An ice axe is a tool that is use for mountaineering. An ice axe is used for safety on snow and ice. An ice axe is used to perform a self-arrest on snow and ice slope.
Because ice axes is used for safety, it is important to ensure that you select an ice axe that is the correct size for you body. If an ice axe is of the wrong size for the individual who intends to use the tool, it may become difficult to utilize the tool effective, or it may not be able to perform the critical task of stopping a snow or ice slide. An ice axe includes several different part.
How to Choose, Use, and Care for an Ice Axe
The pick is the curved part of the ice axe. The pick is used to bite into the snow or ice. The adze is the flat part of the tool.
The adze is used to chop step into the snow. The shaft is the main part of the ice axe. The spike is the pointed part of the ice axe at the bottom of the shaft.
The spike is used to plant the ice axe into ground. Finally, the ice axe also include a grip and a leash hole for maintaining control of the tool. In order to determine the size of an ice axe that is appropriate for an individual, there is a test that can be performed.
With the ice axe in the individual’s hand, their arm should be allowed to hang straight down at the individuals side, and their spike should be placed on the ground. The pick should reach the individual’s wrist. This measurement is the standard for mountaineers who intends to utilize the tool on moderate terrain.
However, for individuals whose arm reach is significantly different than this standard measurement, an individual of that body may require a different size ice axe. Furthermore, reach with the ice axe pick is more important than height in the acquisition of an ice axe for those who intends to use it on mountains with significant slope. The terrain in which an individual intends to use the ice axe will impact the type of ice axe that they should utilize.
For instance, glaciers that is flat and even require the use of long ice axes for those mountaineers. The reach of the ice axe allow for the individual to probe for crevasses and walk on the ice more easy. Moderate snow slopes use medium sized ice axes, which offer a good balance between support while walking and the need to perform a self-arrest.
Steep couloirs use shorter ice axes, as the shorter length make them easier to swing when climbing at high angle. For vertical ice climbing, technical ice tools are needed. These are short and have aggressive bend to allow for climbing on vertical walls.
However, the bends prevent them from being used for a self-arrest on flat ground. There are three main categories of ice axes. Classic mountaineering ice axes have a straight shaft and is suitable for beginners.
Alpine all-rounder ice axes are of medium length and have a slight curve in the shaft. For technical climbing, ice tools have short shafts and are highly curved for vertical walls. According to the type of climbing you will perform, you should choose an appropriate ice axe for your climbing needs.
The materials for ice axes vary. Aluminum shaft are common for ice axes because they are strong and more affordable. Carbon fiber shafts are used for reducing the weight of the ice axe, although they are more sensitive to impact.
Steel is used for the head because it is durable and suitable for many type of climbing. Both certification mark of UIAA and CE are required on all ice axes. To maintain your ice axe properly and to ensure that it is safe to use, rinse the salt off your ice axe after using it on a glacier.
Additionally, sharpen the pick of the axe regular. If the pick is not sharp, it will slide on the ice instead of biting into the ice. Check the bolt on your ice axe to ensure they are tight.
Finally, store it in a dry place when you are not use it.
