For those of you that remember my recent post a few weeks ago regarding the DIY stick clip, you may also remember that I promised a subsequent post on how to use your handy dandy new pole.  (Or you may have forgotten all about it since it’s taken us so long to finally take these videos…sorry about that).   Anway, since my hubby prides himself in his mastery of stick clip tricks (and while I have no trouble hanging a draw, compared to Steve my “trick” skills are that of a mere apprentice), an instructional post like this was right up his alley, so he was enthusiastic about helping me.  So here’s the how to’s from Crag-Daddy, aka Stick Clip Jedi (along with some colorful interjections from Cragmama)…

There are several ways to utilize a stick clip.  The following tricks and tips should help you be successful at your next sport climbing adventure.

TRICK #1 – HANGING A QUICKDRAW (w/rope attached) When it’s Useful: If the first bolt is too high, the landing too sketchy, or the climbing under the 1st bolt seems too difficult, you’ll want to pre-hang your draw, complete with rope running through it. How to do it: Extend your stick clip to the desired length making sure that all sections are locked / tight Open the clamp on your stick clip and place the bolt hanging biner of the quickdraw into the clamp so that the gate stays open. Clip the rope through the other biner of the quickdraw making sure that when the quickdraw is hung that you aren’t back clipped.  If you happen to mess that up, it’s not a big deal, you can pull the rope through to ensure you aren’t back clipped. Try to hook the biner that’s in the clamp onto the bolt. Sometimes different angles will be required to get the quickdraw hung. This can take a lot of practice in order to do it quickly. Pull hard on the pole so that the clamp is released from the quickdraw.  If you didn’t make all sections of your stick clip locked / tight as in the first step above, this is where your stick clip could fall apart and potentially hit someone. Clear as mud?  Click here for a video.
TRICK #2 – PULLING THE ROPE (w/ first bolt clipped) When its Useful:  Let’s say someone has already led a route and the rope is already through all of the quickdraws, but the next climber would prefer to lead the route rather than follow – it’s nice to be able to pull the rope in such a way as to keep the 1st bolt clipped in. How to do it: Using the open side of the clamp as a hook, pull the part of the rope above the quickdraw down to within arms reach Continue pulling the rope on the side that is going through the anchors at the top Once both ends of the rope are on the ground, determine which side to use as the sharp end (so you’re not back clipped) Still don’t get it?  Click here for the video.
TRICK #3 – HANGING A ROPE ON AN EXISTING DRAW When it’s Useful:  Oops, you’re partner pulled the rope for you and didn’t know about Trick #2.  Or, you pulled your rope for use on a different route, then came back later to send your project (still equipped with quickdraws). Create a loop of rope that is bigger than the biner on your quickdraw Clamp one side of this loop and leave the other side free to move but contained inside the clamp opening.  Make sure you steady this side with your hand so the loop stays the correct size as you are raising the pole up in the air Move the loop over the biner on your quickdraw so that the clamp is on the spine side of the biner Gently pull the side of the rope in your hand until it is clipped into the biner Hold both ends of the rope and pull hard on the stick clip Need a visual?  Click here for the video.
TRICK #4 – REMOVING A DRAW When it’s Useful: You tried pushing your limits and got in over your head.  Now you can’t even get to the second bolt.  You have two choices – use the stick clip to continue clipping your way up the route (aka the Clip of Shame) or you could bail and nurse your injured ego from the safety of the ground.  You could always lower from a leaver ‘biner, but if your last clip is within reach of your pole, you don’t have to leave any gear. Create a loop of rope that is bigger than the biner on your quickdraw just like in trick #3 Clamp one side of this loop and leave the other side free to move but contained inside the clamp opening.  Make sure you steady this side with your hand so the loop stays the correct size as you are raising the pole up in the air Move the loop over the bottom biner on your quickdraw and contine to the biner that is hanging on the bolt so that the clamp is on the spine side of the biner Gently pull the side of the rope in your hand until it has opened the gate of the biner enough to attempt to remove it from the bolt hanger.  Make sure you don’t pull it too much so that the gate closes on the biner.  If this happens, hold both ends of the rope and pull hard on the stick clip so it is no longer clamped on the rope.  Pull the rope so it’s not going through the biner any longer and start over. Gently manuver the biner so it is no longer on the bolt hanger.  This may take a lot of practice to get right. Sound too good to be true?  Click here to see the video.