Broken aluminum gaff

[John Paul Sanborn]

I was up in a huge cottonwood yesterday and shaved out while standing in a small sweep in the log. My left stirrup cracked ankle high, then snapped in two.

I've never heard of this, much less seen it.

 

[tree MDS]

Sounds like another good reason not to freeclimb.

 

[danieltree]

I use bashlin spurs. I would love to know what brand and how old. I also would like to see a picture if you can.​

 

[Blakesmaster]

I use bashlin spurs. I would love to know what brand and how old. I also would like to see a picture if you can.​

Agreed. Pics would be great, JPS.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

US rigging and they are around 3 years old.

I'll try for the picture, but have misplaced my cords and cables.

 

[danieltree]

Could you see a defect in the casting or anything like that. That sorta scares me because I am in my spurs all the time and have the utmost faith in them. I do double in with a rope and figure 8 for safety sake but usually only do this once I am up the tree a ways.​

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I talked to the company and they say that had discontinued the product "years" ago, due to a bending incident. The rep I had on the phone thought it was no longer sold, but I saw it in the Pelican Rope Works catalog online.

Anyone have an idea as to serviceable life for Al gaffs?

 

[treemandan]

US rigging and they are around 3 years old.

I'll try for the picture, but have misplaced my cords and cables.

Is that the same company that made that eye splice that came un-done on me? DO you think the cold weather had much to do with it? Did you eat a big breakfast beforehand?

I know they say Al. is stronger than steel but I don't believe them for one second. Al. does not withstand the punishement equipment like this goes through.

Anyway least you are Ok.

 

[tree MDS]

Is that the same company that made that eye splice that came un-done on me? DO you think the cold weather had much to do with it? Did you eat a big breakfast beforehand?

I know they say Al. is stronger than steel but I don't believe them for one second. Al. does not withstand the punishement equipment like this goes through.

Anyway least you are Ok.

Who says aluminum is stronger than steel? I think its the other way around.

 

[treemandan]

Who says aluminum is stronger than steel? I thing its the other way around.

They do, you know those idiots. I swear that is what they keep saying.

I think I have heard that before.

 

[Blakesmaster]

They do, you know those idiots. I swear that is what they keep saying.

I think I have heard that before.

"They" don't know ####.

 

[treemandan]

"They" don't know ####.

I think its pound for pound with this. You know what i mean? i guess by the time you had the same weight in Al. as in steel you would have a pretty big product.

 

[jomoco]

I was up in a huge cottonwood yesterday and shaved out while standing in a small sweep in the log. My left stirrup cracked ankle high, then snapped in two.

I've never heard of this, much less seen it.

Happened to me gaffing a dead euc at the SD Zoo.

The old steel Buckingham, exactly where the upper overpiece ended going down to the main gaff body. Upon inspection there was rust in the crack so it was a matter of metal fatigue after who knows how many flexions?

I like my new titanium Buck's, despite their cost, and switching from the old replacement gaff.

One of my very best inventions deal with gaffs, but I'm keeping mum about until the new year.

I'm glad to turn the page on 09, because it sucked worse than any year since I was 14 years old in 73.

C-Yu!

jomoco

 

[Wishie22]

I talked to the company and they say that had discontinued the product "years" ago, due to a bending incident. The rep I had on the phone thought it was no longer sold, but I saw it in the Pelican Rope Works catalog online.

Anyone have an idea as to serviceable life for Al gaffs?

Glad your alright.

See what the warranty is on them, call pelican rope works.

Aluminum cracks easier under stress in cold temps, but check where it is cracked and see if the cast has air pockets or other casting flaws.

Broke titanium tools due to casting issues.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Upon inspection there was rust in the crack so it was a matter of metal fatigue after who knows how many flexions?

My thinking too, it broke where the taper ends on the neck and the metal looked to have a course crystal structure.

 

[Nailsbeats]

I've heard of it before, just can't remember where or who. It was Aluminums I believe. I climb on the Buckingham Aluminums most of the time myself. The cold weather definitely didn't help, metal becomes brittle. Glad you're OK John.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Thanks, it did freak me out. My head could have been caught in a crotch if they had not held.

 

[Toddppm]

Thanks, it did freak me out. My head could have been caught in a crotch if they had not held.

That's just too funny.....

No offense of course....

 

[EdenT]

:agree2:
Yeah, that occurred to me to.

Whose is the question.

Glad your OK.

Must get back to work!!!!

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

No offense of course....

None taken, I saw the double entendre after i posted

Once I've shaken it off, I tend to see humor in any situation that nearly causes the filling of my drawers.