EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Tree Climbing Spurs! A Complete Guide to Choosing and Using Spurs!

[@StrayWolfForge]

Thanks for taking the time to make another how to video it really helps new climbers like me.

[@metaspencer]

Ditto. Helps us new guys a lot

[@anthonyclay6822]

X3 - as someone waiting for his notch geckos to ship this was invaluable. I’d love to see more about your tying in technique you use at the end, basic rigging, basic everything!

[@Jobbazz]

Any tips to get started in the industry?

[@clubdredd1337]

Always remember your M.A.D working near powerlines.

[@clubdredd1337]

@@Jobbazz what state and region do you live?

[@1usive]

I’m not a tree climber, not planning on being one and yet I watched this whole video, a true master of his profession thanks for taking the time to explain this.

[@tikime3]

No. This guy don't know what he's talking about! 👂

[@guillaumedealmeida3980]

@@tikime3 Nice argumentation, very convincing. 👎

[@traviscarr6536]

Well he is guilty of treeson

[@finnerz9200]

@@tikime3 yes

[@harrisonmcclain1754]

As funny as it may have looked, the gaffing out portion was super helpful. I just started climbing with spurs and that was the most nerve racking part.

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

Happy to help 😁

[@traviscarr6536]

Free climb the tree without a safety lanyard or rope n you’ll be less careless about gaffing out. Plus if you do slip a spike then it wont be the nerve racking part that’ll be bothering you anymore.

[@NarlyLyfe]

u said you just started using spurs to climb, what did you use before?>

[@torieorr2757]

@@NarlyLyfe ropes...?

[@HKinks]

Exactly, this was the most interesting part I had been wondering about. Watched a lot of arborist videos but have not seen this demonstrated before.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

i'm hoping this will start an instagram craze with climbers all over the world gaffing out on purpose and giving the camera a cheeky smile

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

😂

[@terrymansell935]

Imm straight up going out of my way to say...... Ive scoured the internet for hours and hours and even got in trees on my own and started learning thngs the absolute hard way. This dude right here, is absolutely a complete badass. This video is damn near the same thing as having a professional walk you through starting your arborist career or like me, just climbing trees for the hell of it (I live on the edge) So bravo my friend, this is an absolute gold mine on this subject.

[@willsatterwhite4378]

Was doing a removal the other day, getting tired at about 80’, maybe getting a little complacent and gaffed out. More of an annoyance than anything, always surprising how big of a non event it is. Keep the vids coming man we’re all diggin it!

[@jamesreynolds7930]

Id need him to tell how to clean poop off the spurs if i gafed out at 80

[@elvisnero370]

Here I am, trying to learn how to climb with zero experience 🙃 life is a challenge you must accept, for people like me, this videos are gold, keep up the good work teammates ✌

[@Maker_of_Things]

My Dad used to do this without the spurs when he was an engineer in the British Army in the 50s climbing power poles in Hong Kong. Also climbing trees as a kid in bare feet. He showed me once when I was a kid, just using his trouser belt in his hands as a flip line. I wish I had the nerve to do it but, unlike my Dad, I'm terrified of heights! Great video though, Thank you.

[@五月爸爸在澳洲]

There is different between just climbing and climbing & cutting trees.

[@Maker_of_Things]

@@五月爸爸在澳洲 Oh yes, of course. He wasn't cutting, just climbing up poles to pull power lines.

[@calebmantle9083]

As a fairly new climber I appreciate the fact that you make a detailed video to try to explain some stuff to some new guys. Keep the tips and tricks videos coming

[@tasteapiana]

Ok, the gaffing out bit was impressive. You, Sir, are a glutton. I like it.

[@kelseyboy]

i applaud your sacrifice for the viewing audience and your commitment to the message.

[@alcupone6462]

True hero for that, I know it perfectly from climbing - you know it is not too dangerous, you want to do it to certain extent, but still your mind is hesitating to do something counter intuitive and "hazardous". Thumbs up for the determination.

