abusing "B" rated picks?

[Jens]

I'm currently running "B" rated picks on my quarks and am dry tooling the shit out of em' (torques, steinpulls, and the like. Do I need to switch em' out for when the waterfall season starts (before I'm sketchin' out on some pillar or something?).. Anotherwards, how tough are Charlet "B" rated picks? I've been on BD for the last 10 seasons and have switched brands so I have no clue. Please help.

[Chad_A]

I don't know if they're just covering their asses, but Petzl suggests not to take a tool that's been drytooled with into the mountains; they're pretty staunch on keeping a separate pair, but I don't know how realistic that is.

 

I'd change out your picks; the T rated picks are usually for dry tooling and severe usage, but since you've already thrashed the B rated picks, I guess maybe continue using them for dry tooling, and get another B set for the WI that hasn't been stressed. Just my thoughts.

 

I understand that Charlet picks are pretty tough, being that they're forged. But, Hell, they all might be forged, it's just what they tout.

[John Frieh]

They're fine assuming you can return them to their original state/sharpness. A lot of drytooling tends to round the very front of the pick and unless you significantly shorten the pick you never seem to return the pick to its original shape/sharpness.

 

I would second Chad's recommendation on having a dedicated pair of drytool picks... better yet buy a pair of the T rated picks as they are equipped with a larger front tooth and teeth on the top of the pick so your tool doesn't skate when you stein pull... you will feel a difference (especially when trying to hook on sloping edges).

 

If you do end up opting to dedicate one pair of picks for just drytooling, spray paint them with automotive paint or something so you can tell them apart from all your other picks.