New V thread tool

Came across this magnetic V thread tool from Peak Innovations.   Very cool.  Anybody used it?

https://hownot2.com/products/magnetic-v-thread-tool?variant=50040521916731&_kx=8dtKFgaEFXBbZiRNeKZBuAlU8CUGrxM0gp4bkX8pqwM.YtKRxs

I like the usage of the Mädchenfänger or towing sock to pull the rope through.

There is hope for humanity.

It's a really interesting take on the treader. I love the finger trap too.

Just need a UK importer 

Not sure how useful this is personally. I find the hardest part is just getting the screw holes to line up, but once this is accomplished, it's never really a problem to fish my rope or cord through. This just seems like extra technology that’s not any faster and possibly slower.

The other day someone showed me an older BD V-thread tool that would line your screws up for you. Kind of cumbersome, but I think it was possibly more useful than this. 

$42 seems kinda steep for a Chinese finger trap and some shock cord

Christian Donkey wrote:

Not sure how useful this is personally. I find the hardest part is just getting the screw holes to line up, but once this is accomplished, it's never really a problem to fish my rope or cord through. This just seems like extra technology that’s not any faster and possibly slower.

The other day someone showed me an older BD V-thread tool that would line your screws up for you. Kind of cumbersome, but I think it was possibly more useful than this. 

I usually screw a short screw back into 1st hole as a visulization of position and angle for second

I use it and love it. Happy to answer any questions.

Levi Tate wrote:

I use it and love it. Happy to answer any questions.

No issues threading the very thin cord? It doesn't look like it would be stiff enough.

Am I the only one still using a home made thread tool? Didn't realize it was supposed to cost $40.00 to make a thread... 

Going back to Christian's point, maybe you align things so well you don't need assistance. I found bent wire didn't work for me on one extreme circumstance, with a bit of misalignment. So anything that helps rescue less than perfect drilling is worth it in my book.

Steve Barby wrote:

No issues threading the very thin cord? It doesn't look like it would be stiff enough.

The Dyneema cord has a light coating, giving it moderate stiffness—less than a wire but more than 550 cord. The only time I’ve noticed an issue is when the holes weren’t drilled cleanly. My best practice is to clean the holes by either blowing into them (as shown in the video) or running the rope end through each side. I do this regardless of the threading tool I’m using.

As for cost, that’s subjective. In the grand scheme, it’s one of the more affordable ice-specific tools I own—and by far the lightest. I could carry ten of these for the weight of a Petzl thread tool, most of which cost around $30.

Levi Tate wrote:

The Dyneema cord has a light coating, giving it moderate stiffness—less than a wire but more than 550 cord. The only time I’ve noticed an issue is when the holes weren’t drilled cleanly. My best practice is to clean the holes by either blowing into them (as shown in the video) or running the rope end through each side. I do this regardless of the threading tool I’m using.

As for cost, that’s subjective. In the grand scheme, it’s one of the more affordable ice-specific tools I own—and by far the lightest. I could carry ten of these for the weight of a Petzl thread tool, most of which cost around $30.

The Petzl tool at least has a built in knife (essential tool), and can be used as a small plunger for cleaning out screws (less useful).

...yes, I'm recommending a Petzl product, at least in this case versus the product in subject. 

Never bought a petzl tool either. Spring steel insulation bat holder. Free. Stiff enough to punch out screws. ... 

I think that's the thing with these alternative tools, including the j snare, you still probably need a knife (obviously not needed if you thread ropes) and something that can clean screws, which obviously petzl and Grivel combine. Not that I exactly recommend the Grivel knife action.

But I bought the j snare after by difficult situation. Who knows if it would have got me over the line then. But neither of these new devices add significant weight, so why not.

Christian Donkey wrote:

The Petzl tool at least has a built in knife (essential tool), and can be used as a small plunger for cleaning out screws (less useful).

...yes, I'm recommending a Petzl product, at least in this case versus the product in subject. 

That’s fair—it sounds like this tool doesn’t fit your needs. I always carry a knife on my harness year-round, so I don’t need one integrated into my v-thread tool. For clearing screws, I use the tail end of my tie-in knot as a plunger, so that feature hasn’t been a priority for me either. What makes this tool a go-to in my kit is its ultralight design, the fact that it doesn’t damage rope, cord, or slings, and how effortlessly it threads.

I think it’s great that there are different products out there to match different preferences. Not everyone needs to like or buy the same things, and having options allows people to choose what works best for them.

Thanks for your interest in our product! Peak Innovations is a nonprofit, and proceeds from sales help fund free online educational courses, support sliding-scale pricing for guided outings, and drive innovation on niche projects that benefit our community. Our pricing reflects not just production costs but also our commitment to accessibility and ongoing development.

We welcome feedback on our products, pricing, and structure, as our goal is to create a collaborative environment that serves a variety of community needs. The price of this item is partially due to the fact that we aren't yet set up to fulfill orders directly, so selling through a retailer adds to the end-user cost. We're considering a model where we fulfill orders once a month to offer lower direct-to-consumer pricing, but we're still figuring out what makes the most sense. Your input would be invaluable in shaping our next steps. 

Feel free to check out our website www.peakinnovations.ngo and/or our YouTube channel and let us know what you think.

I just bought one.  

Hopefully will be using it this weekend.  

I want one just because it's cool looking. All these hardo's just shit on every new product. Sometimes people buy things just because it's unique, interesting, or fun. Not every purchase you make needs to be strictly utilitarian.

Mark Westfall wrote:

I want one just because it's cool looking. All these hardo's just shit on every new product. Sometimes people buy things just because it's unique, interesting, or fun. Not every purchase you make needs to be strictly utilitarian.

Very well put.

I also find it hard to complain about the price. It's in the same ball park as other similar products like the j snare. And neither of these products are essential, or the cost barrier, to winter climbing, after crampons tools boots clothing sacks screws etc

Levi Tate wrote:

That’s fair—it sounds like this tool doesn’t fit your needs. I always carry a knife on my harness year-round, so I don’t need one integrated into my v-thread tool. For clearing screws, I use the tail end of my tie-in knot as a plunger, so that feature hasn’t been a priority for me either. What makes this tool a go-to in my kit is its ultralight design, the fact that it doesn’t damage rope, cord, or slings, and how effortlessly it threads.

I think it’s great that there are different products out there to match different preferences. Not everyone needs to like or buy the same things, and having options allows people to choose what works best for them.

Using tail end of tie-in knot to clear an ice screw is a new one for me.   Hard to believe that can work.  Will give it a try.