[@lukeseabrook7459]

I’m a very very beginner climber and your content is so helpful to me thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge

[@dawsonwind8760]

I gotta say man. As a new climber who does trimming for electric lines I'm always climbing smaller trunks and afraid of gaffing out. It's happened once or twice when I have been tied in already, but after this video I feel so much better. Thanks for taking the fall for me to build some confidence lol.

[@treetramp7249]

Lol yeah that's terrible advice to follow. A lanyard alone will not keep you from falling when gaffing out. Use a life line to make sure you don't fall. There have been plenty of climbers whom have fallen using only a lanyard to spur up a spar.

[@hazy626]

About 40 years ago, I made some spurs in my Dad's garage with a welder and grinder. Used them to climb and prune some palm trees. Worked pretty well.

[@Stanley-xd1gf]

Here in Brazil I have followed your channel and learned a lot. Your work is truly professional, and the respect among your team members is something fantastic. Congratulations.

[@stihlcuttin5784]

Hoffman power line boots. 10 inch boots, dual steel shanks, waterproof until the day I retired them. Best boots ever for climbing. Only down side is the break in period is pretty intense but totally worth it.

[@mb61j2]

They suck. Get a sportiva and you’ll never go back

[@austinholm-mcrae2777]

Sportivas glaciers, or another one with a reinforced toe designed for a crampon are great. Reasononable heel depth, comfortable, rigid, waterproof, and more. I've worn two pair, from wildland fire hotshot work for AK forestry, line cutting for IP Geo exploration, to hiking around AK, to arborist treework, roughly 7.5 years a pair. 400+ for a pair, but they are a good investment for sure!

[@stihlcuttin5784]

@@mb61j2 I’ve got a pair of the green sportivas. Tried to like them, wore them on and off for months. A lot of guys like them, but I’m not one of them. TOO MUCH PADDING

[@williamhopkins1625]

I'm a home/property owner who uses spurs about twice/year. Not sure what or how much I learned, but this was a great video...if nothing else, a great refresher. Thank you for taking the time to make this...and not make it boring. Great info for me.

[@jasonphelps2914]

I've learned a lot from various youtube vids and was also old and overweight. I was about 20-25 feet up in an 18" Poplar, just to set a rope so the tree wouldn't hit a house. It was summer and I had on shorts, t-shirt and no gloves. Time to descend, I couldn't pull my gafs out. I undid them, don't know how I did it, tossed them down and started shinnying down. Next thing I knew, I was sliding all the way to the ground. luckily, the tree was fairly smooth, with no stubs and I only got scraped up a bit. Weighed 250, now down to 227 and still losing weight, but I'll be 80 this year.

[@deadmanswife3625]

❤wowzer

[@sparrow5813]

Your videos are basically the reason why I am currently working towards my licenses for tree climbing and getting into tree work. Always a pleasure to watch them at the end of a working day. :) Keep up the great work!

[@jonathanwillard1776]

Well for what it is worth thank you for inflicting pain upon yourself for me and others. I know nothing of climbing and I want to learn. You have a great instruction ability. I feel honored and blessed to take my instruction from yourself and mr. Buckin you guys are Awesome thank you for your time and Service! And thanks for caring. I salute you!

[@spelunkerd]

One of the most entertaining, educational, and interesting video I've seen this week.

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

Thanks so much 😊

[@HalfCutGarage]

I've tried spurs a while back and it sure would have been nice to see this first! Always enjoy your vids!

[@jeremybuchanan4759]

"... and it's gonna be just like walking on the ground ..." I look forward to that! Thanks for taking the time to share this - even gaffing out intentionally - really helps bridge the gap between buying spurs and using spurs!

[@mike-yp1uk]

Thanks for the gaff out talk because that's a fear and no one ever discussed that. I love the idea of climbing. This looks easier than rope climbing

[@M4ttyC4k3s]

Ive noticed, even though you dont spend a lot of time on adjustment and or fitting of spurs... youre one of the only guys that even touch on that. New climbers are so eager for every bit of info they can absorb . And its important for us to provide it for the newer generations.. Good job man. This comment may have sounded negative at the start but that wasnt the intention. Big props. Thanks again. Climb safe my guy.

