Spring-loaded Gibbs

Top: Version A, Version B

Bottom: Version C, Version D, #2 Version B

Version A

I acquired in the early 1970s.

The earliest spring-loaded Gibbs in my collection has two springs connected by a split ring. One spring runs from a machine screw set in the cam to the split ring. When the split ring is placed over a "hook" punched out of the shell, it pulls the cam closed. The second spring pulls the split ring upward, which is necessary to keep the split ring on the hook because the hook is not aimed in the proper direction to resist the pull from the cam.

This ascender uses a chain as the quick release pin keeper.

This is the ascender shown in the Gibbs Patent #4253218.

Version B

Later Gibbs turned the hook so that it would resist the pull from the spring to the cam. This eliminated the need for a second spring. A chain was added as a keeper so that the cam & springs would not be lost.

Version C

The first big improvement in the spring-loaded Gibbs was the introduction of the wire spring. The early models did not have a housing, and it was easy to damage the spring in rough caving conditions. This ascender still uses a chain as a quick release pin retainer.

Version D

I acquired this Gibbs from John E. Weinel, Inc. in 1991.

Gibbs added a plastic housing that protects the spring wire.

[ Top | Version A | Version B | Version C | Return to L.C. Ascenders ] #206

#2 Version B

I acquired this Gibbs from Inner Mountain Outfitters in 2006.

This Gibbs has a new cam design (the same as on the Gibbs #1). At first glance it appears to be mulled from plate, but closer inspection shows a parting line in the middle. My guess is that it is forged, and then the eye and pivot holes are drilled. The edges of the eye are sharp, although one side was ground slightly after the cam was anodized.

The spring mechanism is similar to the one on Version D, but the cam attachment is now a cotter pin pressed into a hole rather than a Phillips head machine screw. The pin keeper is now a piece of 13-mm tubular webbing riveted to the shell and connected to the pin with a split ring.

The shell has the dimples introduced on Gibbs #2 Version A. That version is a much larger ascender so it does not belong on this page.

One side of the shell is stamped with an arrow pointing up and "UP," the Gibbs logo, and "NOT FOR SELF BELAY." The other side is stamped with an arrow pointing up and "UP," the Gibbs logo, and "USE ONLY ON NON-METAL ROPE FROM 7/16 TO 1/2."

Overall, I think Version D was better designed and better made.