*** Ice Screw Comparison ***

From: gstetler@concentric.net (Gary L. Stetler)
Newsgroups: uk.rec.climbing,rec.climbing
Subject: Re: Ice Screw Survey
Date: 12 Dec 1996 17:19:18 GMT
Organization: Concentric Internet Services

In article <58n3aq$23q@falcon.le.ac.uk>, Linus <JNW1@le.ac.uk> wrote:

> Dear All,
> I was having a discussion with a friend last night in t'pub (oh, alright
> then, it was an argument) about the nature of ice screws amongst other
> things. I won't bore you with the details, but what I'd  like to know is
> this:
> 1) How many of you ice climbers out there who own your own screws (or
> borrow other people's) use steel screw-ins, and how many have titanium
> ones?
> 2)If your screw's teeth got blunted on a gnarly climb, would you go to
> all the trouble to sharpen them or would you just throw them away and
> buy new ones?
> Any opinions welcome, although preferably from people that actually
> own/use screws and not just those bored enough to reply to anything
> going. Ta lots!
> Love'n'hugs,
> Linus.

I use (own) Snargs, several Black Diamond and Smiley's, a couple Ice Hogs
and about 6 old Chouinards, as well as a few Spectres. All are steel.
 
The BD's and Smiley's are amazingly easy to place allowing very fast
one-handed placements and minimal pump. They are also easier on the
second-who can get blasted trying to get Snargs out on steep ground
(especially if they are too macho to call for tight while cleaning!).
The Ti screws I've used are much more difficult to place, somewhat like
the Chouinards but at least for them I've got a ratchet. My preferences
are BD/Smiley>Charlet Moser Laser>Ice Hog>Snarg>Ti.

And yes I do sharpen them (the Chouinards are now 16 yrs old but still
quite functional).

Water of Life to Ya,
Stetler
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