Modifying old BD Cobras for leashless climbing

Anyone have experience modifying the old BD Cobras for leashless climbing? Are there any commercially availible parts that will work for a pinkey rest?

Likely I'll figure out something from the hardware store - ducktape, baling twine and WD-40 can do anything, right?

I've seen at least two articles where people use hose clamps from the hardware store and screw them on for pinky rests. No personal experience. See link:

rockclimbing.com/Articles/G…

My climbing partner also made one with epoxy, seems to work well enough for low angle stuff but I wouldn't trust it with real body weight.

SamandHam wrote:I've seen at least two articles where people use hose clamps from the hardware store and screw them on for pinky rests.

I've used these (or at least the version from a few years ago)

grivel.com/products/ice/acc…

on those exact Cobras

I know a guy who modified BD's aftermarket pinky rest (the fang maybe?) with a dremel to fit the old style cobras. He said it was a pain, but they seem to work pretty well for him.

Mine have the Fangs on them. Easy mod. Especially with a hot, sharp knife.

Not sure they'd take a super heavy hang though. But, no knuckle bashing and they do work fairly well.

You are far, far better off investing in the newer generation of tools, which are made for leashless out of the box. The pinky rest is only the most visible difference. Weight distribution, materials, and shaft geometry have also changed in more subtle ways which dramatically improve the climbing abilities of ice tools, which shows even more when going leashless. I enjoy modding my gear to fit my needs, but this is one situation in which mods just aren't enough.

shoo wrote:You are far, far better off investing in the newer generation of tools, which are made for leashless out of the box. The pink rest is only the most visible difference. Weight distribution, materials, and shaft geometry have also changed in more subtle ways which dramatically improve the climbing abilities of ice tools, which shows even more when going leashless. I enjoy modding my gear to fit my needs, but this is one situation in which mods just aren't enough.