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A wide range of equipment is used during rock climbing. The most popular types of climbing equipment are briefly described in this article. The article on protecting a climb describes equipment commonly used to protect a climber against the consequences of a fall. Climbers on Valkyrie at the Roaches. ...
Although the practice of rock climbing was an important component of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps, it is generally thought that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century in at least three areas: Elbsandsteingebirge, in Saxony near Dresden [1], the Lake District of...
A climbing technique is any of a number of body postures, movements and holds used in climbing. ...
In mountaineering and related climbing sports, climbers give a climbing grade to a route that attempts to assess the difficulty and danger of climbing the route. ...
As a nautical term, belaying refers to making a line fast to a cleat, pin or other fixed object. ...
Australian rappel demonstrated at a dam in Norway Abseiling (from the German: abseilen, to rope down) is the process of descending on a fixed rope. ...
Sports equipment includes any object used for sport or exercise. ...
Climbers on Valkyrie at the Roaches. ...
To make climbing as safe as possible, most climbers use protection to prevent injury to themselves and others. ...
 A rock climber wearing equipment: A helmet, harness with attached rope, spring-loaded cams, nuts, quickdraws. See also the Glossary of climbing terms for more equipment descriptions. Download high resolution version (1272x2262, 1601 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...
Download high resolution version (1272x2262, 1601 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...
Image File history File links Gear_full. ...
Image File history File links Gear_full. ...
This page describes terms and jargon related to climbing and mountaineering. ...
Rope, cord and webbing
- See also: Rope and Webbing
Climbing ropes are typically of kernmantle construction, consisting of a core (kern) of long twisted fibres and an outer sheath (mantle) of woven coloured fibres. The core provides about 80% of the tensile strength, while the sheath is a durable layer that protects the core and gives the rope desirable handling characteristics. Coils of rope used for long-line fishing A rope (IPA: ) is a length of fibers, twisted or braided together to improve strength for pulling and connecting. ...
Webbing is a strong fabric woven as a flat strip or tube of varying width and fibers often used in place of rope. ...
Kernmantle rope is rope constructed with its interior core (the kern) protected with a woven exterior sheath (mantle) that is designed to optimize strength, durability, and flexibility. ...
Ropes used for climbing can be divided into two classes: dynamic ropes and static ropes. Dynamic ropes are designed to absorb the energy of a falling climber, and are usually used as Belaying ropes. When a climber falls, the rope stretches, reducing the maximum force experienced by the climber, his belayer, and his equipment. Static ropes stretch much less, and are usually used in anchoring systems. They are also used for abseiling (rappeling) and as fixed ropes climbed with ascenders. In climbing, belaying is the technique of controlling the rope so that a falling climber does not fall very far. ...
In British English, abseiling (from the German abseilen, to rope down) is the process of descending on a fixed rope. ...
The practice of fixing in place bolted ropes to assist climbers and walkers in exposed mountain locations. ...
A Jumar is mechanical device for ascending on a rope, named after the Swiss factory Jümar, and is more generically known as an ascender. ...
Modern webbing is often made from dyneema, which is usually stronger and lighter than nylon,&mdash. While 12 mm dyneema slings have a tensile strength of around 22kN, a one-inch (25-mm) tubular climb-spec nylon webbing has a tensile strength of about 20 kN (4000 pounds)[1]. Some webbing is hollow core and is advantageous because rope can be placed inside of it, preventing damage to the sheath of a kernmantle rope if it hangs over a sharp edge. Webbing is inexpensive when compared with climbing rope. The kilonewton, symbol kN, is an SI unit of force. ...
The pound-force is a non-SI unit of force or weight (properly abbreviated lbf or lbf). The pound-force is equal to a mass of one pound multiplied by the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth (which is defined as exactly 9. ...
When webbing is sewn together at the ends (using reinforced stitching), it becomes known a sling or runner, and if you clip a carabiner to each end of the sling, you have a quickdraw. Webbing has many uses such as extending the distance between protection and a tie-in point, an anchor extension or equalization, securely anchoring a belayer (typically when the climber is heavier than the belayer, creating makeshift harnesses, carrying equipment, and as a component of quickdraws. Webbing is usually tied (using a water knot or beer knot. Two quickdraws. ...
Look up Protection in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
A climbing harness is a piece of equipment used in certain types of climbing. ...
hunters bend step by step Hunters bend, also known as riggers bend or a water knot, is a knot used to secure two lines. ...
diagram on how to tie this knot Beer knot Use: Making slings with tubular webbing Strength: 80% webbings original strength Pluses: Attractive, clean knot with no loose hanging tails. ...
