Tip Number 2: A Tap for Luck
December 16, 2009 08:03 PM
So we’ve covered testing a tool in tip one, but how about a step beyond just testing? Again, imagine you’ve got to make a move off a stance, perhaps a very big move, and you only have one pick hooked into a patch of dirt, or in a patch of soft neve. Maybe your last runners a long way below you and you can’t afford to fall.
What do you do?
One very handy technique - and one I’m not sure if it’s sporting - but then neither are two broken legs - is to give your good axe a little hammer with your other tool, knocking it in that extra bit, and giving you the confidence it won’t rip.
I’ve used this on a lot of climbs, and works really well for out of sight placements (remember using this on the crux of Mitre ridge a long time ago; just placed my axe, give a few taps, and pulled up).
Of course the trick is NOT to hammered it to buggery, as you will make that move, only to come short as you find your axe is welded to the spot. Be careful using this technique in cracks; the type of placement where you see hooks fixed.
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