Crampon Modifications
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:04 pm
Howdy guys
I had my right Grivel G12 crampon explode on me on the summit of Baldy yesterday in a storm. This was the second time it happened (both on easy terrain on the Ski Hut Trail!
). The adjuster-thingy on the rear is to blame. As I only have one pair of boots that accept semi-auto bindings (Bail front, clip rear), I decided to "bolt" the crampons in position.
Screws, lockwashers, nuts, and -65 - 130 degree locking compound. Grivel spring-steel locking unit below compound bottle.
Bolts in place
Modified on left, original on right
The crampons are now more rigid, which should help with mixed climbing as the rear flexibility was a problem previously. However, the center bar is now much more rigid, which probably means more stress. I hope this does not lead to a catastrophic failure, despite "pre-flight checks".
I also got some hoseclamps to act as a sort of trigger for leashless climbing, or rather, just to help when leashed up.
I've seen it done before, though I'm sure it doesn't work so great. It's worth a shot.
Will add more info later upon testing/climbing.
I had my right Grivel G12 crampon explode on me on the summit of Baldy yesterday in a storm. This was the second time it happened (both on easy terrain on the Ski Hut Trail!
). The adjuster-thingy on the rear is to blame. As I only have one pair of boots that accept semi-auto bindings (Bail front, clip rear), I decided to "bolt" the crampons in position.Screws, lockwashers, nuts, and -65 - 130 degree locking compound. Grivel spring-steel locking unit below compound bottle.
Bolts in place
Modified on left, original on right
The crampons are now more rigid, which should help with mixed climbing as the rear flexibility was a problem previously. However, the center bar is now much more rigid, which probably means more stress. I hope this does not lead to a catastrophic failure, despite "pre-flight checks".
I also got some hoseclamps to act as a sort of trigger for leashless climbing, or rather, just to help when leashed up.
I've seen it done before, though I'm sure it doesn't work so great. It's worth a shot.
Will add more info later upon testing/climbing.
