Getting a tuning fork from the ASCA

I've heard that you can order a tuning fork (a piton with a groove milled out of the middle; used for removing and replacing bolts) from the ASCA. It even mentions it on the ASCA website ("It can be made at home or ordered through the ASCA, which has them professionally milled to retain strength lost when the metal is heated in "home milling" with a grinder.") but I don't see anywhere to order one on the ASCA website. Anyone know how one goes about getting one of these bad boys?

Thanks
-Tristan

Tristan, If you can give me the specs I will mill one at work for you out of tool steel and then heat treat it to make it last. PM Me

Hey Tristan,

The tuning forks the ASCA has are #3 LAs with a 1/4" slot milled out (and the front of the pin ramped so it's not so blunt). They are ONLY good for 1/4" bolts - not for 5/16" or 3/8" bolts. If you're looking at replacing 5/16" buttonheads or bigger bolts, you'll need to make your own or use other tools.

You have to use regular thin pitons to start removing most bolts (the tuning forks don't fit under the hanger until you pop it out a bit).

You can order a tuning fork just by emailing me at greg at safeclimbing .org

We charge $10 which includes shipping, and you can pay via Paypal (the "Make a donation" button on the upper right of the homepage), or via check (which will take a lot longer since I only get mail every once in a while).

We are running low on them, so please no multiple fork requests. Also, if you're in SLC and only plan on using tuning forks once in a while, I might be able to hook you up with Mike White to borrow a fork or two (although his will be very beat up!).

Tristan, I've made a number of "tuning forks" using nothing but my drill press, a hacksaw, and a flat file (and a vise). I've made them from BD Bugaboos and Lost Arrows, and it takes about 30 minutes per pin.

It's nice to have a thinner fork made from a Bugaboo to start lifting the bolt, and then you switch to one made from a Lost Arrow when you've maxed out the thinner fork.

As Greg implies above, they get beat up in fairly short order, particularly the thin ones.