When preparing to remove a diseased or dead tree, you may need to climb into the tree to remove some limbs before cutting the trunk. You can use a pair of tree-climbing spikes to help you move up the trunk of the tree and make the necessary cuts.
Tree-climbing spikes consist of straps that wrap around your lower leg and foot to keep the set in place and to provide leverage for the attached spur. A high-quality tree-climbing spike is the Klein Tools Tree Climber Set, which features comfortable leather materials.
What to know before you buy a tree-climbing spike
Best tree-climbing spike materials
The highest-quality sets of tree-climbing spikes will consist of metal and leather. Using steel in areas of stress, such as the connection between the shin pad and the ankle strap, will provide a long-lasting design. Some people select aluminum in place of steel to save some money and to reduce weight.
Carbon fiber is a possibility instead of steel or aluminum, but this material will not last as long.
Some sets will contain shin guards that use plastic on the exterior, protecting you from banging your shin into the tree.
Adjustable height tree spikes
To keep users as safe as possible, the spikes must fit properly. Measure the length from the instep of the foot to just below the knee to find the right length to order.
Many tree-climbing spikes have an adjustable length in a range of a few inches, so you can create just the right fit.
Shin comfort
When wearing tree-climbing spikes, the strap that goes around the lower leg will carry a lot of the stress. Having padding on the interior of this strap is important for comfort, especially during a long day of tree climbing.
For the lower leg band, leather is one of the longest-lasting materials, and it provides a nice level of comfort too.
Even with a high level of comfort, climbing trees with spikes is hard work. Some people may want to go with an extendable tree pruner instead.
Tree-climbing spike features
Long gaffs
For those who will frequently climb trees with rough, thick bark, a longer gaff, or spur, is important. The longest spurs will measure 2 inches to 3 inches. A gaff around 2.75 inches in length is the most common option.
Short gaffs
For a tree with smooth bark, tree climbers are able to use shorter gaffs. These often will be between 1 and 2 inches in length. Spikes around 1.5 inches in length are the most common in this category.
Adjustable gaffs
Nearly all tree-climbing spike sets will give users the ability to remove the spur. Some sets even ship with multiple spurs, allowing people to switch between long and short gaffs, depending on the types of trees in the area. Swapping out the gaffs usually only involves removing a couple of screws.
Even if your set of spikes does not ship with extra gaffs, you often can order different lengths of gaffs separately.
Tree-climbing spike cost
Manufacturers sell tree-climbing spikes as a pair, so you will pay one price for two spikes. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for a budget-priced pair of tree-climbing spikes. High-quality sets may cost $200 to $500 for the pair.
Tree-climbing spike FAQ
Can I use pole gaffs as tree-climbing spikes?
A. You really should not use spikes made for climbing poles when climbing certain types of trees. Tree-climbing spikes with long gaffs should work for those trees that have a thick bark. If the tree has thin bark, using either tree-climbing spikes or pole gaffs should work adequately.
Is it safe to climb a tree with tree-climbing spikes?
A. Any time you are climbing a tree, you have the risk of falling, even when using tree-climbing spikes. To reduce the chance of a fall from the tree, you may want to invest in a tree-climbing harness that you can secure in the tree. Additionally, before using the spikes to climb the tree, inspect the tree. Trees with a lot of mushrooms growing on them, with significant splits in the trunk or with large cavities, may have rotted wood that prevents the spur from digging in far enough.
Which tree-climbing spike should I get?
Best of the best tree-climbing spike
Klein Tools Tree Climber Set: available at Amazon and Home Depot
Our take: These high-quality leather climber pads provide a comfortable option for the shins and ankles of the climber.
What we like: This is a sturdy set of tree-climbing spikes, offering a 350-pound capacity. To secure the ankle strap, the set includes a steel split ring, which helps to hold it in place, even when it’s under stress.
What we dislike: The configuration of the ankle strap requires a little bit of time to make it fit properly. The price is a little bit above average.
Best bang for your buck tree-climbing spike
Evoke Gear Tree Climbing Spike Set: available at Amazon
Our take: This set makes use of lightweight aluminum in its basic structure to give the wearer a comfortable fit.
What we like: These tree-climbing spikes have an adjustable length, so the wearer can find just the right fit. This set carries a lower price than some others. It ships with two different lengths of spurs for versatility.
What we dislike: The pads on the lower leg are secured in place with Velcro straps, which may not hold as tightly as leather straps and buckles.
Honorable mention tree-climbing spike
Notch Gecko Steel Climbers With Tree Gaffs: available at Amazon and Home Depot
Our take: These tree-climbing spikes have padding in all the right places to ensure a comfortable fit that shouldn’t dig into your legs.
What we like: The upper portion of the leg irons contains an exterior plastic shin guard for extra protection. These spikes will support up to 350 pounds of weight. They meet the ASTM F887 standard for personal climbing equipment.
What we dislike: These spikes are expensive. The upper straps rely on a Velcro attachment system, which may not remain tightly in place when under stress.
Kyle Schurman is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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