Homemade self arrest tool for snowfield crossing

If you're going to use a nut tool, why not use a rock? I'm sure they have similar self arresting capabilities.

Beean wrote:If you're going to use a nut tool, why not use a rock? I'm sure they have similar self arresting capabilities.

It looks like a great idea to me.

Another would be a nut tool + separate handle made to be quickly snapped together for the mini ice axe, but the handle part could also be used as a pick-guard when not in use (e.g., in one's pack).

You should make it shaped like a dick and then start a kickstarter campaign.

Brian C. wrote:You should make it shaped like a dick and then start a kickstarter campaign.

Jon Nelson wrote:It looks like a great idea to me. Another would be a nut tool + separate handle made to be quickly snapped together for the mini ice axe, but the handle part could also be used as a pick-guard when not in use (e.g., in one's pack).

I can imagine that this should work somewhat better than a nut tool but never having tried self-arresting with a nut tool, I have a hard time picturing using either for self-arrest. The classic technique involves driving the pick into the snow with a combination of pressing the adze with the shoulder and levering the shaft. A firm grip on the head and the shaft is critical to be able to keep the pick pointing straight. Practicing self-arrest on hard-packed snow after intentionally picking up speed in a variety of starting positions, there's been times when coming to full arrest took driving that pick with all the strength I could muster, achieving a penetration of barely a couple of inches into the snow by the time I stopped, leaving a shallow 15-20 m-long gouge behind me on the slope. I have a hard time imagining doing anything remotely similar with a nut tool or with your tool. Are you basically hoping to be able to stab the slope with the tool and stop yourself before you pick up any speed at all?

Just do it like bear grylls with a broken trekking pole

C Miller wrote:A securely attached Spectre, or your own facsimilie, to a staff or trekking pole would be ideal; double up for greater security.

Mike Marmar wrote: .... Whippet Chris, that thing is likely not going to do much for you. There's not much to hold onto, so it will probably just get ripped out of your hands in an uncontrolled slide.

My guess is that the only times that will work, you could have stopped without it by digging in your toes and clawing with your fingers. Which means it constitutes a dangerous invitation to venture onto ground where it will do you absolutely no good. An axe (or Whippet) self-arrest benefits from the leverage of full bodyweight on the shaft and a hand low on the shaft that can exert considerable torque. A little hand spike will either do nothing of significance or will be ripped out of your hand.

I think the problem with it is that it doesn't have a handle so you can only apply so much force to dig it in.

I think this is why they train with ice axes to arrest a slide on high altitude hikes. You can really dig the pointy bit in deep with a good wack.

YER GONNA DIE.

(I had to, it's MP tradition)

Sounds like you have an idea ,anyway ,test it before using it .

Maybe the issue here is "self-arrest" vs "self-belay." I could see using a spike as a plunger to get a little extra hand hold while crossing a snowfield. I can't see it working to arrest a slide once you start moving, but the idea of self-belay is AFAIK to not start sliding in the first place.

I made a piece of aluminum angle that could be clamped onto a hiking pole to create a sort of pick for this hand hold purpose, but there was no question: it wouldn't be useful for self-arrest. I wound up not having to use it anyway.