Carabiners -
Carabiners are metal loops with spring-loaded gates (openings), used as connectors. Almost all carabiners for recreational climbing are made from aluminum alloy. A screw lock HMS carabiner A carabiner or karabiner (colloquially: crab, d ring, krab, or biner) is a metal loop with a sprung or screwed gate. ...
Aluminum is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. ...
Carabiners exist in various forms; the shape of the carabiner and the type of gate varies according to the use for which it is intended. There are two major varieties: locking and non-locking carabiners. Locking carabiners offer a method of preventing the gate from opening when in use. Locking carabiners are used for important connections, such as at the anchor point or a belay device. There are several different types of locking carabiners, including a twist-lock and a thread-lock. Non-locking carabiners are commonly found as a component of quickdraws. Two quickdraws. ...
Carabiners are made with many different types of gates including wire-gate, bent-gate, and straight-gate. The different gates have different strengths and uses. Most locking carabiners utilize a straight-gate. Bent-gate and wire-gate carabiners are usually found on the rope-end of quickdraws, as they facilitate easier rope clipping than straight-gate carabiners.
Carabiners are also known by many slang names including biner (pronounced beaner) and more commonly "Krab".
Steel carabiners are normally used by instructors when working with groups as they are harder wearing than aluminium alloy, but are much heavier.
Quickdraws -
Quickdraws (referred to as "draws" by many climbers) are used by climbers to attach ropes to bolt anchors or protection. They allow the rope to run through with minimal friction. A quickdraw consists of two non-locking carabiners connected by a short, pre-sewn loop of webbing. Alternatively, and quite regularly, the pre-sewn webbing is replaced by a sling of the pre-mentioned dyneema/nylon webbing. This is usually of a 60cm loop and can then be tripled over between the "krabs" to form a 20 cm loop. Then when more length is needed it can be made back into a 60cm loop offering more versatility than a pre-sewn loop. The carabiner meant for clipping into the protection generally has a straight gate, to decrease the possibility of the carabiner accidentally unclipping from the protection. The carabiner into which the rope is clipped often has a bent gate, so that clipping the rope into this carabiner can be done quickly and easily. Download high resolution version (906x614, 104 KB)Photograph of two quickdraws. ...
Download high resolution version (906x614, 104 KB)Photograph of two quickdraws. ...
Two quickdraws. ...
Harnesses -
A harness is used for attaching the rope to a person. Most harnesses used in climbing are worn around the pelvis, although other types are used occasionally. A climbing harness is a piece of equipment used in certain types of climbing. ...
Different types of climbing warrant particular features for harnesses. Sport climbers typically use minimalistic harnesses, some with sewn-on gear loops. Alpine climbers often choose lightweight harnesses, perhaps with detachable leg loops. Big wall climbers generally prefer padded waist belts and leg loops. There are also full body harnesses for children, whose pelvises may be too narrow to support a harness appropriately. These harnesses prevent children from falling even when inverted, and are either manufactured for children or constructed out of webbing. Some climbers use full body harnesses when there is a chance of inverting, or when carrying a heavy bag. There are also chest harnesses, which are used only in combination with a sit harness; this combination provides the same advantages as a full body harness. However, test results from UIAA show that chest harnesses can put more impact on the neck than sit harnesses, making them slightly more dangerous to use. Sport climbing is a style of rock climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, especially bolts, for protection. ...
Apart from these harnesses, there are also caving and canyoning harnesses, which all serve different purposes. For example, a caving harness is made of tough waterproof and unpadded material, with dual attachment points. Releasing the maillon from these attachment points loosens the harness quickly.
Canyoning harnesses are somewhat like climbing harnesses, often without the padding, but with a seat protector, making it more comfortable to rappel. These usually have a single attachment point of Dyneema. In British English, abseiling (from the German abseilen, to rope down) is the process of descending on a fixed rope. ...
Dyneema or Spectra is a synthetic fiber based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which is 15 times stronger than steel and up to 40% stronger than Kevlar. ...
Belay devices
ATC-XP on locking carabiner -
Main article: Belay devices These are mechanical friction brake devices used when belaying. They allow careful control of the belay rope. Their main purpose is to allow locking off of the rope with minimal effort. Many types of belay devices exist, and some of these may additionally be used as descenders, for controlled descent on a rope, that is, abseiling or rappeling. Download high resolution version (1810x782, 244 KB)ATC-XP on locking carabiner. ...
