Gaffs are a common tool used for climbing and accessing utility poles and trees. According to Klein Tool Construction, tree climber gaffs are virtually identical to their pole climber counterparts except that they are slightly wedged and often come in only one size-adjustment range. Manufactured to connect the leg iron unit of climbing spurs with the stirrup, safety pad and climbing boots, gaffs average 15 to 21 inches in length and provide the main "digging" component of the spur set. With safety, practice and an eye for detail, practically anyone can learn to put on gaffs for climbing.
Step 1
Put on your climbing boots and lace up the strings until they are double-knotted and tightly fastened to your ankles. Step into your climbing stirrups so that the leg iron and climber pads of each stirrup leg rest directly on your inner calves.
Step 2
Position the stirrups so that the ankle straps rest directly above the top of your climbing boots, generally above the ankle bones. Pull the nylon belt through the ankle strap loop and fasten it to the appropriate notch while making sure you aren't cutting off circulation. Make sure the arch of your boot rests firmly on the metal broad stirrup.
Step 3
Test the settings of your gaff spikes by holding the calf straps in your hands and taking practice steps to make sure the tips do not brush or scrape across the ground. Check the tips of both gaffs to make sure they are not broken, cracked or dull, and replace your gaffs if necessary.
Step 4
Place the climber pads firmly against your inner calves and tighten the nylon calf straps until you find a similar appropriate notch, securing the stirrup unit while making sure the straps are not too tight. Take a number of practice steps to make sure both ankle and calf straps have been fully secured yet are not constricting circulation.
Step 5
Ensure that both stirrup and gaff units are fully safe and ready for duty before climbing a tree or utility pole. Consult an expert climber for advice before embarking on your first climb.
Tips and Warnings
- For added security, make sure your combined body, clothing and tool weight does not exceed 300 pounds when using pole or tree climber gaffs. Do not attempt climbing without the appropriate supervision or instruction.
- As a general rule, always replace stirrups whose gaffs have been replaced three or more times. When climbing, always keep in mind the three-point contact rule by maintaining a grip on your pole or tree with three of your four bodily limbs.
Things You'll Need
- Climbing boots
- Pair of climbing stirrups and gaffs
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