Who should sharpen and shape climbing gaffs according to best safety practice?

Who should sharpen and shape climbing gaffs according to best safety practice?

• A. The climber or a qualified technician
• B. The manufacturer
• C. The site manager
• D. The supplier

Answer: (A)

Sharpening and shaping climbing gaffs is about maintaining the edge so it bites reliably and safely into the surface. The climber, if trained, or a qualified technician, is best positioned to assess wear, set the correct bevel, remove burrs, and keep the edge within manufacturer specs. This ensures consistent performance and reduces the risk of slipping, gouging, or injury. The manufacturer may provide guidelines or pre-sharpened edges, but field sharpening should be done by the user or a qualified technician who has the proper training and tools. A site manager or supplier typically isn’t equipped to perform this maintenance to the required safety standard.

Sharpening and shaping climbing gaffs is about maintaining the edge so it bites reliably and safely into the surface. The climber, if trained, or a qualified technician, is best positioned to assess wear, set the correct bevel, remove burrs, and keep the edge within manufacturer specs. This ensures consistent performance and reduces the risk of slipping, gouging, or injury. The manufacturer may provide guidelines or pre-sharpened edges, but field sharpening should be done by the user or a qualified technician who has the proper training and tools. A site manager or supplier typically isn’t equipped to perform this maintenance to the required safety standard.