[@dontitomartin5396]

This is about one of the best KZbin videos teaching how to use Spurs. Thank you so much you are a great instructor.

[@tymesho]

Newbies~ lock your knees/ KEEP YOUR BODY STRAIGHT WITH THE TREE/small steps with your safety line. TRUST YOUR GEAR!

[@Barrettwoodcraft]

*lock one knee at a time* no passing the newbies out.

[@amosbackstrom5366]

"Yeah new guy passed out again 3 ft up the tree. He had his knees locked and then gaffed out when he came to.. he won't come down so I think I'll just fell the tree and lift his line off the stump. " "Can we put him in the chipper?" "No his spurs might dull the blades"

[@willriseley]

Yes man this was awesome. Moved from U.K. to Sweden last year and it’s all spur climbing here with softwood takedowns.

[@assassinlexx1993]

Never climb a tree but had too change a bulb on a pole in a train yard with old equipment and zero knowledge as a young kid. Now as a old man, I can't believe I did it. Thanks for the video to show how to climb safely. You stay safe with your skills.

[@albertproano0519]

Thanks for gaffing out you showed a high level of commitment....thanks for that

[@Vic-wi2qx]

I think that’s the first video of someone gaffing out or jumping on Spurs. It’s a good video

[@chriss2295]

This is far better than trying to use a ladder up 16ft+. The cost of the gear outweighs any potential accidents. Thank you for this! You are a gifted teacher.

[@arminarbor1484]

That was so well explained. Especially like the gaffing out part, I have always been afraid of that happening. Greetings from Germany✌️

[@joshharter2624]

Super super helpful. I like how none of your content is condescending. It is also super helpful and informative. Thanks for all the knowledge!

[@rogeramadon4064]

THAT was an EXCELLENT video - Thanks for sharing! I'm a first time tree climber (something I wanted to try at 73 years old), so I bought an inexpensive (cheap) "kit" off Amazon and when I tried using them, had problems. After watching you and seeing your equipment, I think you get what you pay for. Experienced climbers like you make it look so easy, but the more videos I watch, the more I come to the conclusion I don't think it is for me. It's not so much the fear of heights - It's the fear of falling from them that bothers me the most! Have a great day and climb safe!

[@SiAnon]

All i know about tree climbing is that if you climb it you'll be up the tree and i want to be down on the ground where i can't fall to my death. Pretty much covers it.

[@danielholtzapple7124]

The tree wrap is like a tree squeeze device. Alot of climbers in Florida use the tree squeeze for the palm tree.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Now and then I tell how I have been an arborist since the 1980s. Yes, that makes me an Old Fart. I was trained in a formal program. They bought our boots and some other things. I must say, our boots were Redwing logger boots. They had the steel shank in the sole and the big heel. They were only 8" tall boots but that was fine with me. That steel shank in the sole helped a lot with comfort when wearing spurs. I really must say, this is the BEST presentation concerning spurs that I have ever seen... online or in person. So I hope you took notes. Also I learned something about spur accessories. Now I want to get the velcro shin and boot accessories for my spurs. That is much better than the old, narrow leather attachment accessories I still have. I remember one tree I worked on, the owner was very appreciative of my work. It turns out he was a retired lineman. He insisted on giving me his lineman climbing gear. It really seened to mean something to him. So I accepted the items graciously and with smiles and handshakes. I hope your work merits any expressions of gratitude that the client thinks of. Just one last thing: the use of spurs is supposed to be restricted to REMOVALS. Not for pruning. Spurs injure living trees. Every spur puncture in the tree is likely a future rot pocket. That is why you have ropes, ladders and bucket trucks for. To get up into the tree without injuring it. Pruning is caring for the tree. Hooks in a living tree are injuring the tree. How professional is your work?

