Plaidman

That is correct, but 3 1/2 inches goes along way. Just ask my wife. I am thinking about using a wooden dowel from now on for longer screws. The handle on the tool is good as you can really slam the core out and then blow the rest out of the core.

Then maybe I could sell them and make millions of dollar and go live in Tahiti. I don't think they have ice there though.

Thanks you are just full of good ideas. Right on!

Yeah. Been there done that. I may be a noob but I am a journeyman carpenter and I use tools everyday. Just sharing another way to get it done. Sometimes those ice cores really freeze up.

Like putting the screw in your jacket against your chest? We only used this tool on multi-pitch climbs while at the belay. It just makes the process faster using the tool. We had three at the belay and everyone was able to work to get the leader going as fast as possible. With the tool you just push the ice out of the core.

That is a great idea. The tool I have is Aluminum and does not weigh much. But thinking about it I am considering just getting a piece of wooden dowel and drilling a hole in it and adding a piece of cord. Even lighter! And I can make it longer for the longest screw we have. Hmmmmmm Brilliant!!!!!!

perhaps you are looking in the wrong place, bill This it Rick McDonald getting it done on the second pitch of Ainsworth Left. He is such a bad ass.

Anyone seen one of these? Tool is 7 inches long total. Smaller shaft is 3 1/2 inches and 1/2 inch in diameter. Handle is 1 inch in diameter. I found it at Next Adventure in Portland Oregon The guy behind the counter didn’t know what it was. He said that if I could tell him what it was, he would give it to me. I had him hand me the tool and an ice screw and the tool fit perfectly. I told him to hand it over. It sure is handy because if you don’t clean the ice out of the hollow core of the ice screw you can’t use it on the next lead. So I have a tool to perform this task And by the way these are the crampons I have been using to get it done on the ice. Old school I know but it's what I got. Plaidman

Ditto x10. These guys and gals rock. Thank you for all your training, time and effort that you all put in to be able to perform the way you do. Which is outstanding! All the best to all of you.

Johnathan, Dave, and Ryan leading the first pitch of Crown Jewel. 12/10/2009

Found Poll Link: Find poll in related content on right side of picture. KATU Poll Link

Can't find poll. Do you have another link?

NO MORE FACEBOOK Got some other Video now.

Sorry guys I will remove the link. I thought everyone could see it.

Trip:NO MORE FACEBOOK Warren Creek - Columbia River Gorge - 12/11/2009 - Happy Hooker - Warren Creek Date: 12/11/2009 Trip Report: This is some climbing by Rick McDonald on Warren Creek Will post video when I get it. Removed link to Facebook. Got some other Video now.

More Pics. This is from the belay at the 2nd pitch.

Trip: Starvation Creek Falls - Columbia River Gorge - Starvation Creek Falls Main Falls Left Date: 12/12/2009 Trip Report: Starvation Creek Falls 12/12/2009 Ben, Rick and I got on Starvation Creek Falls on Saturday. We topped out on the main falls. Ben led it in two pitches. We rapped in the dark. Here are some pics. Gear Notes: Boat load of screws. Just enough. Approach Notes: Short

Got on Warren Creek today after 2nding the first pitch of Crown Jewel in the dark by headlamp. We finished at 12:30 am and I was out the door today at 7:00 am. Pics soon. Headed out now to bivy in the car in the Gorge so we don't get shut out. Hitting it hard while it is in. 9 pitches and three leads so far and we will get as much in tomorrow before it is all gone. Plaidman

Headed out to look at the Jewel. Anyone going out today?

Lots of chandeliers but good ice. Thick. Too busy to take any pictures. Needed to get out of there. Took a long time to set up the V thread.

Better video of Rick McDonald at the crux: Rick at crux

Sounds good. Let's do them all.

It must be Dementia: Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Problems may involve language, memory, perception, emotional behavior or personality, and cognitive skills. Granite. Choss. HMMMMMMMM

Videos:

Gotta luv Bill