How to Use Tree Climbing Gaffs
Tree climbing gaffs are part of "climbing spurs." There are different gaff styles to accommodate the individual needs and different types of climbing tasks. Spurs are one of the oldest types of equipment used in climbing utility poles or trees. A good pair of climbing boots is necessary for the task as well. The gaffs and spurs strap onto the boot, so the gaff is protruding from the inset of the climber's foot. Selecting comfortable spur pads and using this equipment properly is essential to your safety. In addition to the gaffs and spurs, you'll need a harness or "saddle," which you'll wear around your hips and legs, a climbing line or "flipline," which is connected to the saddle by two metal D-rings, a flip-line adjuster and a positive-locking carabiner. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tree climbing boots
- Spurs
- Spur pads
- Saddle
- Two metal D-rings
- Flip-line
- Flip-line adjuster
- Carabiner
Instructions
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1
Inspect the work site thoroughly. Check for rot, often identified by the presence of mushrooms growing at the base of the tree, cavities in the tree, cracks, dead branches or hornet nests and other pests in the tree.
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2
Strap on the spurs with pads to your climbing boots, and put on the saddle and other equipment. Toss one end of the flip-line around the tree, catch it with the other hand and connect it to the D-ring located on the side of the saddle opposite the adjuster.
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3
Use the spurs to gain elevation on the tree. Your knee should remain at about 8 inches from the tree with the gaff planted in the tree at a right angle. Otherwise, the gaff could tear out of the tree when you place any weight on it.
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4
Adjust the flip-line by moving it up with every two or three steps to avoid falling backwards. Continue this process to climb the tree.
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Descend the tree by climbing back down slowly in small increments. Stab the gaffs securely into the tree at a right angle and readjust the flip-line as you descend.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check every piece of equipment prior to each use and keep the gaffs sharp.
If you need to climb a tree or utility pole carrying heavy equipment with you or lower heavy objects, use a rigging rope with a pulley attachment to give you more safety and freedom of movement.
