Sharpening Gaffs.

[Eagle1]

I have been keeping my gaffs sharp with a flat ******* file. Now, after alot of use and sharpens they need a good edge. I was climbing a tall Beach tree yesterday, I know that is real hard wood but I kept ripping down and it felt like I was climbing ice. The spikes seemed to barley penatrate.
Can you put these to a wheel? or just work your butt off with the flat file?

 

[MasterBlaster]

No grinding!

I guess when you say 'edge' you really mean 'point'. Have they lost their original shape? When you're filing you need to keep the same shape, or you will eventually be kicking out all the time.
As with allmost all sharpening, most people tend to overdo it. It doesn't take but a few strokes to bring the point back.
I tickle my gaffs two, maybe three times a week. And I also use LONG GAFFS exclusively.

 

[Ax-man]

Try using a new file to see if you get better results.

A mill ******* file works the best for removing metal and sharpening tools that require some kind of edge.

 

[Eagle1]

I have been toying with the of new irons. I know there have been alot of posts on the best and worse. I was thinking of Aluminum or tiatinum (spelling ).
Bashin or Klien?
Now I have a very used pair of Buckingham's. I do have the opyion to change the gaff though, but everyone says it is hell to change.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Why not go directly to the website of the manufacturer? They should give you all of the information you need.

Using a grinder is not condoned by the manufacturer. It's too easy to ruin the metallurgy of the spike.

Do you have a guage?

Tom

 

[BigJohn]

How are you sharpening your gaffs. Do you file and grind all three edges? I was taught to only file the inside working down to the point keeping the file level. I work it just like a tooth on a saw. I do it all by site. I use the same file I use for the rakers. Once I can see the point is sharp I use the side of the file that is smooth to hone off the burs. It may be hard to believe but they get really sharp. The edges are so sharp if your were to run your finger down the sides it would be like a paper cut or razor cut. I know with bashlin they come with a gauge but I never used it. If all else fails send off replacements.

 

[xtremetrees]

I knew a climber once that added more spike to his gaffs. With a welder he extended his gaffs to a total of about 4 inches. It was funny looking spikes no doubt. He liked them but he looked like he was walking around on stilts. If worked for him. HEY!

I was taught by an Arborist to grab a new gaff set it beside the one your filing and keep it the same shape as a new one. Never file the outside of the gaff either.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Ditto that. Keep that inside, rounded shape.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Finally found someone with a Klein kit and instructions

To read the Klein instruction sheet; you might want to read Hidden Enlarge Button in Pix ; if you don't know about the hidden-ghost enlarge button.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

The Page 2 BackSide

 

[Eagle1]

Nice work Spyder! Thanks