Mountain Project Logo

Age of pitons

Original Post
Ti ck · · souf yeast · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 1,760

A buddy and I have been eyeballing a climb for a couple months, after buying several guide books to cross reference, there are no documented climbs in this specific area. Last weekend we sacked up, rapped 100m into the unknown and did the climb. A superb 4 pitch 5.9 climb.

About half way up we find a pin. Bummer, not the first ones here. Thank god it was there though, pro was marginal at best and about a 25ft run out afterwards. Most of this climb is under a massive roof and somewhat protected from the elements. There was some rust on the pin and the best I can tell it is the same as the attached image( I have not seen the 2 hole pins ever/often.)

From the little reading I have done on the internets I would guess they have been making these for a while?... anyone know when BD started making these? I am attempting to figure out an age on the pin? other suggestions for figuring out any history.

sorry, we are not yet ready to share exact details.

--- Invalid image id: 112045667 ---

Chris Rice · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 55

Contact BD direct and ask - if anyone knows it should be them.

Ti ck · · souf yeast · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 1,760

email to BD sent

Ryan Strickland · · Idyllwild, CA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 127

Knifeblades have been around for a while and you can still buy them brand new. If you go back and look at the markings on the pin, you can see if it was made by Black Diamond, BD-Chouinard, just Chouinard, or maybe another company. That should help you get a better idea of when the pin was made.

In case you didn't know: Assuming that knifeblade was placed in a vertical crack, you should clip the horizontal hole. This way, any load to the pin will apply a torque to it, helping it stay in. If you clip the vertical hole, it's more likely to lever out under load.

BigNobody · · all over, mostly Utah · Joined Nov 2013 · Points: 10

May I suggest pulling it out and carbon dating it?

Dude, there are pins waaayyyy older than modern BD's to be concerned with. I'd look at the number. It's a #2? pretty stubby. It's a #6? pretty good.

Ti ck · · souf yeast · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 1,760
Ryan Strickland wrote:Knifeblades have been around for a while and you can still buy them brand new. If you go back and look at the markings on the pin, you can see if it was made by Black Diamond, BD-Chouinard, just Chouinard, or maybe another company. That should help you get a better idea of when the pin was made. In case you didn't know: Assuming that knifeblade was placed in a vertical crack, you should clip the horizontal hole. This way, any load to the pin will apply a torque to it, helping it stay in. If you clip the vertical hole, it's more likely to lever out under load.
Thank you for mentioning how to clip it, pretty sure I clipped it wrong, but that's why I also backed it up with 2 other pieces, will keep this in mind next time.
Marc801 C · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 65
Kyle Cobbler wrote: Thank you for mentioning how to clip it, pretty sure I clipped it wrong, but that's why I also backed it up with 2 other pieces, will keep this in mind next time.
The clipping eye is the one that is 90 degrees to the blade. The hole in the blade part of the pin is to lighten it (although you might clip that in some weird situations where the real eye is blocked somehow). The lightening hole is also handy for attaching a keeper sling when you're nesting pins on aid.
Paul Ross · · Keswick, Cumbria · Joined Apr 2001 · Points: 22,236

This type of piton was around in late 1960s early 1970's but made by Chauinard

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492
USBRIT wrote:This type of piton was around in late 1960s early 1970's but made by Chauinard
And still available today. From BD and other suppliers.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Age of pitons "

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.