wanted advice: modifying aiders

I just purchased a pair of the metolius 8 step aiders

my intentions are to start learning aid. from what ive read i will need to add a rigid spread bar on the top step. i was wondering if any of you have done this and have advice on what works well.

i was considering using a tube of PVC cut in half.

thanks in advance.

Use the 2 halves of the PVC tube, place them around that very top rung, then glue the PVC back together. Superglue works better than typical PVC cement. You can use a whole lot less SG (so it doesn't squish out around the sides and get on the aider).

I can't tell if the rungs are nylon or heavy vinyl, but if nylon, wrap it with a couple turns of saran wrap before gluing so you don't get glue on the nylon.

Use a rasp or some sandpaper to round the edges of the pvc so it doesn't accelerate the wear on your aider.

or just cut a slit lengthwise in the PVC slide sling in and tape over with ducktape no need for glue, no need to cut the PVC into two pieces

I just ended up doing what this guy did and it worked out perfectly.

From the comments on the supertopo review here: outdoorgearlab.com/Aider-Re…

Followed these directions pretty much exactly:
smu.gs/X3pQDb

Jordan

Thanks guys.

Jake wander wrote:Thanks guys.

Hey guys. Just did first lead on aid on Sunday and I was using the spread bar advice you guys gave (slotted pvc). It worked great. Thanks for the advice!

I have modified those exact aiders with a spreader bar. I used 1" PVC and just ran a piece of 1" webbing through it, which I then sewed to the side of the aiders. Basically the same manner Yates and everyone else does it. I then added some reinforcement webbing to the outside of the aiders to protect against abrasion. Be sure to sand down the sides of the PVC pipe as they are sharp after cutting.