Download high resolution version (1810x782, 244 KB)ATC-XP on locking carabiner. ...
This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
This page describes terms and jargon related to climbing and mountaineering. ...
In British English, abseiling (from the German abseilen, to rope down) is the process of descending on a fixed rope. ...
There are passive camming devices and active camming devices. Passive camming devices rely on the brake hand and a carabiner to lock off the rope. Sticht plates and the Air Traffic Controller ATC are examples of passive camming devices.
Active camming devices have a built-in mechanism that locks off the rope without the help of any other pieces of equipment. A GriGri is an example. The offset cam in the GriGri locks off the rope automatically to catch a falling climber, much like a seatbelt in a car locks off to hold a passenger securely. The GriGri fails at around 9 kN of force.
However, a GriGri, with its technology, often makes belayers become less vigilant. The GriGri is not a hands-free belay device. One mistake with the GriGri is reverse threading it. Reverse threading means to thread the GriGri the wrong way around, rendering the camming action useless. However, in a fall, with a reverse threaded GriGri, bending the rope sharply under the GriGri provides more than enough friction to hold a falling climber.
An example of traditional belay is the Body Belay or the Hip Belay, where the rope is wrapped around the body to provide enough friction to catch a climber. This is often used in Alpine climbing, where the routes are easy, and the belay must be fast.
Ice climbers often use a boot belay, where the rope is wrapped around one boot, thus providing friction.
Rappel devices (descenders) These devices are friction brakes which are designed for descending ropes. Many belay devices can be used as descenders, but there are descenders that are not practical for belaying, since it is too difficult to feed rope through them. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
Figure eight Sometimes just called "eight", this device is most commonly used as a descender, but may also be used as a belay device in the absence of more appropriate equipment.
It is an aluminium (or occasionally steel) "8" shaped device, but comes in several varieties. Its main advantage is efficient heat dissipation. A square eight, used in rescue applications, is better for rappelling than the traditional 8. Because of the "ears" or "wings" on the rescue 8, there is less chance of forming a girth hitch whilst rappelling very quickly.
Figure eights allow fast but controlled descent on a rope. They are easy to set up and are effective in dissipating the heat caused by friction but have a tendency to put a twist in the rope. Holding the brake hand off to the side twists the rope, whereas holding the brake hand straight down, parallel to the body, allows a controlled descent without twisting the rope. Because of the many bends it puts into the rope, an 8 descender can wear a rope quicker than a tube style belay/rappel device. Many sport climbers also avoid them because of the extra bulk an 8 puts on the rack. However, many ice climbers prefer to use the 8, because it is much easier to thread with stiff or frozen rope. Download high resolution version (915x701, 44 KB)Figure Eight device for belaying File links The following pages link to this file: Climbing equipment Categories: GFDL images ...
Download high resolution version (915x701, 44 KB)Figure Eight device for belaying File links The following pages link to this file: Climbing equipment Categories: GFDL images ...
Rescue eight A rescue eight is a variation of a figure eight, with "ears" or "wings" which prevent the rope from "locking up" or creating a girth hitch, thus stranding the rappeller on the rope. Rescue eights are frequently made of steel, rather than aluminium.
Rack This consists of a 'U' shaped frame, attached to the belayer's harness, into which snap multiple bars that pivot from the other side of the frame. The rope is woven through as many of the bars as are required to provide sufficient friction. This arrangement allows for variations in rope diameter and condition, as well as controlled rate of descent.
Ascenders -
Main article: Ascender (climbing) Ascenders are mechanical devices for ascending on a rope. They are also called Jumars, after a popular brand.
Jumars perform the same functionality as friction knots but are stronger, faster, safer and less effort is needed to use them. A Jumar employs a cam which allows the device to slide freely in one direction but tightly grip the rope when pulled on in the opposite direction. To prevent a jumar from accidentally coming off the rope, a locking carabiner is used. The Jumar is first attached to the climber's harness by a piece of webbing or sling, and then the Jumar is clipped onto the rope and locked. Two ascenders are normally used to climb a fixed rope. For climbing a fixed rope attached to snow anchors on a steep slope, only one Jumar is used as the other hand is used for holding the ice axe. Ice axe 1 – pick 2 – head 3 – adze 4 – leash 5 – leash stop 6 – shaft with rubber grip 7 – spike An ice axe is a multi-purpose mountaineering tool carried by practically every mountaineer. ...
