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The Obed's Scary Bolts

Original Post
Peter Winter · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 588

After a recent trip to the Obed for the first time, my partner and I were rather horrified at the amount of rusty bolts in the area. In fact, I would argue 95% of the bolts on all the routes are severely rusted. Having climbed at most of the crags in that region, it's the only area with that big of a problem. So, here's the question. Those of you that climb there, is this a concern for you too?
Given that new bolt hardware is easily attainable these days through ASCA and the various Coalitions, it is a problem that could be fixed......

Dood · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 370

Hey Pete. The bolts you are referring to are carbon steel. Some bolts are questionable but honestly, I would trust them all. There is a hardware replacement program at the Obed that has been replacing the fixed gear, as well as putting up stainless bolts to replace the old CS ones.

Peter Winter · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 588

Sounds good. But how do you judge the strength of carbon steel that's rusted, I'm don't know. Anyways, good to hear there's a program under way.

DB Cee · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined May 2007 · Points: 146

I've always gone by the dimpling in the rust. No dimple = good to go. dimples = bad.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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