Another newbie question

[minuteman tree]

I just got a brand new pair of Buckingham spurs on Ebay. I was told that they were tree spurs, but when I measured them, they were only 1 and 3/4" long, meaning that they're pole spurs. Can I still use them on trees safely?

 

[minuteman tree]

They have permanent gaffs, so I can't change em.

 

[troythetreeman]

odd they would be permanent.... you sure there isnt a press pin or something i think buckingham uses?
i wouldnt use a pole spike in a tree, at least not one with thick bark
if you dont get through the bark it can peel off and youll ride it down like a ski
put them back on ebay maybe?

 

[stihl.logger]

i have used pole spikes on Beech and things of that nature but from a tree climers perspective do yourself the favor of throwing them back on the the "bay" and find yourself a suitable set, if your new to climbing, your gonna be puckered up like a snare drum at 40' anyhow, no sense in having a doubt in your mind about the right gear while your up there and workin hard to get a marginal bite in the tree. baileys usually has stuff on sale too, check em out.

 

[RacerX]

Do a search on this forum and you'll find other threads where many guys say that they climb mostly on pole gaffs. Unless the tree has exceptionally thick bark you should be fine.

 

[minuteman tree]

newbie question

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. I'll be climbing mostly oaks and maples.

 

[thepheniox]

I have a friend that uses pole gaffs. A couple jobs he forgot his spurs and had to use mine. He says using tree gaffs are like wearing stillito's. Not sure how he knows that but yes pole gaffs will work. Just be careful. I've tried them and don't really feel comfortable wearing them but they are easier on the legs.

 

[pdqdl]

The problem with most eBay poll gaffs, particularly the ones that do not have replaceable spurs, is that they have been sharpened so many times that the taper is wrong for proper penetration AND they are a bit too short for thick bark trees.

NEW poll gaffs are just fine for climbing most trees.

 

[minuteman tree]

They were new in the box when I got them.

 

[kdslocum]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. I'll be climbing mostly oaks and maples.

I had a set of buckinghams with pole gaffs and used them often. i never really had a problem with them except for in oaks i could never seem to get them in far enough to support me. theyll work fine it really depends on what you like. Me i like pole gaffs cuz they bring my feet closer to the tree and support my knees better keep my legs straight.(bad knees) i always felt to bow legged in tree gaffs. if i had the money i get both pole and tree gaffs.
Anywho you should be fine with the pole gaffs.

 

[pdqdl]

:agree2:

When the gaffs are long, they put more torque on your ankles, and that definitely gets transferred to your knees.

I bought some Gecko's recently, and was horrified to discover that my ankles were weakening only 1/2 hour into the job. They have gotten stronger since then, so it isn't much of a problem now, but I also bought a pair of "European" gaffs, that are a bit shorter and work just as well.

 

[minuteman tree]

Thanks for all of the info guys. I'll probably end up buying tree gagged too, but I don't have the money. Still have to get the rest of my gear. Certainly not a cheap profession to get into!

 

[kdslocum]

:agree2:

When the gaffs are long, they put more torque on your ankles, and that definitely gets transferred to your knees.

I bought some Gecko's recently, and was horrified to discover that my ankles were weakening only 1/2 hour into the job. They have gotten stronger since then, so it isn't much of a problem now, but I also bought a pair of "European" gaffs, that are a bit shorter and work just as well.

How are those euro gaffs? My brothers got a pair of geckos with the tree gaffs. The pads are super comfy but within 20 mins my knees were killing me when I was doin a removal. I blame it on the gaff length or angle.

 

[pdqdl]

They take a lot of pressure off the side. Those dang geckos have really long spikes on the "American" gaffs. As I recall, it is only 3/4" shorter (offset), but that does make a bit of difference.

If your knees are giving you trouble, shorter gaffs might not be enough relief. I had trouble with my ankle strength, and then they toughened up and I have not had any more problems. In my experience, knees get bad...and then stay that way.

 

[troythetreeman]

i tried several different spikes, ive found i can adjust any set so they dont hurt with enough trial and error
the only ones i like and am perfectly comfortable in are the oldschool steel kleins
buckinghams dont suck, i will not say the same for bashin or gecko or any other brand ive tried
i like the longer ones better, they get into trees with thick bark better, youre a little more maneuverable in them, youre less likely to twist them out and its easier to get them back into the tree if they slip out
i dont recommend switching, find one set you like and stick with them, after a point using them will become so second nature youll walk around in a tree as easy as you do on the ground
one thing i cannot stress enough is keep them sharp
and its funny to me because in 15 years ive never met a climber who kept his spikes in a condition id even consider using to climb
any tool meant to be sharp is unsafe to use dull, not to mention, harder

 

[troythetreeman]

i broke my ankle once in 2 places and tore all the ligaments and it has almost no cartilage left, it bothers me on the ground but never in the tree
i have a bad knee that hurts when i walk down stairs, aside from the occasional tinge from a funny twist in the tree it doesnt bother me when i climb either
doctors told me id never climb again
i think its a matter of technique, if the way youre doing something isnt working, try a different way
i dont work near as hard as i used to in a tree, over the years ive learned a lot of efficiency, so while i may move slower and take fewer chances, im still faster, safer and i do a better job

 

[pdqdl]

'Been there, done that, also.

My knees don't bother me, but the ankle is a different story. Me and walking don't get along. I plan my every move on how to walk less.

 

[TreEmergencyB]

i learned to climb on pole gaffs locust and big old hemlocks come to mind has harder with the short gaff. Does keep your foot nice and close to the tree which some guys like. I climb on the geckos with American spike they are long but nice.

Don't keep them to sharp makes it hard to get em out thats hard on the knees. Sharpen correctly and use the correctly and you'll be good pole gaff or tree gaff

 

[kdslocum]

i learned to climb on pole gaffs locust and big old hemlocks come to mind has harder with the short gaff. Does keep your foot nice and close to the tree which some guys like. I climb on the geckos with American spike they are long but nice.

Don't keep them to sharp makes it hard to get em out thats hard on the knees. Sharpen correctly and use the correctly and you'll be good pole gaff or tree gaff

I def agree I learned on pole gaffs and think it's a good way to learn because they're more difficult. Have to be much more careful on those harder woods and keep them well Maintained.

 

[troythetreeman]

i dont have trouble getting mine out, but i dont stomp them in, i simply step on them
exceptions being basswood. linden and white pine, occasionally theyre hard to get out
trees with thick bark or setting for a cut in a dead elm, stomp them in