help with spurs in ash?

[aquatoo]

When i first started using spikes, i think i used to be too close to the stem, spikes used to slip out, but lean back a bit more now - no probs, ensure spikes are sharp too,

 

How sharp is sharp? A really fine point? I ask because I have just bought a pair of second hand spikes (haven't tried them yet) and they have a quite blunt point, although they appear to have always been like that as there is no sign of them having been filed.

[Le Sanglier]

Spikes can be ruined if you "take them back" The lightest of tickles with a flat file will suffice.

IME blunt(ish) spikes can be ok. It's not a cutting tool, just enough to penetrate and hold you.

[aquatoo]

Spikes can be ruined if you "take them back" The lightest of tickles with a flat file will suffice.

IME blunt(ish) spikes can be ok. It's not a cutting tool, just enough to penetrate and hold you.

 

Thanks for the swift answer. I won't touch them till I've tried them on the Maritime Pine we have in SW France. These trees have a fairly thick bark so I'll see what happens.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Keep your knees away from the tree.

 

 

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[Jamie M]

Jdtrees,

You shouldn't have fallen 12 foot!

What I do is use my climbing line to tie a running bowline around the stem then attach into that as you normally would. Once choked round the stem, at most you'll only drop about a foot if you do gaff out. Take care chap.

PS the above in addition to your strop.....

[Jdtrees]

I only put my second line on when cutting. Like in my avatar pic. Shall review the techniques.