Volume 2 of Mechanical Advantage is a compilation of research articles on the tools and techniques of climbing, written by John Middendorf between 2022-2023, primarily documenting the early years of rock climbing in North America. The book seeks to provide deeper research on oft referenced epochs of mountaineering, with information on the technical and engineering details. The author delved deep into primary international mountaineering journals as well as many old books available at reasonable cost on abesbooks and other booksellers. As each article was posted on bigwallgear website, the author was able to get feedback from many of the world's best climbers and historians to ensure best possible historical accuracy.