Firn Line Design- Products for Alpinists

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Build A V-Thread

Select a Location

Make sure you have space to crank in the ice screw. Bash the surface of the ice to remove any brittle layer and any interference with the screw handle. Go wide and minimize subsequent chipping.

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Use Long Screw

The longer the screw the more ice it will capture. A 22 CM screw works nicely.

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Plan

V-threads horizontal, vertical, or something in between? There may be advantages to each.

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Drill First Hole

Sink the first screw at about a 30 degree angle to the ice surface, confirm by feel and sight the integrity of the placement (no air pockets).

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Lay Out Second Hole

Use the screw to gauge about where the second hole should be. A little less than the length of the screw.

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Drill Second Hole

If you can see down the first hole (like you planned, right?) then it's easier to sight in the alignment of the second hole. Start the hole perpendicular to the ice surface or chip a depression to avoid the screw walking toward the first screw before it "bites". Then lean it over about 30 degrees and drill to just past the intersection of the first hole.

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Insert Tat

You can also use a screw or V-threader partially inserted in the first hole to align the second hole. Stuff your tat to or preferably just past the intersection of holes. Use a tool to help push the tat if needed.

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The Firn Line Design V-thread Tool

Try one of these!

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Look for Tat in the Hole

If you can see it, you should be able to snag it with your V-threader.

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Fish Out the Other End

Use your tool or improvised device to fish out the other end of the tat.

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Ready to Rap

Connect a biner if tat is doubled (see example), tie off webbing using a water knot, or cord using a double grapevine knot.

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Building V-Threads is Fun!

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Firn Line Design Gear In Use

Other Photos

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Build a V-Thread Anchor

Select a location and bash away any brittle surface ice. Use same criteria for selecting an ice screw placement.

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Select your longest screw. I am using a 22 CM.

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Select the location for your first hole with thought of where the second hole will go (about a screw length away).

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Angle the screw at about 60 degrees horizontal angle to the ice surface. Refer to the Firn Line Design logo for a 30/60 degree triangle.

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Drill hole deep as possible. the more ice you capture, the stronger the V-Thread.

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Use the screw to gauge approximately where to drill the 2nd hole. Approximately a bit shorter than a screw length.

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There are several methods to line up the 2nd screw. If you can eyeball into the first hole use to aim the screw for a clean intersection. Or, partially insert a spare screw or a V-Thread tool in the first hole for alignment while aiming the screw.

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Insert your tat, perlon or webbing, single or doubled. You can also insert your skinny rope directly.

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Use your favorite V-thread tool or method to grab the tat from the bottom of the hole and pull it thru. A skinny rope end may require more coaxing as it will not fit around the bend when doubled.

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You might also snag the tat using the loop from your smaller wire nut if you have one, or a piece of wire.

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There it is!

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Tie off the tat, then check everything. Carry a few rappel rings or leaver biners for the purpose if you wish.

Be safe!

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