[@stevensellars5587]

Gaffing out is no fun, especially when you are new to climbing and didn't receive the best training. I worked for a cable tv subcontractor climbing poles and was coming down a pole without my strap wrapped around the pole. I gaffed out and fell about 6 or 7 feet to the pavement and landed on my back on my tool pouch. Nothing wounded but my pride and my multimeter. Thanks for providing quality and educational content. I climb and cut trees as a hobby and am thankful for you and the other great arborists putting out great content. Bought my first tree climbing kit from Wesspur too.

[@dukeflem]

Thank you so much for this excellent video!! I've been cutting trees for firewood since 1975 and never had felt the need to CLIMB the trees until a few years ago when I decided to use a Petzl Zig Zag and climbing line. It worked well and I had no problems at height so I decided to try spurs. I used Gecko tree climber spurs and they were OK but a little tenuous (scarey) because they seemed to be too long for the tree bark I was on. So, I thought the pole gaffs might be better for our Tennessee trees. Yesterday I was climbing a tall Dogwood (10"dia) that I was going to cut down, and used Pole gaffs to see how they work. I was also trying out a new lanyard instead of the steel core like yours. It was a big white rope doubled back through one of the the carabiners and ending with a prussic onto the middle of the lanyard. The lanyard was in a crotch and in trying these new gaffs out I slipped out of both at the same time (kinda like your demo) and fell hard against the lanyard which jammed the prussic in the tree crotch. So here I am and I can't get the lanyard loose so I can just be on the zigzag line which I was using for a safety and I'm on the underside of the tree so it's hard to get the spikes back in because I have no angle. After several minutes of struggle, I thought I might have to have my spotter go get a ladder or cut the lanyard(the shame of it). I finally managed to use my ZigZag to relieve the tension get the white lanyard off and lower myself ungracefully to the ground. No more pole gaffs for me, thanks and the white lanyard is going away also (Free Donation to you if you want them). I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE VIDEOS YOU DO. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

[@No_Sleep789]

I don't know why I'm watching these videos. I don't plan on getting into tree removal but if I do, your videos are going to be my go to. Damn good job explaining, and safety tips... 👍

[@LumberjackSmokestack]

Thanks for the vid Jake! I’m a logger not a tree guy for the most part. But I do climb a couple times a month. And I wear my Georgia brand logger for climbing as well. Waterproof, insulated, steel toe and shank.

[@ericharris893]

Good heel on em too

[@LumberjackSmokestack]

@@ericharris893 yes indeed!

[@jacobclubb5624]

Man thank you for making this video. I have a set of spurs and saddles and the gear, but I don’t do tree work professionally. I only really use them for farm maintenance. This video was very informative and I learned a lot. Keep up the good work man

[@ethansnyder4523]

This actually helps so much I’m thinking about getting into climbing thanks for the insight

[@markcloutier1677]

Thanks for such an awesome, informative video. I'm a retired Marine and this is something I'm just getting into in retirement ... so this video was great.

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

Awesome to hear! Thank you for your service 🙏 🇺🇸

[@Jesse-g2s]

Wow! outstanding video sir! By far the most helpful I've seen on the subject. Not only are you incredibly skilled at your profession but you also posses the ability to present the information to a greenhorn such as myself that is both easily understood while at the same time encouraging. I feel a new sense of confidence walking up to the next tree armed with these tips. I would work for you any day.Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us and be safe out there!

[@josephprice1593]

I never knew I would be so entertained by trees. I love your content, thank you for the entertainment!

[@wally626v_m7]

Many years ago I borrowed a lineman’s Spurs to climb and top a grove of birches. Made climbing the trees much easier. We climbed trees as kids all the time, but getting to the first branch in a Douglas fir was sometimes a challenge.

[@ВячеславКочергин-г3о]

Спасибо вам за такой подробный обзор. Я думаю многим начинающим это очень пригодится.

[@TheSlywright]

I love your videos man. Makes me want to convert from carpenter to tree guy! I wish I could do it all LOL.

