How to Sharpen Crampons

Whether you're an ice climber, a mountaineer or hiker, if you own a pair of crampons you need to know how to keep them sharp. In addition to cleaning and storing them safely, sharpening your crampons is vital to ensuring that they perform well and keep you safe in the mountains and on glaciers.

Things You'll Need

  • One second cut or medium-smooth steel file
  • A vice (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse off your crampons with warm water and a mild detergent (dish soap will work fine). You'll want them as clean as possible for the sharpening, so you can closely monitor your progress.

    • 2

      Clamp the crampon you're going to sharpen in a vice. It's best to clamp it on the sides. Clamping it on the front and rear ends can cause it to bend as you tighten the vice.

    • 3

      Use a downward motion to file both sides of one of the teeth. Don't file the broad side of the teeth, but rather file the thin sides that lead to the point.

    • 4

      Remember to sharpen the front points on your crampons, as well. If they're vertically oriented, sharpen them like you would sharpen your ice axe. If they're horizontally oriented (like the rest of the teeth), use the same technique as you did before.

    • 5

      Rinse your crampons off with water and wipe them dry with a tough towel. Check to make sure you didn't roughen up any of the straps or bolts during the sharpening process.