The Different Types of Climbing Spikes
When you pursue a career as a professional lineman, having the proper tools and equipment is essential to a successful day at work. This includes acquiring quality fall protection devices, hand tools, and even electrical pole climbing gear, depending on the job. Among all this necessary equipment, climbing spikes are especially essential for scaling wooden electrical poles and keeping a worker rooted in place. Designed to penetrate deeply into wooden surfaces and form a foothold, these boot attachments allow workers to climb with little worry of slipping from their position. However, the effectiveness of these items can be dependent on everything from the condition of the pole to the climber’s overall comfort. Knowing the different types of climbing spikes and how they perform is key to making the right choice for you.
The Types of Climbing Spikes
Contrary to other pieces of equipment, climbing spikes include three main components that can be switched around depending on a climber’s preferences. This is why, before we get into the details of the different types of climbing spikes, it’s important that you have an understanding of their features. Each standard set of climbing spikes consists of the main metal shank, the gaff attached to it, and the leg pad and straps that secure the device to a person’s work boots. Since the straps are removable, in this instance, the types of spikes we’ll be referring to are the different metals that can make up the shank and gaff. These are some of the most popular options in the industry:
Steel
Steel shanks and gaffs are known to be the most durable and have the longest lifespan of all the different materials. As such, they’re a very reliable choice when looking to keep a set long-term. However, while these steel components are certainly strong, they’re also incredibly heavy and can take a bit of time to get used to. This metal can also limit the configurations you can use for the rest of your spike pad setup, as they require you to use leather support pads over sleeves or straps.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber shanks and gaffs, on the other hand, are incredibly lightweight and don’t feel constricting when the climber moves or stops to rest. Unfortunately, though, they are significantly more fragile and much more susceptible to damage and general wear and tear. Those who prefer this material shouldn’t walk along the ground wearing them, as even this can cause the underside to weaken. Still, despite the possibility of damage, they’re a great choice for linemen who want to make the climb up the pole a bit more accommodating.
Titanium
If you’re looking for something more in the middle, titanium might be what you want. Heavier than carbon fiber but significantly lighter than steel, this material offers all the benefits of a less-strenuous climb with some durability. While titanium won’t be able to withstand as much damage as steel, it will last much longer than carbon fiber and perform very well over several back-to-back jobs. Just be sure that you test these spikes once they get a bit older because they may require replacement.
Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum alloy is also on the lighter end of the spectrum, yet they’re still incredibly strong and durable. This material, like titanium, is often considered a great middle-ground between steel and carbon fiber, as it’s light enough to use comfortably and resistant enough to prevent damage. However, if you prefer something with a bit more heft to it, you may want to consider a heavier material to fit better with your climbing style.
Tips for Choosing Professional Climbing Spikes
Once you’re familiar with the main metals used to construct climbing spikes, it’s time to pick out your own set. As we mentioned, there can be several pairings and configurations involved in picking out these spurs, but they all work just as well on the job as long as you’re comfortable. Consequently, while you have some choices to make, your own preferences will largely determine the best options for you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Think About How You Want Them to Perform
Performance is key to ensuring that your climbing spikes will actively help you do your job. When picking the type of metal you want to use, think about your past climbing experiences and what you might want to change for the future. If you prefer more weight as you climb, try products made with steel or titanium. If you’d rather not deal with the additional weight, go for something on the lighter side. At the end of the day, the material you choose for your spikes will need to accommodate all your climbing and long-term occupational needs.
Make Sure They’re Comfortable
Next, make sure that your spikes are comfortable before you commit to buying them. Leg pads and straps come in numerous different materials, shapes, and sizes to accommodate specific comfort needs. As such, part of the decision-making process should also include trying out various models to find one that provides you with the most support. Since you’ll be wearing these pads for prolonged periods, numerous times a week, making sure that they’re snug and comfortable should be among your top priorities.
Experiment With Different Gaff Lengths
Finally, you should experiment with different gaff lengths to pinpoint which one makes you feel more secure during a climb. Though they perform similarly, either way, there’s often debate over whether longer or shorter gaffs are better for climbing electrical poles. This choice also relates directly back to the climber’s preference, and we encourage you to try both before making the final purchase.
Whether you’re in need of a new set of climbing spurs or fall protection equipment, we at Midwest Unlimited have just what you need. Each day, professional linemen test their physical limits and put their lives on the line for the sake of the job, so we consider it our own duty to support them with the best possible tools and safety gear. This way, every climber can place their concerns on the backburner and focus on doing the best job they can.
