Any are better than none! The Spoc is a fine little tool. The only one that I'd avoid at all costs is the Nano Traxion, as that does not have a cam that can be locked open for reversing the haul. It's for crevasse rescues where you won't be putting someone back down! Releasing and lowering in a...

Nice one Adam, thanks! Let's still continue the conversation at DCA for a drop-proof solution, but at least we know the shaft is secure now.

Try on a Black Diamond Half Dome (M/L). They are a slightly larger fitment range than most climbing helmets.

I had another idea. One of my first DCA jobs was fitting a locking catch to the Credit Crunch shaft lid. I think something like this would work well on these lids too, and the nuts cannot be removed and lost. Just need to find someone who can bend that thickness of steel.

For the Engine Shaft, what about a piece of angle steel bolted into the existing lid near the handle and running parallel to the hinges. Long enough to overlap the lid frame and sit on the concrete either side. This would have a hole drilled at each end and fit over new large threaded studs set...

Glad we started the bolting a long way back then!

Anyone recall what sized nuts are needed? I might be able to get there in the next few days but only have a small selection of spare hardware to hand.

I honestly cannot remember what size through bolts we used. I suspect 10mm long Raumer or the standard Petzl ones, but I cannot be 100% certain 7 years later. Everything we placed is stainless, so if you see rusty anchors they are the originals and worth avoiding! As far as I know, all hangers...

We did the top floor anchors in resin to prevent hangers being nicked. Everything below is stainless expansions with hangers on. Might be a few extra bolts these days. Almost everything you stand on is false floor, so if you think a traverse starts too far away from the drop, don't miss a bolt...

Well that didn't last long. Off to a new home imminently.

Dell Axim X51v PDA. Comes with Otterbox, touch pen, 2 chargers, spare battery, leather case. I used it to draw up some surveys in Llanberis Copper Mine a few years ago and it has been loaned to a surveying course in more recent times. It boots and seems to work fine, but it is now just...

My fault entirely. Somewhere in the edit from last year's to this year's text I managed to mangle the instructions! Website updated. (If a Mod is able to, could you change the first post's text please) In 2024 there will be three different prize categories on offer: Most New Cave Discovered at...

There has been no change in ownership, at least not according to the lease holder last time I asked.

Ah dammit! I'm now back in the Peak after working in Cheddar all week but not seen this post until today. Sorry Alex.

That, and the general behaviour demonstrated by those in the video was what prompted the landowner to contact DCA. Usual Insta "OMG it's soo dangerous! Listen to the smashing sound of this stuff we're throwing down" type nonsense. He understands it was not the normal caving crowd though, and was...

I've popped a link to this thread on the DCA Facebook page. Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention As DCA Projects Officer I can say that this can't really be taken on as a DCA organised job. Shoring up an old caver's dig in a boulder choke is beyond what can be reasonably expected...

I've got 3 of the new orange web harnesses for work. The webbing has a slick feel to it unlike any caving harness I have used. It is polyester not nylon webbing which "maintains smooth adjustment over time", and polyester ropes are typically less absorbent of water than nylon, which probably...

Use whatever kit and setup that works for you. Believing that there is only one pure way of doing things for everyone, with one particular set of kit, is ridiculous. They are driving a different set of muscles and bones controlled by a different computer, why would what works for you...

G Force make (budget) work at height kit and I've used this supplier for lifting slings before. Budget work at height kit really doesn't look very polished most of the time, not if you are used to Petzl and DMM's kit anyway. When I have some money in the slush fund I might grab one to see what...

There is certainly a problem with that Croll. If it is not just dirt or a stone jamming the cam that can be removed, then it is probably destined for the scrap. Contact Petzl or the retailer who sold it to you for advice if it is newly purchased.