[@mikesr3407]

I'm a city worker , water sewer and sometimes streets but man I lack builders know how , much respect to your profession !

[@brandongouge]

Same

[@AO_9]

A very rare thing on youtube, but finally I found your video showing how falling with spurs work. Also thoroughly lesson in all the other aspects of climbing with spurs, thank you!

[@Jake-t2e]

The biggest thing is for everyone that is going to be a tree climber is to practice.... Before they attempt to climb high.. the bottom line is get comfortable with your gear .... I seen people that climbed up in a tree and froze and other tree climber risked their life to help get that person out not knowing if they will flip out in panic that puts everyone in danger... So that is why it's very important to practice first

[@michaelfobian767]

I have Gaffed out a couple of times. It sucks it hurts the pride but as Jake says it's a part of climbing!!

[@FensFirewood]

When you gaff out either after years of experience or day one, does the crew reaction remain the same or is there more/less leeway when you start? Cheers

[@Treeguyjose]

@@FensFirewood your crew, hopefully lol will always be concerned about their climbers. Weather you’re new or a veteran it’s gunna be funny after they know you’re okay and not hurt. and tbh you may get laughed at but the best thing I do is get back on the gaffs and finish the job

[@adamevans4824]

No one forgets the first time they gaff out. I never will. 👍

[@gumwap1]

Did it once, 10 years ago when I started. It was unpleasant enough to motivate me to pay enough attention to not let it happen again. Haven’t done it since.

[@Rudecheers]

Great video, I'm beginning as a climber and this is the best video I've come across so far. Thanks for taking a dent in the balls for us 😁

[@TorchedTv]

I’ve gone through about 8 different pairs of spikes, long, short, velcro and strapped. The only thing I take away from them is keep them sharp.

[@UNcommonSenseAUS]

If you're worried about gaff outs you can double wrap your pole belt. Its a good idea if your blocking down tall, straight smooth bark trees.. Rope (soft core) pole belt (flip line) for pruning, steel core for blocking down big removal jobs. Beware of the wire core where electrical hazards exist.

[@natejames289]

Oregon boy lots of logs to mill and learning to climb again since my brother had passed in 2017 he's was a 17 years in logging wish he was still here to teach me things I'm so glad your giving others the knowledge right on

[@cadeneby5186]

May i ask how he died? and sorry for your lost.

[@beefneckjoe5634]

The only video I have found that covers the topics everyone else misses. Thank you!

[@aaronpalmer9236]

After watching these videos, i want to go and buy spurs and just climb the random trees around my apartment complex. thank you for letting me live vicariously through you.

[@bendoherty3129]

I know your half kidding, but interesting point to note is that spurs should only be used on trees that are being removed as they damage the tree a lot

[@bofkaycee1970]

@@briananderson7497 we would set a rope and climb in a harness or if possible use a boom truck, some guys use cranes to get a tree over a house.

[@bendoherty3129]

@@briananderson7497 yep, like somebody else said. Set a rope and climb in your harness. There are ways to install a rope from.the ground without harming the tree

[@mattbetts1945]

Brilliant....thanks for taking the time to throw yourself out of trees! Really great for a non climber....appreciate it

[@IRDeezlSmoke]

Hey new subscriber here. Love this very informative video. Thank you for covering so many topics others refuse, such as demonstrating a gaff out, and showing the idea of doubling your flipline. I'm near Portland Oregon. If I get to your side of the ditch some day, I'd like to stop in and shake your hand for sharing your experiences. I talked with niceguydave at Wesspur a couple weeks ago about tree vs. pole gaffs. I like your opinion and experience on them. Thank you very much for taking the time to make and upload educational videos of your trade and experiences within.

[@t.r.766]

The only time I used spurs was if it was a takedown or it was only way to be safe. But for the trees we are pruning and shaping we don’t use spurs to gaf the trunk. Are you an Oakman or a Eucman that’s the question ? Up in the Northwest you have lots more Firs.If you climb a dead diseased trees disinfect them so you don’t spread disease to healthy trees.