Another type of ascender allows rope to feed in either direction, slowly, but locks up when pulled quickly. Such self-locking devices allow people to protect solo climbs because the amount of rope is automatically adjusted. Self-locking devices are devices intended to arrest the fall of climbers who climb alone (known as solo climbing). ...
Protection devices Protection devices, collectively known as rock protection or pro, provide the means to place temporary anchor points on the rock. These devices may be categorized as passive (nuts, Hexentrics, etc.) or active spring-loaded camming devices (SLCDs). A three-cam SLCD manufactured by Metolius. ...
 Typical nuts and a nut tool Download high resolution version (1760x1356, 393 KB)Seven nuts and a nut removal tool on a locking carabiner. ...
Download high resolution version (1760x1356, 393 KB)Seven nuts and a nut removal tool on a locking carabiner. ...
Nuts -
Main article: Nut (climbing) Nuts are manufactured in many different varieties. In their simplest form, they are just a small block of metal attached to a loop of cord or wire. The most popular styles are tapers and hexcentrics. They are sometimes referred to by the slang term, wires. A selection of nuts and a nut removal tool. ...
For other uses, see Slang (disambiguation). ...
Nuts are used by simply wedging them into narrowing cracks in the rock, then giving them a tug to set them.
Image File history File linksMetadata Hexcentrics. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Hexcentrics. ...
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. ...
Hexcentrics -
Main article: hexcentric Hexcentrics, usually called hexes, are a type of nut, a hollow eccentric hexagonal prism with tapered ends, usually threaded with tape. They are manufactured by several firms, with a range of sizes varying from about 10mm thick to 100mm wide. Sides may be straight or curved.
Hexcentrics are a piece of rock climbing equipment used to protect climbers from injury during a fall. ...
Spring loaded camming devices -
These consist of three or four cams mounted on a common axle or two adjacent axles, in such a way that pulling on the shaft connected to the axle forces the cams to spread further apart. The SLCD is used like a syringe, by pulling the cams via a "trigger" (a small handle) which forces them closer, inserting it into a crack or pocket in the rock, and then releasing the trigger. The springs make the cams expand and grip the rock face securely. A climbing rope may then be attached to the end of the stem via a sling and carabiner. A three-cam SLCD manufactured by Metolius. ...
For other uses, see CAM. Animation showing rotating cams and cam followers producing reciprocating motion. ...
A syringe nowadays nearly always means a medical syringe, but it can mean any of these: A simple hand-powered piston pump consisting of a plunger that can be pulled and pushed along inside a cylindrical tube (the barrel), which has a small hole on one end, so it can...
A sling is an item of climbing equipment consisting of a tied or sown loop of webbing that can be wrapped around sections of rock, hitched (tied) to other pieces of equipment or even tied directly to a tensioned line using a special prussik knot, for anchor extension or equalisation. ...
A screw lock HMS carabiner A carabiner or karabiner (colloquially: crab, d ring, krab, or biner) is a metal loop with a sprung or screwed gate. ...
They are often referred to as cams or friends®.
Tricams -
A Tricam is a passive or active device consisting of a shaped aluminium block attached to a length of tape (webbing). The block is shaped so that pulling on the tape makes it cam against the crack, gripping the rock tighter. It requires careful placement so that it does not loosen when not loaded. It is generally not as easy to place or remove as a SLCD but is much cheaper and lighter, and is the only thing that will work in some situations like quarry drill-holes and limestone pockets. The smaller sizes can work well in old piton scars. They can also be used Passively as nuts. A range of tricams A Tricam is a type of climbing protection equipment, produced by Italian firm CAMP. It is a passive or active device consisting of a shaped aluminium block attached to a length of webbing tape. ...
A sling is an item of climbing equipment consisting of a tied or sown loop of webbing that can be wrapped around sections of rock, hitched (tied) to other pieces of equipment or even tied directly to a tensioned line using a special prussik knot, for anchor extension or equalisation. ...
A three-cam SLCD manufactured by Metolius. ...
Indoor training equipment Various items of equipment are employed during climbing-specific training.
Grip savers A small device that can help in developing the antagonist muscles to those used while gripping with the hand. Use of such a device can prevent the ligament injuries that are frequently experienced by climbers.
Fingerboards An apparatus chiefly used for improving grip strength and practicing grip techniques. They generally consist of a variety of different-sized pockets and ridges that one may hang from, or upon which pull-ups can be performed. These are usually mounted above a doorway, or anywhere that allows the user's body to hang freely. Also called hangboards.
