SRT Webbing Attachment to Ascenders

Just joined TCI. Really enjoy learning from all the info and debates on gear usage. So ...... Just bought some CMI Expedition ascenders. I love the hand angle on them. I attached my webbing to them with some SS delta links. Within a few climbs I noticed ( go figure) that the SS was wearing into the aluminum on the ascenders. Also it's definitely not a quiet climb with the \"clanking\" around. New tribe and CMI (Texas climbing system) actually sew the webbing onto the ascenders. So I weaved my webbing through the ascenders and reattached the SS delta links through the webbing locking it in place.

Any thoughts out there for webbing attachment to ascenders .....SS links, biners, Spectra webbing, Petzl Express quickdraw, etc. ??

Obviously, SS is harder than aluminum, but I wouldn't worry about wearing the holes, in the ascenders, through any time soon. I've been using the same CMI ascenders for over 10 years. CMIs are beefy! There are some things you can do though. You can use aluminum biners instead of the SS links. Or, simply girth hitch the webbing through the holes in the bottom of the ascenders. Doing this will also solve your noise issue. Just remember to check the condition of the webbing from time to time.

I do not have any metal or almuminun connection to my ascenders for the same reason you described. I moved right from the start away from the New Tribe made straps for two reasons. 1.- They are too short for my legs, and I did not wanted the noise and the carabiners damaging the ascenders. I will post a photo later on to see how I set up my system with store purchased loops from REI. They are Rated from 22kN and 27kN and they can be replaced individually if one gets chafed or damaged in any way instead of having to purchase a complete new set of connectors.

If you use a rated short loop you will likely be safe. I always advise new climbers to get training form someone that is capable to do the training and to follow all the safety protocols carefully. If you are new to climbing I suggest you become proficient in DRT firts before advancing to SRT.

Would using a piece of 10mm rope be an option? Very simple to make one.

Ace wrote:

Would using a piece of 10mm rope be an option? Very simple to make one.

Sure. Or 9,8,7 or 6mm for that matter. 10 might be bit hard to thread, doubled, though the ascender hole.

I use a purcell made from 6 or 7mm static line as my foot loop. As long as the loop created in step 3 is large enough, the purcell can be attached to the ascender hole via a girth hitch.

For those not using ascenders, but still wishing for an adjustable foot loop, the purcell is designed to be hitched directly to the climbing.

I made mine with 10mm rope. I tied a fixed loop through the hole of the ascender. Similar to this one:

my system with store purchased loops from REI. They are Rated from 22kN and 27kN and they can be replaced individually if one gets chafed or damaged in any way instead of having to purchase a complete new set of connectors.

View of the loops

Alternatively, you could fit a piece of PVC in the 'biner hole as a sort of silencer and wear-distributor.

love
nick

Great suggestions.

Thanks and safe climbing.