Footstrap Project

I have OCD when it comes to certain things, and sometimes if I get what I think is an idea worth pursuing, I have to stop what I am doing and jot it down and draw it out. Well, here's an idea I got the other day. I scanned the drawing, then re-wrote the chicken scratch so you can actually read it.


Here's the pic....

I usually just hang a webbing loop from a 'biner and clip that to a Ropeman mini-ascender. Now I can clip this setup to the ropeman, and it will be easily adjust for different people. It will usually be used for people that have never climbed before, or have climbed very little.

I made the thing the other day. All that's left is to take it out and try it to make sure it actually works!

love
nick

I like the idea of a extra stitching to keep the loops open for the feet. Did you look at the etriers used by rock climbers in aid climbing?

That is exactly where I got the idea for the stiffness. The ones I saw had flexible plastic inserts, also. I thought I could use the plastic from a 1 gallon milk jug, but I knew my sewing machine would never get through that (it's a weak machine...I'm looking for an industrial as we speak!), so I just went with the tripled webbing.

I'll keep y'all updated.

love
nick

Hello Nick,
I use something similar to that idea for my Ascenders but they are regular Dynema loop runners less than one inch wide. I put the part where the stitching is along the low part where the foot loop is and they usually stay open so I can take them off or put then on without much trouble. They do not have to be terribly strong but they are rated a 27 kNewtons anyway. I buy them from REI for around 5 to 7 bucks depending on how long they are. Thanks for the drawings

I don't know if this link is going to work...I'm new to the Flikr thing, but I'll give it a go.

Some are just silly photos, but there are a couple of the footstrap.

Click for the Flickr Slideshow

love
nick

Nick,

Staves made from five gallon buckets would work too. Cut them in strips and rivet to the footloops. You could take advantage of the curve of the bucket to spring the stirrup open.

Threading the top, diagonal. part of the stirrup through 3/8" or so ID plastic tubing would work too.

Nice compact, and inexpensive, setup.