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How To: Sharpen Your Crampons

Associate editor Shannon Davis shows you how to revive dull points right here.
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  • STEP 1: Rinse off your crampons with warm water and a mild detergent (dish soap works). You'll want them as clean as possible for the sharpening, so you can closely monitor your progress.
  • STEP 2: If you have one, clamp the crampon you're going to sharpen in a vice. It's best to clamp it on the sides. Clamping it on the front and rear ends can cause it to bend as you tighten the vice. Or just wear a pair of leather gloves and grip tightly.
  • STEP 3: Use a downward motion to file both sides of one of the teeth. Don't file the broad side of the teeth, but rather file the thin sides that lead to the point.
  • STEP 4: Remember to sharpen the front points on your crampons, too. If they're horizontally oriented (like the rest of the teeth), use the same technique as you did before.
  • STEP 5: Rinse your crampons off with water and wipe them dry with a tough towel. Check to make sure you didn't roughen up any of the straps or bolts during the sharpening process.
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STEP 1: Rinse off your crampons with warm water and a mild detergent (dish soap works). You'll want them as clean as possible for the sharpening, so you can closely monitor your progress.
Image 1 of 5

STEP 1: Rinse off your crampons with warm water and a mild detergent (dish soap works). You'll want them as clean as possible for the sharpening, so you can closely monitor your progress.

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

Most people probably don't need their crampons to be super sharp unless they're on ice. For neve, slightly duller ones are safer. Especially the front points. If you're not front-pointing, then super sharp fronts points are just an invitation to slashed calve, ripped pants, and snags causing a fall.

Personally, I dull my front points for snow/glacier climbs.
— Baron


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