How to Sharpen Climbing Spikes
For a successful climb up any mountain, sharp spikes are a necessity. When climbing in icy conditions, the need for sharp spikes is even more essential. Whether it's for gripping, notching footholds, or holding steady, sharp spikes need their edge to get the job done. The challenging terrain and harsh demands can dull climbing spikes very quickly. The knowledge and know-how to put a sharp edge back on your climbing spikes is a must.
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Instructions
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Sharpen the points
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Sharpen the points of your climbing spikes with a flat file. Work gently but smoothly, eliminating "burrs," which are little deposits of metal that build up over time. Removing the burrs from the points of your spikes leaves a clean edge for better gripping.
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Sharpen the fronts of your spikes with the file. Work in a smooth motion, alternating sides with each stroke. Always push away from your body. The fronts of the spikes receive the most wear and tear, so you'll want to take the extra time needed to create a clean edge.
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Sharpen the side points on the sides, keeping a direct line from the back to the tip. Do not sharpen the bottoms of the front points.
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Test the sharpness of the point by gently tapping it with your finger. If the point does not "stick" your skin, it is not sharp enough.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your time and do the job right. Sharpening all of your climbing spikes should take about 40 minutes.
Never heat your climbing spikes in order to sharpen them. This will only destroy the integrity of the spikes.
