What to use for homewall dry tooling holds

I'm sure I'll do some experimenting but I'd take a head start on what seems to work better and what to avoid. I've done only a small amount of dry tooling in the past before moving to Southern California, so I'm far from well versed in this. Just looking to have some fun with some dry tooling sessions and not destroy my climbing holds.

There are those metal holds that require really precise, steady pick placement; not sure who sells them. At the DIY end of the spectrum, you can screw on short length of hardwood molding or really any hardwood scraps that have a positive top edge. The pick gets a pretty good bite and you can swing around a bit without them popping off.

Hockey pucks cut in half

The go-to for me is 12" sections of 2x4's cut slightly "in" to create an inward sloping positive edge, then secured with 3" wood screws (depending on what you are securing it to). This just helps with the tool being really secure and having a nice place to set during a pull and at 12" plenty wide to match tools. And since you are just hooking vs. swinging, I find 2x4s tough enough to last for many, many laps. 

Definitely looking for DIY options so these are all great. Thanks!

Anthony Lwrote:

Hockey pucks cut in half

Cut along which axis?   Now slicing in half so you have two thin round pieces and secure with one screw in the center will give you a real challenge on balance and precision!   Would be good Ice Ninja Warrior obstacle.  

We use old climbing holds and with thin plywood backing to spare the wall. Crimp holds are my favourites as you have to search and feel the precise placements with the tools. 

Will WBwrote:

I'm sure I'll do some experimenting but I'd take a head start on what seems to work better and what to avoid. I've done only a small amount of dry tooling in the past before moving to Southern California, so I'm far from well versed in this. Just looking to have some fun with some dry tooling sessions and not destroy my climbing holds.

Pieces of trex decking or synthetic countertop samples work well, you can drill small holds, directional holds etc. Less brittle materials like the trex composite can be swung into as well but it's loud. I have a bunch laying around if you want some shipped, or just hit up your local decking guy