Campus boards -
Main article: Campus board A series of horizontal rungs attached to an overhanging surface that may be climbed up and down without the aid of the feet. When used properly, campus boards can improve finger strength and so-called "contact strength". A typical campus board at a rock climbing training facility The Campus Board is a Rock Climbing training tool, usually made from thin slats of wood attached to a board in a ladderlike fashion, then hung at a less than vertical angle (around 20 degrees) somewhere with plenty of leg...
Bachar ladder -
Main article: Bachar ladder A ladder made by stringing large diameter PVC piping on webbing and climbed without using the feet. Improves overall upper body strength as well as core strength when used well.
Specialist clothing In the early days of climbing, many would have considered specialised clothing to be cheating. In fact, the first climbers considered an untucked shirt or unbuttoned sport jacket a sign of weakness. Several climbers even chose to climb bare foot, an act that modern climbers would find amazing. In the 80s and early 90s, the trend was to wear tight, brightly-colored clothes. The trend, now, is to wear looser fitting clothing.
Climbing shoes -
Main article: Climbing shoe Specifically designed foot wear is usually worn for climbing. To increase the grip of the foot on a climbing wall or rock face due to friction, the shoe is covered with a vulcanized rubber layer. Usually, shoes are only a few millimetres thick and fit very snuggly around the foot. Stiffer shoes are used for "edging", more compliant ones for "smearing". Some have foam padding on the heel to make descents and rappels more comfortable. Climbing shoes A climbing shoe is a piece of foot wear that is specifically designed and worn for climbing. ...
High-heeled shoe Footwear consists of garments worn on the feet. ...
For other uses, see Climbing (disambiguation). ...
For other uses, see Foot (disambiguation). ...
Climbing a rock-textured wall with belay, modular hand holds, incuts, and protrusions A climbing wall is an artificially constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, used for climbing. ...
For other uses, see Friction (disambiguation). ...
A millimetre (American spelling: millimeter, symbol mm) is an SI unit of length that is equal to one thousandth of a metre. ...
Belay gloves Belay gloves have been shunned by climbers who claim that gloves reduce grip on and control over the rope. For other climbers, belay gloves are a useful aid for belaying on long climbs. In particular, when lowering a climber they remove the possibility of rope burn and the subsequent involuntary release of the rope. Download high resolution version (1522x1522, 318 KB)A belay glove. ...
Download high resolution version (1522x1522, 318 KB)A belay glove. ...
Belay gloves are constructed from either leather or a synthetic substitute. They typically have heat resistant padding on the palm and fingers.
It is very important to use gloves if using a classic or body belay.
Miscellaneous equipment
Helmet
 A Petzel Elios climbing helmet designed for caving and mountaineering
It is an often disregarded item of safety equipment that primarily protects the skull against impacts, and that has saved many climbers from serious injury or death. In well-developed and popular climbing areas, impacts to the head are more commonly caused by falling objects. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1350x1100, 159 KB)A climbing helmet - A Petzel Elios helmet for caving and mountaineering. ...
Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1350x1100, 159 KB)A climbing helmet - A Petzel Elios helmet for caving and mountaineering. ...
Depending upon the type of climbing being undertaken, helmets are more or less common. There are a number of valid reasons for a climber to choose not to wear a helmet, including concerns about weight, reduction in agility or added encumbrances. However, sometimes the reason can be just vanity. In a gym environment there is much less reason to wear a helmet than on multi-pitch adventure routes or ice climbing routes where falling rocks or ice are likely.
Tape Medical tape is useful to both prevent and repair minor injuries. For example, tape is often used to fix flappers. Many climbers use tape to bind fingers or wrists to prevent recurring tendon problems. Tape is also highly desirable for protecting hands on climbing routes that consist mostly of repeated hand jamming. This page describes terms and jargon related to climbing and mountaineering. ...
A climbing technique is any of a number of body postures, movements and holds used in climbing. ...
"Tape" can also refer to nylon webbing.
Haul bag A haul bag refers to a large, tough, and often unwieldy bag into which supplies and climbing equipment may be thrown. A rucksack or day pack often has a webbing haul loop on the top edge.
Haul bags are often affectionately known as "pigs" due to their unwieldy nature.
Gear sling A gear sling is usually used by trad (traditional), or big wall climbers when they have too much gear to fit onto the gear loops of their harnesses. The simplest forms are homemade slings of webbing; more elaborate forms have padding and two slings on each side. ...
