A new pair of climbers is one of the first big investments you will make in your career.  They will serve you throughout your apprenticeship, and well into your career as a journeyman lineman.  It’s an exciting investment to make, but the market is a little more difficult to navigate than it was many years ago.  A brand new apprentice may be confused as to which type of climbers would best suit his/her needs. Today, you have the option of choosing between a variety of different metals, shank configurations, and gaff styles.  After going through this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to confidently pick the pair of climbers that are right for you. 

Types of Climbing Spikes

Contoured Shank – Some linemen experience a painful chaffing on the anklebone caused by the rubbing of the shank of their climber against their ankle.  When you climb, your ankle will move back and forth with each step you take, and as you position yourself on the pole.  A contoured shank will give your ankle a larger area to accommodate this back and forth movement.

Twisted Shank – When you are on a pole and your gaffs are supporting the weight of your body, the shank of your climbers will twist.  Some linemen don’t notice this twisting, but others are bothered by it.  A twisted shank will compensate for this, and allow your climber to remain securely against your leg.

Offset Stirrup – This will allow the stirrup of your climber to rest securely in the arch of your boot.  Climbing with the stirrup too far forward or backward will put pressure in an awkward part of the sole of your foot, and you will notice an uncomfortable feeling while ascending or descending a pole.

CCA Gaff – Chromated Copper Arsenate, or CCA, is a pole preservative that extends the life of a utility pole.  It’s used in about 40 % of all new poles.  You can tell a pole that has been treated with CCA by its green tint.  These poles are considerably harder than poles treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol, and it takes twice as much force to drive a gaff into a pole that has been treated with CCA than a different type of preservative.  In fact, CCA poles are so hard; we have developed an entirely different type of gaff designed specifically for climbing them.  CCA gaffs have extra serrations that help with the penetration of the metal into the wood.

What Climbing Spike is Right for You?

Bashlin Steel Climbers

Durability ★★★☆☆

Weight ★★☆☆☆

Cost ★★★★★

Features:

  • Strong, Durable Steel
  • Offset Stirrup   
  • Adjustable Leg Height
  • Leather Gaff Guards Included
  • ASTM rated

Options:

Bashlin’s line of steel climbers is a great choice for an apprentice who is looking to get into the trade, and trying to stick to a budget.  The rugged steel that these hooks are made of means they will last you a long time, but they are heavier than some of the other climbers on the market.  This line of climbers comes with many options, so you can mix and match specifically to your needs.  The bright colors are different from other hooks on the market, so your hooks will be easily recognizable, and the replaceable gaffs can be swapped for CCA gaffs.


Buckingham Steel Climbers

Durability ★★★☆☆

Weight ★★☆☆☆

Cost ★★★★★

Features:

  • High grade steel
  • Thicker shank allows for less flex during climbing
  • Nylon foot straps
  • Adjustable Leg Height
  • ASTM rated

Options:

Buckingham’s steel climbers stand out with their green-colored shanks, but they give you the same reliable rigidity and security of traditional steel climbers.  The climbers come with a contoured shank, but you have the option of getting a twisted shank as well.  The replaceable gaffs can be changed to CCA gaffs.


Buckingham Aluminum (Buck Alloy) Climbers

Durability ★★★★★

Weight ★★★★★

Cost ★★★★☆

Features:

  • New Buck Alloy Aluminum
  • New GRiP (Gaff Ridge Position)
  • Non-Contoured shank
  • Offset Stirrups
  • Nylon Foot Straps
  • Adjustable Leg Height
  • ASTM rated

Options:

Though the Buck Alloy Aluminum climbers are relatively new to the market, they are quickly rising in popularity among new apprentices and seasoned journeymen.  Buck Alloy aluminum is the lightest alloy on the market, but it maintains the strength and durability that Buckingham is known for.  The GRiP technology that these climbers feature keeps the angle of the gaff positioned toward the center of the pole to help prevent cutouts.  This feature makes it friendly to apprentices learning to climb.


Buckingham Titanium Climbers

Durability ★★★★★

Weight ★★★★☆

Cost ★★☆☆☆

Features

  • Titanium Metal
  • Offset stirrups
  • Nylon Foot Straps
  • Adjustable Leg Height
  • ASTM rated

Options:

Buckingham Titanium is a lightweight, incredibly strong material.  These climbers have been a favorite among linemen for years because of their durability.  They come standard with a contoured shank but can be ordered to include a twisted shank, as well.  The replaceable gaffs can be changed to CCA gaffs.


Klein Steel Climbers

Durability ★★★☆☆

Weight ★★☆☆☆

Cost ★★★★★

Features:

  • Constructed from a rugged steel alloy
  • Adjustable Leg Height
  • 1-9/16” Gaffs used for regular or CCA poles
  • ASTM Rated

The Klein Steel climbers have a classic, unmistakable look.  The rigid steel ensures years of use, and the adjustable leg height with ¼” adjustments assures comfort for short or tall linemen alike.  Their low price range will help you stick to a budget, but these climbers do not come with a bottom foot strap.  They will have to be bought separately.


As you transition into using your climbers (and climbing) more. You are going to want to develop safe habits for maintaining your gear – use our Climbing Gear Checklist to learn more. Also, we have a Top 4 Bucket Boots for Summer round-up for when you aren’t climbing. Thanks for reading and stay safe out there!

Article Written By Salomon Ramos

J Harlen Co | www.jharlen.com

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