How to Look After Your Crampons

Through proper care crampons should be capable of performing for many years and many seasons without issue.

Storage:
It is highly recommended to invest in a crampon storage bag or sleeve. Not only will the sleeve protect the crampons themselves; your other gear such as ropes or harnesses will also be protected from the sharp points of crampons if they are all thrown into a bag together.

Further protection is recommended through the use of a crampon crown. A lightweight ring of plastic/rubber coverings that keep the sharp points from contact with other items during storage and transit.

Crampons should be cleaned and dried before long-term storage. A light coating of oil will go a long way in adding a layer of additional protection. Store in a cool, dry environment to prevent the spread of rust. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent harmful UV rays from damaging non-metallic components such as heel throws and toe cradles.

Sharpening:
A crampon's 'bite' will inevitably dull with use. Due to the nature of metal warping, it is advised that crampons should be sharpened by hand with a file, they should not be sharpened with a grinder. Sharpening should only occur once the point tips have become significantly rounded over.

Flex bar flipping:
Due to over-pronation or under-pronation from the user's natural stride, one side of your crampon's points may wear down at a faster rate than the other. After prolonged use throughout a season the left and right flex bars can be swapped over to even up the erosion of the points, thus increasing the crampon lifespan.

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