Homemade Crampons

Walking on ice or snow is much easier and safer with proper traction. Most crampons, or winter traction devices, use metal points that attach with straps to the bottoms of boots or shoes. You can make temporary crampons by tying a kind of rope around your shoes. You can also make your own semi-permanent crampons by attaching metal traction directly onto a pair of shoes. Homemade crampons are a useful solution for winter walking, hiking and even running.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon rope (1/2-inch to 3/4-inch diameter)
  • OR
  • Phillips screwdriver (battery-powered or electric, if possible)
  • 20 to 30 3/8-inch machine screws (with hexagonal heads)
  • 10 to 14 1/4-inch machine screws (with hexagonal heads)
  • Sturdy boots or shoes
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Instructions

  1. Rope Traction

    • 1

      Cut two three-foot sections of nylon rope.

    • 2

      With your boot or shoe on your foot, put the center of the rope on top of your forefoot.

    • 3

      Cross the rope under your forefoot and bring it up around to the top of your foot.

    • 4

      Cross the rope over your foot and bring it down under your heel.

    • 5

      Cross the rope under your heel and tie the ends around your ankle.

    Screw Shoes

    • 6

      Turn boots or shoes over so the soles face up. Secure shoes in a vise or between your legs.

    • 7

      Drive screws into the thickest parts of the tread, using a screwdriver. Use approximately 15 3/8-inch screws per shoe.

    • 8

      Screw five or 10 3/8" screws into the thinner tread near the front of the shoe.

    • 9

      Put the shoes on and bounce slightly to determine if you can feel any of the screws. If you can, replace the screw with a shorter screw or relocate the screw.