[@olawinje2573]

You should never spur a tree that's not getting removed.

[@davidlim1393]

I am Korean. Your video gave me so much confidence. I heartily thank you.

[@diamondrock1970]

Thank you very very much for taking your time to teach me something that I never done it before because I’m about to start doing that I really really appreciate that for what you’re doing for everyone believe me you are a great person God bless you you and your family🤙

[@JustinOFlaherty]

I really appreciate these kind of educational videos. I would be very interested in hearing more about how you first started out and what kind of requirements/prerequisites you may need before beginning a career in this line of work. It seems very technical and overwhelming from the outside looking in, as far learning all the different types of knots, rigging, ropes, tree identification, knowing what to prune/cut, etc. Knowing how to properly use a chainsaw seems minor in comparison to everything else you need to learn.

[@tengst2013]

You make the job entertaining everybody ... good luck

[@razorworks9942]

New subscriber here.. I have a bunch of eucalyptus trees towering 185' and taller on my property here in Nor-cal.. hour North of San Francisco.. I've had a couple tree companies over at my place and seeing these guys in action gives me the encouragement to take some of my trees down myself as I just can't afford to have them taken down. Being a former Union Ironworker, I'm comfortable working high..I've stood and hung off the iron, both being a bridge or structure and have been quite comfortable, but not to take climbing and working with trees lightly, especially running the saw. Thanks for sharing your "do's and dont's"..now off to buy some gear! Wish me luck!

[@Kevin-ex2yb]

Great video and demonstration. You do a great job teaching the skills of your craft

[@johnburk8344]

There probably not that many palm trees in Washington state. After gaffing out and sliding 38 ft only to land on a running chainsaw . One soon discovers that you can indeed slide all the way to the ground. The double wrapped lanyard method you mention in this video could have saved me from two cracked ribs and the hamburger meat effect left on my fingers as a result of sliding down the smooth trunk with your fingers caught between the lanyard and the trunk… again Thank you for including the double wrap lanyard technique. Of course, I have now incorporated a safety rope shot or thrown over the crown and back down fastened to the bottom of the trunk. It’s the safest method I am now aware of and use when a lift is not accessible…. At seventy years young. I always look forward to watching another one of your adventures.

[@willk4862]

Awesome video. Especially the end when you climbing down. Logic says climbing down is simply the opposite of going up, but it's always nice to see a demo. No one else demonstrated the going down part.

[@likits1999]

I like how you made your cut at the end, one over the other and then broke off the cuts. Awesome! Great video.

[@tazkillough5058]

I’m learning how to climb and this video was very helpful and made me feel not so bad about the nerves of gaffing out thank you..

[@teomedina1685]

I just climbed my first maple today was about 50 ft but I gagged out and this helped me a lot

[@cretuoctavian8114]

You're a really good teacher! Thanks for the good tips and tricks! I'm an amature yet, but I really liked my first steps on my first tree (13m tall Pyrus domestica). You helped me a lot! :D

[@Icehso140]

I had my first fulltime job in a sweatshop. My asst foreman and I had a love/hate relationship. Basically we loved to hate each other. I got into tree work on the side and one day he walked by my station at the shop and slapped a pair of spurs on my bench. Without a tone of concern he said, "I can't keep you out of those trees...but I can keep you from falling." , and he left it at that. I found out later that a good friend of his had tried a pair of telephone spurs and fell to his death right in front of him when they failed. We have a lot of respect for each other now and I still have those spurs. Found out about weeping willow bark the hard way. Let's just say I needed to spike in deeper than I thought.

[@joem934]

Very useful video. I watched it before my first climb and did not intentionally gaff out. 😀 You mentioned in a previous video about the usefulness of a second flip line for branches that are in the way. I practiced it and it is a great tidbit. Keep up the videos. Great work!

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

Cool!

