From Climbing · Corey Buhay · · 50s
5 Gear Hacks to Save Money Climbing
DIY climbing gear at home saves $183.
In brief
DIY climbing gear at home saves $183. Climbers can make ice tool leashes, nut tool tethers, stick clips, stiffy draws, and rope tarps for under $5 each. Originally reported by Climbing.
Ice Tool Leash
Climbers make a bungee-style ice tool leash for $5 instead of $39.95.
“Dropped tools are no joke. At Colorado’s ice parks, losing one will typically earn you a swim in a very frigid creek.”
Nut Tool Tether
Climbers make a nut tool tether for $5 instead of $17 using a keychain spring coil.
“Some nut tools come with integrated leashes. These don’t add a ton of cost to the tool, but they are boring as all get out.”
Stick Clip
Climbers make a stick clip for $25 instead of $94.95 using a painter’s pole.
“The cost of stick clips has always baffled me, especially since you can make one yourself with a tree branch, a small stick, and a bit of tape.”
Stiffy Draw
Climbers make a stiffy draw for $15 instead of $54.95 using heavy-duty wire.
“The internet said I could make one of these by stuffing a piece of webbing into a section of transparent vinyl tubing and tying carabiners to the ends.”
Rope Tarp
Climbers make a rope tarp for $4 instead of $24.95 using a plastic drop cloth.
“I found that heavy duty plastic shipping tape (especially the kind designed for long-term storage) sticks better than just about anything else.”
Total Savings
Climbers save $183 total by making five pieces of gear at home.
“With a single trip to the hardware store and a heap of old gear that’s been rotting in the trunk of my car, I was able to make five things, and saved $183 total.”
Here's the gist
Climbers can make ice tool leashes, nut tool tethers, stick clips, stiffy draws, and rope tarps for under $5 each.
