I have caved with a number of different people and seen many forms of climbing systems (some pretty scary) in use. If you'd like to discuss technique please feel free to reply to me (I have included my e-mail so you should be able to click on it at the top of the scree here).