Gibbs Disposal Time

[MasterBlaster]

They say two years, but I've had mine for at least six. Has anyone ever heard of an ascender failing, specifically a Gibbs?

When do you trash your ascender?

 

[NeTree]

I believe this was the subject of a discussion between Gerry and Bounce just last Sunday.

I don't recall the results, though.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Me either.

 

[NeTree]

I do recall Sean saying that the wear parts on the Gibbs can be had, and you don't need to chuck it and buy a new one.

 

[NickfromWI]

I wouldn't chuck it either. If it keeps working, I'd keep using it.

love
nick

 

[sotc]

Never tossed an ascender yet

 

[Koa Man]

Mine is about 12 years old. Never changed a single part on it and I trust it 100%. Instructions for Klein gaffs tell you to replace the leg irons after the 2nd replacement set. Mine must have gone through at least 8 and I trust it 100% as well.

 

[MasterBlaster]

So what's up with the two year advice? It says that in the "instructions."

 

[Mr. Sir]

Liability and CYA.

 

[Blinky]

Pretty interesting question. I'd just keep an eye on the pins or anyplace where steel meets aluminum. Never heard of retiring one that wasn't damaged.

 

[gf beranek]

I still have and use the same Gib's Ascenders I bought in 1980. Actual hours on them though is very little.

 

[Burnham]

Just inspect regularly. I also believe it is CYA liability issues generated by lawyer input that results in such "instructions".

 

[Frans]

What about metal fatigue?

 

[MasterBlaster]

Such as...?

 

[Burnham]

What about metal fatigue?

The device doesn't bend...it won't be fatigued. Ask Denny Morehouse or any other competent metalurgist.

 

[NeTree]

I'd worry more about metal faatigue in my saddle's D rings.

 

[Burnham]

Not me.

 

[NeTree]

Exactly, Burnham. Exactly.

 

[woodworkingboy]

Things can be designed to keep stress below the fatigue limit. It makes for an infinite life time.

 

[Frans]

Things can be designed to keep stress below the fatigue limit. It makes for an infinite life time.

I was just trying to figure out why to replace a gibbs.
Seeing as I have one thats over 10 years old, I guess I am o.k.

Now that I think about it, everything I have learned about metal fatigue says when metal bends repeatedly, thats when (over time), it can fail. No important part of the gibbs bends.

 

[inztrees]

I say run it. You'll be the first to know if it brakes.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Yea, real funny.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Send it to me and I'll test it and give it the ol once over

 

[gf beranek]

The detent pins could possibly fatigue, and their actually rather inexpensive to replace if you felt the need to. The cam and shell though are like anvils.

 

[wiley_p]

The "youngest" Gibbs I have is over 7 years old. I still have one that I bought in '87 and use it as a grab on Z-rigs and the like. I've replaced the springs on them and that's all that's been needed over time so far.