Cutting and welding tree gaffs

[Madman Mark]

Has anyone ever cut and rewelded thier gaffs to shorten them by an inch or so ? I know this would be a very bad idea if welded poorly but if done properly ( by an experienced welder ) I dont see a problem.

 

[flushcut]

No. Are you talking about the point or the frame? Personally I don't think I would do either for peace of mind I would just go buy another set.

 

[flushcut]

I think I saw you are trying to sell a set of spurs is the point welded or replaceable. If replaceable just buy the shorter and bolt it on.

 

[treeslayer]

Then buy a set of pole gaffs. pretty dumb question, go get a job at Mcdonalds.:msp_glare:

 

[flushcut]

Then buy a set of pole gaffs. pretty dumb question, go get a job at Mcdonalds.:msp_glare:

You sound bitter this mourning.

 

[treeslayer]

You sound bitter this mourning.

I am. look out the window.......:msp_crying:

the dumbass never heard of a grinder?

 

[flushcut]

I am. look out the window.......:msp_crying:

the dumbass never heard of a grinder?

Snow bound too?

 

[Job Corps Tree]

You may get them shorter, but what if you get into some Thick bark trees?
I like having Spurr deep into wood and just not into bark

 

[treeslayer]

Snow bound too?

oh no, bigass 4x4 goes anywhere. nothing to do but firewood, getting old.

 

[flushcut]

I hear ya I ain't done sh@$ sense I helped you. I am going insane. We should get together and chat on how we can take over the midwest.

 

[treeslayer]

Good idea, I'll call you in a little while after I attack the refrigerator. :msp_laugh:

 

[Madman Mark]

Its the actual gaff, not the frame. They are replaceable but only with tree gaffs, not pole gaffs, not interchangable. I can easily cut them an inch shorter and reweld them ( Im a welder by trade, not an arboriste ) but I do a bit of tree work with a friend who is an arboriste:msp_rolleyes: i hope to someday work at MacDonalds though uttahere2:

 

[pdqdl]

Has anyone ever cut and rewelded thier gaffs to shorten them by an inch or so ? I know this would be a very bad idea if welded poorly but if done properly ( by an experienced welder ) I dont see a problem.

Before I pursued a welding solution, I would determine why they broke in the first place.

A weld is never stronger than the originally formed metal. If the original metal broke under normal use, then they should be thrown away. If you ran over them with a truck, and they were entirely ferrous metal, I would have no problem using them again if fused by a skilled welder. Welded aluminum or titanium...not a chance.

 

[Cheese Whiz]

Welded aluminum or titanium...not a chance.

If that's the case, I STRONGLY recommend you stay off airplanes! Come to think of it, the front subframe on my car is welded aluminum as well (and a few million more just like it.) Stay off the roads too.

 

[Madman Mark]

Before I pursued a welding solution, I would determine why they broke in the first place.

A weld is never stronger than the originally formed metal. If the original metal broke under normal use, then they should be thrown away. If you ran over them with a truck, and they were entirely ferrous metal, I would have no problem using them again if fused by a skilled welder. Welded aluminum or titanium...not a chance.

The problem is they are tree spurs and I need pole spurs and I cant return them so I thought maybe I could cut them an inch shorter and weld the section with the points back on. They're just made from mild steel ( ferrous ). It would cost around $200 just to buy the pole spurs because they are not interchangeable (Buckingham)

 

[tree MDS]

Before I pursued a welding solution, I would determine why they broke in the first place.

A weld is never stronger than the originally formed metal. If the original metal broke under normal use, then they should be thrown away. If you ran over them with a truck, and they were entirely ferrous metal, I would have no problem using them again if fused by a skilled welder. Welded aluminum or titanium...not a chance.

I was under the impression that he has tree gaffs, that he wants to cut and re-weld into pole gaffs. He's looking to up his game with some Macguyver style action.. rather than just pay for the proper tool to do the job safely..

 

[beowulf343]

The problem is they are tree spurs and I need pole spurs

My question is, why do you NEED pole spurs. You are a part time climber, at best, from a previous post. Tree spikes will work just fine for a job now and then. Use the tree spikes to make the $200 and then pick up the pole spikes.

Personally, i'm not a fan of messing with the gaffs (other than sharpening.) I threw out an almost new pair that had the point break off like you are talking about cutting off.

Lol, i remember you now, didn't take your friend's advice, huh?

Im buying a spur climbing kit soon to help with doing tree removal work with a friend of mine who is an arboriste. He's been "showing me the ropes" a bit and Im slowly learning. The kit Im going to buy comes with spurs,my choice of tree or pole spurs. My buddy says get the "shorter" pole spurs even though I'll be doing tree work. He says the longer 'tree spurs' are too long for the types of trees we have here in Nova Scotia, most without really thick bark. Should I take his advice ? He seems to know what he is talking about......although he is a little crazy LOL !

 

[flushcut]

Then I would say forget the welding just cut them shorter and regrind the profile. Just don't burn the metal I am sure as you know.

 

[treemandan]

Hell, after all these years I still don't know the difference between pole and tree gaffs. The definition seems to change depending are where you are and who you are talking to... kinda like that " what is a cord of wood" conumdrum.:msp_confused:

But with that being said I suggest to the Madman Mark to just grind his gaffs down if he feels they are two long.

Also MM, we don't know what brand of spikes you have so tell us ( Klien, Buckies, etc) what ya got and see if you can't get a picture to us.

 

[treemandan]

And personally I like curved gaffs opposed to straight because I like the feel. I suppose ( and I am just guessing here) that a pole gaff can be used on a tree and tree gaff can be used on pole with little or no trouble a'tall. Actually it don't make a bit of difference as it is all in the wrist anyway if ya know what I mean.