Bouldering mat -
Main article: Bouldering mat A bouldering mat is a thick mat used to soften landings or to cover objects that would be hazardous in the event of a fall. They typically consist of a 2-6 inch thick foam section covered with a robust fabric covering. Many brands have integral handles and may easily fold into a reasonable dimension for carrying. Bouldering mats are also known by the terms crash pad and sketch pad. A bouldering mat or crash pad is basically a small mattress used for protection when bouldering. ...
An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ...
Chalk - See also: Chalk
Gymnastic chalk is a powder that improves grip by absorbing sweat. It is primarily magnesium carbonate but often with added magnesium sulfate which acts as a drying agent. For other uses, see Chalk (disambiguation). ...
Magnesium carbonate, MgCO3, is a white solid that occurs in nature as a mineral. ...
Magnesium sulfate (or sulphate) is a chemical compound containing magnesium and sulfate, with the formula MgSO4. ...
For environmental reasons, the use of chalk is controversial in some areas. In areas where rain is infrequent (or under overhangs on any cliff) bold and unsightly chalk marks can build up on popular routes. In places where rain is more common, the chalk residue can form thick deposits. As a result, chalk coloured to match various rock types and biodegradable alternatives are now becoming available.
Chalk bag
 Chalk Bags with chalk ball These are hand-sized fabric bags for holding climbers' chalk. Chalk bags are usually cylander or pouch shaped and are closed with a drawstring. The inner fabric is usually fleece which traps chalk powder. The outer fabic may be brightly coloured or patterned. They are usually attached to the back of a waist belt for easy access by either hand during a climb. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 778 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1200 × 925 pixel, file size: 203 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Chalk bags for use in rock climbing. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 778 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1200 × 925 pixel, file size: 203 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Chalk bags for use in rock climbing. ...
The powdered chalk may be loose in the bag, or, increasingly, a chalk sock, or chalk ball, is filled with the chalk and this is placed into the chalk bag. Chalk socks are pouches made from a porous material that allows some chalk dust to be excreted when squeezed or rubbed.
Resin Resin is sometimes used in bouldering. It is principally used to increase friction between the climber's shoes and the rock by providing a slightly stickier surface. It is made of dried tree resin in the form of a powder. The powder is usually bound inside a cloth with a suitable cord. Forming a ball at one end and a free cloth at the other. The resin may then be applied by tapping the resin ball on the rock. Excess is removed by whipping the rock with the free cloth.
Nut tool It is a small piece of equipment, also known as a nut key. It is made from a flat piece of sheet steel, about 20 cm long, with a hook at one end and the other end shaped into a handle. It is used to extract, from cracks in the rock, which cannot be extracted by hand, especially when the nut has supported a climber's weight or arrested a fall. It may need to be hammered in order to shift a particularly stubborn nut.
Rope bag It is a bag with a tarp, specially designed for storing and protecting climbing rope. The bag usually unfolds to provide a flat piece of material to place the rope on, protecting the rope from dirt and rock that might impair the integrity of the rope. When conditions are very wet, a large plastic bag such as a garbage bag is used.
Webbing Webbing or tape, is a length of inelastic, extremely strong material, usually constructed of nylon or spectra, resembling a flat rope. Some webbing has a hollow core and has the advantage that rope can be placed inside it. This can be useful in preventing damage to the sheath of a kernmantle rope if it is run over a sharp edge. Webbing is inexpensive compared with climbing rope.
When webbing is sewn together at the ends (using reinforced stitching) it becomes known a sling or runner. A carabiner cipped into each end of the sling creates a quick draw. Webbing has a number of uses: extending the distance between some protection and a tie-in point, securely anchoring a belayer (typically when the climber is heavier). Slings are extremely strong - for example, a 16mm nylon slings is typically able to withstand forces in excess of 45kN (i.e. an equivalent dead weight of 4,500kg or 10,125lbs.
Standards There are two major standards bodies for certifying the safety and reliability of climbing equipment: - CEN (European Committee for Standardisation)
- UIAA (International Federation of Mountaineering Associations)
Any products sold in Europe must, by law, be certified to the relevant standards. There is no such requirement in many other countries, although most manufacturers voluntarily follow UIAA or CEN standards. CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, was founded in 1961 by the national standard bodies in the European Economic Community and EFTA countries. ...
The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations dAlpinisme) is the organisation that represents several million mountaineers and climbers, world-wide, on international issues. ...
References - ^ Blue Water Product Specifications
External links - Spadout Wiki Climbing Gear List
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