Front View	Rear View
Left Side View	Right Side View

Technical Details

I acquired my Air Space Devices Saf-T-climb from John Murray, 1993.

The Air Space Devices Saf-T-climb is 245 mm. tall, 100 mm. wide, and 62 mm. thick. Mine weighs 1870 g. It consistes of two cast bronze housings, a cast bronze cam, and a number of minor parts. The housings have a cylindircal bore that covers about 270 degrees. The upper housing supports four rollers and the cam. One internal compression and one external tension spring act to close the cam, as does weight on the upper hook. The lower housing supports two rollers. The two housings are hinged dotether with a split pin.

The left side of the upper housing has raised cast letters saying "PAT," "NO  2675609," and "NO HOLLYWOOD CALIF." The right side cast letters say "C3" and "SAF-T-CLIMB." Stickers provide additional information.

Comments

This heavy device is a safety that works on a notched pipe that would be permanently fixed beside a ladder. I noticed such a pipe near the ladders on the outside of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln’s island structure, and presume that this sort of device would be used there. The North Safety Products Saf-T-Climb is a similar product.

There are two attachment points. It appears that the upper one must be attached to the climber’s harness for the device to work. By leaning back, the climber applies tension to the upper chain, which pulls the catch out of the notches in the pipe. I haven't tested the device, so I'm reluctant to guess how well it works. One thing is certain though: it is heavy (nearly 2 kg).

By measuring the device, I assume that the outside diameter of the pipe would be about 35 mm. (1-3/8 in). Needless to say, this isn't a normal caving or climbing device, at least not with our current techniques.