Rope Ladder

To say it clear: rope ladders are out! Since the single rope technique is used, they are only a romantic staffage. Nevertheless, we want to say a few words about rope ladders, just for the sake of completeness. However, these are primarily of historical interest; rope ladders were already replaced in the 1970s.

Rope ladders are ladders that consist of two long, parallel ropes connected by short steps. The steps can be made of different materials, e.g. wood, iron pipes, aluminium or rope. The ropes can be made of natural fibre, plastic or steel. The main advantage of rope ladders is that they can be rolled and carried in this compact, barrel-like form. This is necessary to carry them through narrow and winding caves. Then you unroll it, hang it in a shaft, climb down and later back up again. Actually a comfortable, almost optimal way to explore a shaft. At least at first glance.

For Caves typically stainless, lightweight and robust materials were used, so the typical rope ladder was usually made from two very thin wire ropes and aluminium tubes for the steps. The result is lightweight and more or less stainless, also easy to clean. The steps were made so wide that you can get in with a large rubber boot or climbing shoe, but only with one, so you can’t put both feet next to each other, which reduces the size and weight. Climbing requires some practice, you have to alternate between climbing from the front and the back of the ladder to keep it vertical. The body tends to be next to the ladder. In the past, carbide lamps were still used, and if they were not attached to the helmet but held in the hand, you had to attach them somewhere. You needed both hands to climb. In this case, the most unpleasant aspect of the rope ladder was that you had little light, and the greatest danger was that the lamp attached to the belt would turn and the flame would ignite the hose. As a rule, you were secured with a rope during the ascent and descent.

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