Cave Bolting Tutorial - An Overview

[@jk85eaew097tEP]

Derek: thanks for this informative video as well as your many others as well. One thing I have noticed regarding the sleeve vs. the wedge bolts: there is a notable strength difference in the same size of each. That is because a 3/8" sleeve bolt is actually only 5/16" diameter, with the sleeve comprising the rest of the diameter. But the 3/8" wedge anchor is actually 3/8" diameter, thus it is somewhat stronger.

[@edsonmartins1101]

I like your idea for set tags on the metal hangers .

[@DerekBristol]

I use stainless-steel dog tags and stamp the bolt type and dimensions, date of installation, and a unique database code. I also label both ends of fixed ropes. I might do a short video to explain the process, but the intent is to have a record of what is installed, where, and by whom.

[@justindunlap1235]

@@DerekBristol I really like that idea, I may steal it for the anchors I place.

[@DraperGaming]

Very informative.

[@justindunlap1235]

Another thong to think about when placing galvanized anchors is that the zinc plating can wash off and kill the moss and lichen. It works so well that they will put a strip of zinc along the peak of roofs on the Olympic peninsula to keep moss from growing.

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

That's is nutrients for other things to think about

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

What about split bolt anchors ?

[@Wookey.]

Good info, but I think you are overemphasising the issue of galvanic corrosion. I've left a lot of ali hangers with steel bolts in galvanised spit/self-drives and Hilti HKDs, and been back to them 15 years or more later. You can get some corrosion, especially if it's in a soggy spot, but in general they have no problem at all lasting that long. In a wet location the galvanising on the anchor will be somewhat gone/reduced, but the hanger is always fine. In a dryish location things tend to look very much the same as when you put them there. Some dulling of the anchor but that's about it. I guess cave temperature matters, and ours are cold (1-3C) so this problem may be significantly worse in warmer locations - not sure how fast the rates changes. You are quite right that all-stainless is best if you want things to last a really long time, of course. You didn't mention HKDs which have been our default anchor since 1991. www.hilti.co.uk/anchor-fixings/flush-anchors/r4581 Cheap, light and strong enough, although not actually recommended for hanging people off. Stainless are annoyingly expensive though. Main disadvantage is that they need 2 hands to set, and limited depth (30mm) requires good rock.

[@bobbypatton4903]

A guy climbing at index wa nearly died because two bolt hangers blew due to galvanic corrosion.

[@MrDeleoco]

Bolt or Glue? Strength?

[@croissantman8809]

spits are not supposed to be left in a cave with a hanger and a bolt , we left the spits in the caves and cavers are supposed to bring their own hangers . spits are also less of a visual pollution when the hanger is removed .

[@jacobclaassen4709]

They're finding that Zinc pllating does not offer long term corrosion resistance and is not good enough in most cases

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Bolt the world make it safe for everyone

[@bashkillszombies]

Put a piece of tissue over your mic, or get a proper pop filter, the constant PUH noise is painful.