Climbing Spikes

[Tim Stobart Tree Surgery]

Hi,

 

I've got a pair of gaffs/irons/spikes or whatever you want to call them that I hate using, and generally avoid putting on, but the majority of work I am doing these days is dismantling, so I seem to be wearing them a fair amount.

 

The pair I have were given to me years back by a guy I used to ground for when I was starting out. They're steel (i think) and have round points on them. These are now pretty blunt, but as they have no clear edge so to speak I've not sharpened them. Would grinding them down to an angled point make them more comfy to use, or are these just an archaic bit of kit that I would be better of replacing?

 

I'll try to remember to take a photo and add it tomorrow.

[redmoosefaction]

Hi,

 

I've got a pair of gaffs/irons/spikes or whatever you want to call them that I hate using, and generally avoid putting on, but the majority of work I am doing these days is dismantling, so I seem to be wearing them a fair amount.

 

The pair I have were given to me years back by a guy I used to ground for when I was starting out. They're steel (i think) and have round points on them. These are now pretty blunt, but as they have no clear edge so to speak I've not sharpened them. Would grinding them down to an angled point make them more comfy to use, or are these just an archaic bit of kit that I would be better of replacing?

 

I'll try to remember to take a photo and add it tomorrow.

 

Have you got the velcro padded tops on them? These would be a really sound investment and make them a joy to wear... also give them a bit of a sharpen, but not too much as you'll never get them out of the wood 8-)

 

https://honeybros.com/Item/Bashlin_Velcro_Pads

Velcro pads for Bashlin climbing spikes | F R Jones and Son

[detritus21]

I've took the angle grinder to mine on occasion

[Marc Lewis]

Without knowing what type they are it is difficult to say if they are worth keeping or not. It would of course be worth sharpening and having another try. Try to get the angles correct (there is a second angle near the tip). If you can, get a set of correctly sharpened ones to copy and if possible, a guide also.

[markieg31]

yeah i dont think i would be using any climbing spikes with blunt gaffs.

supposed to just keep um sharp with a flat file... a stitch in time saves nine..

[MattyF]

The round gaffs make them sound like the honeys own brand sold in the 80's ... Even a cheap set of kliens would do you better!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

[Tim Stobart Tree Surgery]

So, are these useful arborists equipment or some form of medieval torture device?

[Garyjp]

yikes!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Arbtalk

[morten]

The Distel Gecko's are without doubt the most comfortable spikes around, but that comfort comes at a price...

 

Distel Gecko aluminium climbing spikes, leather straps | F R Jones and Son

Edited May 21, 2014 by morten

[basilbrush]

I just bought a pair of these. Used them today for the first time on a sycamore. Every time I climbed with them the shank hit the tree before the spike making it difficult to get a decent foot hold . Has anyone else had this problem..... Do they do different length spikes .