Page Contents:
Overview
The JRB Ascender Hitch is a friction hitch devised by JRB which is suitable for single and doubled rope applications. The evolution of the JRB Ascender hitch is captured on the YouTube playlist of the same name. Features:
- Holds well, moves well, is breakable under the load of our body, and is self tending
- Supports the use of carabiner or rings as optional handles.
- The optimal cord diameter is approximately 75% of the rope; See Cord page for reference.
Remember, when tying knots, it’s always best to error on the side of using more cord rather than less and having longer tails rather than short. We can always trim the ends when we are happy with the result. For materials:
Comparison to Longhorn Agile
- The JRBAH more complex to tie than the Longhorn Agile Hitch.
- The JRBAH is smaller than the Longhorn Agile, in both length and cross section.
- The JRBAH can be tied around a host object which cannot be opened, like a Bridge Loop.
JRB Ascender Hitch, 523
The preferred variation is the 523. The concept of “soft bridge mode” was not part of the original design, but became the preferred method for tying it because it can be uses with single or dual load loops. If an ultimately compact form is desired, see the variations further down on the page.
Length Spec’s for the 523 JRBAH
The information below specifies the length specifications for the JRB Ascender in Soft Bridge Mode and how the measurements are taken in the reference examples. Note: if the auto-tending feature is desired, it must have 2 loops exposed. Working End #1 is the length of the working end used to form the friction hitch from where the cord is first laid over the rope, and supplies enough cord to tie the main portion of the hitch. From the reference information in the tables below, we can calculate the cord necessary to make longer or shorter loops. Examples:
- Single loop 2″ longer: 2 x 2 = 4″ more cord
- Single loop 3cm shorter: 2 x 3 = 6 cm less cord
- Double loops 3″ shorter: 4 x 3 = 12″ less cord
- Double loops 5cm longer: 5 x 4 = 20 cm more cord
| Rope & Cord Diam | Total Cord Length | Standing End | Working End | Single Loop Size | Double Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm 6 mm | 60″ 152 | 26″ 66 | 34″ 86 | 10″ 25 | 5″ 13 |
| 8 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 34″ 86 | 38″ 97 | 12″ 30 | 6″ 15 |
| 9.5 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 32″ 81 | 40″ 102 | 12″ 30 | 6″ 15 |
| 11 mm 8 mm | 84″ 213 | 38″ 97 | 46″ 117 | 14″ 36 | 7″ 18 |
Note: When joining the two ends together after tying the friction hitch, if using a Longhorn Hitch instead of a Hunters Bend, approximately (12 in / 30 cm) is needed on each side. More accurately, take the Reference cord length and then add 2x the Single Loop Size. For 6mm on 8mm, use: 60+10+10 = 80 in. Also, it’s important to get the JRBAH loaded and tuned first using a Hunter’s Bend, then remove the Hunter’s Bend and replaced with the Longhorn Hitch.
Compact, Non-Jamming JRBAH
This variant of the JRB Ascender Hitch results in a hitch which can be made ultimately compact and which can’t jam due to the presence of an overhand bend inside the hitch, which prevents line from escaping into the load loop.
Note: The Working End used to start the hitch, and is the amount of cord laid over the rope which is used to form the main portion of the hitch (plus the overhand bend and safety stopper knot). The Standing End is not engaged until the end, used to create the loops and overhand bend and safety stopper knot. The stated sizes of the loops produced are approximate and will vary a bit based on your cord, rope and the details of the tie. The (C) indicates a Compact hitch, with loops just long enough for a carabiner.
Length Spec’s for Compact JRBAH:
| Rope & Cord Diam | Total Cord | Stand. End | Work. End | Single Loop Size | Double Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm 6 mm | 72″ 183 | 36″ 91 | 36″ 91 | 9″ 23 | 4″ 10 |
| 8 mm 6 mm | 60″ 152 | 21″ 53.3 | 39″ 99 | N/A | 0.5″(C) 1 |
| 8 mm 7 mm | 84″ 213 | 45″ 114 | 39″ 99 | 12″ 30 | 6″ 15 |
| 8 mm 7 mm | 64″ 163 | 25″ 64 | 39″ 99 | N/A | 0.7″(C) 2 |
| 9.5mm 7 mm | 84″ 213 | 42″ 107 | 42″ 107 | 11″ 28 | 5″ 13 |
| 9.5mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 26″ 66 | 46″ 117 | N/A | 0.5″(C) 1 |
| 11 mm 8 mm | 96″ 244 | 50″ 127 | 46″ 117 | 14″ 36 | 6.5″ 17 |
| 11 mm 8 mm | 72″ 183 | 26″ 66 | 46″ 117 | N/A | 0.5″(C) 1 |
JRB Ascender Hitch, Compact, v3
Version 3 is another options for creating a JRB Ascender as compact as possible. This variant is great for a footloop, or auto-tending, progress capture MRS/DRT systems, or a tether or any other compact variation.
Length Spec’s for Compact JRBAH, v3:
| Rope & Cord | Total Cord Length | Standing End | Working End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm 6 mm | 60″ 152 | 15″ 38 | 45″ 114 |
| 9.5 mm 7 mm | 72″ 183 | 20″ 51 | 52″ 132 |