[@jimscott64]

When I was a little kid growing up I remember seeing men from the telephone company climbing telephone poles with spurs. It was fascinating as a little kid watching them. That was in the 1950's. Many many years later I thought it would be a great idea to have some of those to climb trees with and build tree stands to hunt elk out of. I found a set, including the belt, at a second hand store and bought them. I can tell you from experience that climbing with those things is the most miserable and uncomfortable thing I have ever done. The stuff that they are making now days like you are showing here are light years ahead of what I had. The belt that came with mine was so stiff it would dig into your sides like crazy. The cuffs on the spurs were nothing more than about a 1 inch wide belt that dug into your calfs so bad they would be swollen by the end of the day. Those were the days of leather spurs and steel men is the best way I can describe it. I built several tree stands over the years using that stuff, but they are hanging on the wall of my shop now and I have the kind of stuff you are showing here. And at 77 years old, I still climb trees.

[@ssfrj8046]

as a new upcoming tree climber im more scared of when i fall and im just gonna slide down and hurtmyself but this video gave me confidence

[@sloza12000]

Wow, thanks for gaffing out. That was awesome! Incredibly informative video and nice to know what to expect in case of the unexpected.

[@cliffcampbell8827]

I have a question. I'm climbing up and need to "bypass" a branch/s. A lanyard, rolling flip line, whatever, how do I get the rope/strap off my harness (saddle), above and back around the tree then reattached to my safety harness? Forget I asked, I just got to the point in the video where you are using the technique I inquired about.

[@MrJimslaton]

There are a lot of beginner videos on the topic but this one is the best.

[@dmc31405]

Awesome Tutorial. You are a Rockstar in the Arborist Realm, this is truly a skill reserved for the technical climber. May God Bless and keep you.. Could you post a link for the Harness and the associated climbing gear you prefer.

[@jasonbean591]

I was with Farrens Tree Surgeons for 11 years. Foreman of a climbing crew for 6 years. As we worked around high voltage lines, spurs were forbidden. A dead ground into the cambium. I still bought a set, for off site gigs. Never for a preservation job, only removals, only palms and pines. That’s what we have Florida. I don’t care much for them. I like working with branching trees, oaks and cherries. I use a throw line, set my climbing line, just like in ISA competitions. Of which, I have been a winner.:)

[@Butters69Channel]

I do NOT feel super comfortable. Can't wait to someday prance around in the tree like you do. Thanks for the education and especially for the double wrap flip line tip. I'm pretty scared of falling on a smoooooth madrone and I bet this'll help me a lot to feel comfortable

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

Happy to help! Wrapping your flipline is a great trick.

[@stefanabraham5579]

Great video... one thing you did not mention is that spurs are not for pruning or maintenance cutting... probably good to mention for beginners as you don't want to totally damage a tree which is not being removed. Again thanks for the great videos and the links for the products greatly appreciated.

[@arnoldmmbb]

Totally right, spurs should only be used in dead or trees to take down not for pruning

[@reaper-ox9hr]

So how do you climb without a spur to just trim a tree? Asking for a friend? 😂

[@BandAid350z]

@@reaper-ox9hr SRT or DRT is all I’m aware of. Although there are barefoot wonders that do it without any gear.

[@danielbabcock7004]

@@reaper-ox9hr theres a thing called throwline, its a thin string with a weight on the end of it. You throw the weight up into a crotch in the tree, and the weight brings the string down to the ground. Take the weight off, tie the string to your climbing line and pull it thru the crotch. Now you have a climb line in the tree, without ever leaving the ground

[@jacobcarter5923]

@@reaper-ox9hr climb on ropes, SRT is best but a lot of people use DRT just fine, a foot ascender makes it stupid easy

[@Stubby0266]

Great info and tips. Thanks for the time to put out this video. BTW, the SILKY SUGOI 360 ARBORIST HAND SAW is one awesome and wicked hand saw !!!

