How to Hammer a Piton

A piton is a wedged metal "screw" used to assist in mountain climbing. Traditionally, a piton is used on big wall routes, mostly rock, but sometimes in mixed ice and rock situations. Because the piton is a piece of protection (also called "pro" in climbing lingo), its use and placement is crucial. Most pitons are hammered into a crack, wedge or hole in the rock. Before heading out for any climbing adventure, get properly trained on gear use and protection placement. One article is not enough to fully grasp the concepts behind climbing and the gear.

Things You'll Need

  • Climbing hammer
  • Pitons
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the piton on one hand, while maintaining a balance via footholds or through the climbing harness and ropes. Locate a crack, wedge or hole suitable for the piton size. As a rule, find a wedge, hole or crack smaller than the middle of the piton.

    • 2

      Place the piton in the crevice without the carabiner (the metal D-clip the rope is threaded through) in the dedicated 'biner hole on the tip of the piton.

    • 3

      Position the piton at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the wedge, crack or hole. Keep the head of the piton facing up on the angle.

    • 4

      Hammer the head of the piton until the piton is firmly wedged into the rock. Get the piton in at least 1/2 way down its shaft and wedge.

    • 5

      Tap gently on the top and bottom of the piton with the hammer, checking for any up and down movement. If there is movement, hammer the piton head further to set it deeper into the rock.

    • 6

      Clip the carabiner through the 'biner hole on the head of the piton.