As THE hardware professional in the Alpine region, we at bolting.eu naturally also stock many nut tool. They are also known under the names “Nut Tool” or “Nut Buster”.
Nut Keys are an essential part of any climbing equipment!This practical accessory makes removing nuts much easier. This is because the elongated tools can be used to drive perfectly into the cracks. Depending on the model, sometimes just a small piece or sometimes quite a long way in.
And secondly, you can use the metal hook at the tip to move “behind” the aluminum heads of the wedges. This means that they can usually be easily loosened and removed with a “tug”.
In the following, we would like to briefly inform you about the different models and their strengths.
Overview nut tool Types
The many models differ mainly in their length, stability and consequently their weight. However, you could also divide the Nut Keys according to their intended use. For example, models for occasional trad climbers, alpine climbers and big wall fans.
We have decided to simply present our models and discuss their strengths.
Super lightweight models for sporadic use
Very lightweight nut tool such as the Kong Trik have the advantage of being very affordable. This is mostly due to the low material costs.
They are also very light. Because they are made of aluminum.
However, you don’t need a “heavier” steel nut key for sporadic use, which is why these models are ideal for all beginners.
Models with a small gate are practical because they can be attached directly to the gear loop of the climbing harness. If this gate is missing, we recommend buying a small material carabiner separately.
The Kong Trik is one of the lightest models on the market!
Medium length / medium heavy nut tool
If you often use nuts, we recommend a medium-weight steel nut key. Such as the DMM Nutbuster.
These smaller models can be stowed away easily on the belt.
Secondly, they are made of steel and are therefore very solid.
Thirdly, they can withstand the odd blow with a friend to get rid of firmly wedged stoppers.
The same applies here. A practical, small material carabiner is an advantage for attaching to the harness!
The DMM Nutbuster is a solid, medium-weight model.
Long models for frequent – Trad climbers
In our experience, anyone who climbs a lot of trad has completely different requirements for a nut key.
For one thing, it is subjected to much greater strain, as it is often used to “knock out” wedges. Sometimes even with a rock hammer. And secondly, it is also very often used to remove stuck friends.
This is why these models are generally much longer and always made of steel. Such as the fixed nut tool.
The Fixe model is a long, very well designed product with 13mm and 17mm wrench openings.
Special nut tool
We also have very special models in our range for trad climbing fanatics or big wall rats.
Such as the Wild Country pro Key with an elastic leash as fall protection. This model is recommended for big catfish, for example, as it cannot fall off.
The Camp Nut Key has enormous advantages when removing friends due to its length and the rubberized handle.
The Wild Country product has a practical plastic leash.
Practice tip bolting.eu
Unfortunately, sometimes nuts can no longer be dismantled. No matter what you try or how hard you try, they seem hopelessly wedged.
So if your Nut tool alone is not enough, don’t despair. Because there are a few “hacks” that can help you.
friends Use as a hammer for nut tool
Try to use your Nut Key as a “chisel” by hitting it with a cams. This will often give your wedges the right “push” to loosen them decisively!
Extend with webbing sling
Another “hack” is to tie a 60cm sling into the wire rope loop of the wedge. Then you can often “tug” on the wedge in a completely different way or donned with more force. But be careful! Do not use damaged slings for climbing!
Spray water on it
If nothing more can be done with nut tool, water often works wonders. For one thing, it sometimes acts like a lubricant. This means that the stuck aluminum edges have less friction and sometimes come loose.
And secondly, water can slightly soften the rock and thus loosen the wedge. It is important that you give the water one to two minutes to take effect!
Link Tip
Watch this video to find out more about nuts and the use of nut tools.
FAQ’s nut toolWhat is a nut tool?
This is a piece of equipment used in mountaineering, with which you can nuts out of cracks, fissures and holes. These models are usually elongated, very thin and light. As a rule, the so-called “second climber” uses this product to remove the “laid” belays of the “first climber”.
How long should a nut tool be?
There is no “ideal” length for this product. Which length you choose depends more on the rock conditions (and therefore the characteristics of the placements), the weight and the functionality. Some climbers swear by short and light nut tools. Others, on the other hand, need rather long models for “deep” placements such as granite. Techno climbers, on the other hand, like to use products such as the Metolius Torque Nut Tool, which have integrated 13mm, 17mm and 19mm hexagonal openings for tightening expansion bolt.
What is the lightest nut tool in the world?
At the moment this is the Kong Trik with only 22 grams!