[@brianhawes3115]

That was super helpful, I bought some spurs at Baileys and self learned, it took a couple climbs before I figured out to stay close to the trunk, there was a part you skipped with that other line and some sort of rappel device, I’m hoping you keep up the tutorials and I can see how to safely get back down faster than gaffing

[@jonlind111]

White's Boots, Spokane, WA. Best Lineman boots made!

[@daveg8700]

Man, what a guy 👍 you gaffed out just for people like me trying to learn to get comfortable with spurs. This video was so helpful for me. Thank you so much, you da man!

[@deborahwesala]

HEADACHE! good video with details and close ups and demonstrations. trying to mess up on purpose after living to not messing up, feel that. especially appreciated the hemlock chop at the end. watched every move you made and could see the familiarity and the "knowing", of your gear and the way you handled the cutoff.

[@alexworks9659]

I watched a fellow climber gaff out on a coco palm @50’ slide down about halfway on a leaner on a windy day. trees are way different than palms. Nice demo and explanation. I personally use a tree squeeze almost every day on cocos.

[@guiltyoftreesoneastsidetre4792]

I’ve never climbed a coconut but I’d love to try at least once (not the gaffing out and sliding down part 😆). I also have a Buckingham tree squeeze but I haven’t tried it yet.

[@al0zzz]

I brought Buckingham spikes in the uk around 2005 when I passed my climbing course never changed them. Sharp as a razor blade really easy to get a good hold . As long as you insert them at the right angle . A lot of people have the ,fear , which ruins there careers.... it’s all about the angle 👍🏻

[@williamsmith7221]

16:25 Dude you make that look so easy 🤣🤣

[@rmariti1]

This is one of the best tutorials I’ve ever seen

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Awesome video. My 1st time was on a pole, with the North Dakota National Guard Civil Engineers. Learned about "gaffing out" 60ft up...scarred the crap out of me. And being that this was a practice pole, it was littered with splinters...yeup I took a few to the legs. All in all...I had a blast.

[@austinlong1755]

Man you are absolutely awesome. Such a good teacher.

[@williampierson8759]

Great video! New climber here and I have watched all your content. I'd love to see a video on rigging to include your favorite knots and the ascenders, blocks, etc, and little pieces of gear that make your life in the limbs easier. Thanks!

[@matthewbrooks1556]

Thank you so much for this. My house is surrounded by trees, and some need to be cut down. I can’t afford to pay someone 1200 bucks every time, so I want to do it myself. This video is very helpful!

[@justinbranham7708]

Buckingham also makes a variation of the lineman’s bucksqueeze specifically for tree work called the tree squeeze if you’re super concerned about it. Your method of two wraps on the scare strap works just as good for cheaper too! I personally think everyone should experience the 3 foot slide down the trunk once or twice!

[@1stFlyingeagle]

I slid once on a telephone pole. man, it was using a razor blade cutting the flesh to release the honking huge splinter from old spike damage. The crap went clean through jeans. I was a mess. Yes, climbing poles is very much different. The wood is hard and dry. That's one of my early day learning mistakes that I have never had to do twice.

[@gumwap1]

Just once, thanks.

[@justinbranham7708]

@@1stFlyingeagle First time I ever climbed I had my hooks cut out before I could maintain the slack in my secondary tie in. I dropped like a rock and my flip line didnt catch for 3 or 4 feet. I was digging pine bark and sap from under my fingernails for 3 days. It skinned my forearms pretty good as well. My foreman laughed and looked up at me and said “bet you wont forget to do that again.”

[@1stFlyingeagle]

@@justinbranham7708 Man we sure learn the hard way. And for sure know what never to do again. Lol

[@wrstew1272]

Are you using Whites? Worked on a big power line job in Oregon years ago, and ALL the guys swore by them. Whether they were linemen (was a big steel job, not little poles) or grunts, everyone had two pairs of Whites. If possible they fit them to your feet in person, keep them on record, and rebuild to like new if you can wear them out. Check them out, ask any lineman for their experience.

[@davidwhiting6389]

I work at Buckingham Manufacturing. We do make a steel foot plate to put on your spur that protects feet.