Ice climbing anchors?

[WVBoy]

Has anyone used ice climbing anchors to anchor their portable to the ice?I was thinking of trying them but havent known anyone to try this and not sure of the cost of them or how it would work.Some of the screw down ones seem cheap and does not look sturdy enough to hold up against some 30+m/h winds!

[P Gottshall]

I saw this in another thread http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=17802.msg149175#msg149175.

You might be able to pm him for advice.

Good luck,
Paul

[Knife2sharp]

I saw a guy use ice climbing screws to pull out a large 6'X4' piece of ice for scuba diving under the ice.  All he used was 2 of them and through the 2 holes on top of the screws he inserted a rod so two guys could lift it out.  These screws would work slick for shanty anchors because the threads are wide and they're also hallow so they don't crack the ice as they go in.  The run about $50-$60, so they're pretty spendy for anchors, but they'd work the best

[ccb-01]

I really like this idea, look on ebay.  They are selling for 10 to 20 dollars.  I think all you would need is one.

[fishercat]

I got some old ones from the outdoors program at work -they were not using them. I work at a local college.
They work a lot better than the regular ice anchors that stores sell for ice shanties.  They go in a lot easier - all you need is a small hammer. They are a little pricey, but I'm sure they would last. They do come in diffrent lengths.

[Fire~n~Ice]

I use the ice screws all the time and they work GREAT! I have 5 that I carry with me. Not only are they great for stabilizing a shanty, but I have one tied to a length of rope. I figure if I go through or someone else does, just secure the screw in the ice and now I have a solid anchor point.

[JigEm]

Has anyone used ice climbing anchors to anchor their portable to the ice?I was thinking of trying them but havent known anyone to try this and not sure of the cost of them or how it would work.Some of the screw down ones seem cheap and does not look sturdy enough to hold up against some 30+m/h winds!

They work fantastic.  The tie down straps are made by clam corp.  I used one on each corner of my Clam 6800...probably overkill but I know the shelter isnt going anywhere for sure.  The anchors were $13 at KTP in Maine

[Knife2sharp]

JigEm, What is a KTP?  Do you know if they sell em online?  I've been trying to find em and I'd rather get some new ones for that price, instead of buying used ones off Ebay. 

[Chris Raymond]

I'm going with ice climbing anchors as well.  I built my own hinge anchors per the Bobberstop method and found they were a bit too fussy to set and keep set.  Maybe I built them incorrectly or something.  Anywho, an ice climbing friend of mine is giving me a couple of his extra anchors so I should be good to go. 

[JigEm]

JigEm, What is a KTP?  Do you know if they sell em online? 

KTP=Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, Maine.  They have a web site (www.kitterytradingpost .com) but you cant order on-line ( I dont think).

I bet you could get them online from either EMS or REI.

They do work great and are worth the expense.

Good Luck

[Knife2sharp]

Yeah they both carry them, but the cheapest one is $39.00 at EMS, and most are around $50.  I think I'll call KTP, since they take phone orders.

[Chris Raymond]

Yeah they both carry them, but the cheapest one is $39.00 at EMS, and most are around $50.  I think I'll call KTP, since they take phone orders.

If you want to buy new, REI seems to be the place with the best price.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47591401&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=&img=/media/693227Lrg.jpg&view=large&

I wouldn't use these for their intended purpose though.  My ice climbing friend said the Russian titanium has had problems.  Using them as sled anchors won't be a problem though.  Plus, they only cost me a couple of beers, my friend didn't want them on their gear rack any more. 

Editted:  Just tried these out at lunch on a close by lake.  They're the cat's meow.  No more drilling partial holes and fighting with leverage angles and keeping constant tension.  They go in easily by hand and come out even more so.  Even if you have to pay $14.00 full boat at REI, they're well worth it in my opinion. 

[Knife2sharp]

Chris,

That link didn't point to anything on their site and when I searched on 'ice screw' I got 4 items found and the the 3 different ice screws that came up are $50+ each.  If there is another key word to search for them on the REI site let me know. 

[Chris Raymond]

K2S--It was there before but seemingly gone today.  Looks like they removed it since a Google search on Irbis ice screw pulls up a page at their site that is no longer there as well.  I did find it funny that REI had it on their site given the safety concerns in the ice climbing community that my friend was relaying.  Guess their lawyers got involved. 

Anywho, the brand name is Irbis.  It's a titanium ice screw.  I'd try climbing bulletin boards and look for used equipment sections.  As an alternative, post a note about wanting to buy some and you might have some response.  I don't think there are many serious climbers using this piece of gear. 

Here's a set of four on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1299&item=7129669312&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[OTIS]

How do you put them into the ice?  Do you have to whack them with a hammer to get them started?

[Chris Raymond]

Put the teeth on the ice and just screw it in, using the biner clip as a lever.  They're very cool for this purpose. 

[fishercat]

How do you put them into the ice?  Do you have to whack them with a hammer to get them started?

You may need a small tap on the end of the ice screw at times.

[JigEm]

Mine were brand new so I just applied some firm downward pressure.  Once they caught they screwed in real easy.  Best thing was at the end of the day they came out just as easily.

[Fire~n~Ice]

I have never had to tap them in. I just apply steady pressure and in they go. Very easy to remove also.

[jbird68]

Where can you get these Ice Climbing Anchors?

Video on putting in an anchor - for ice climbing. Things go in easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC5ziGNUZsE

[Mainedog]

Yes, I have used them.  I have several.  Very good.  Very easy to put into the ice.  Fairly easy to remove.
Provide very positive anchor point.   A bit pricey (but I think worth it...I bought a couple at about $25 total).
Since then, I haven't seen such good sale prices.  I have bought several used, but think they are dull, though I hear you can get them sharpened....I don't climb ice cliffs,  I ice fish.  So I just want them to go into the ice and stay put!

[walleyeboater]

My .02, is just about anything will do. I use those tree stand climbing steps, that screw into trees to climb into a stand. Gander mt $1.99 ea. A little rope, slip knot an tie off to my Rover1.5. Fast Cheap Easy.

[Mainedog]

OK, if you are looking for portable ice fishing shack anchors or cleats, I think I have stumbled on to a really effective method. Its called the Ice Angel Anchor. It wouldnt work for the climbing anchor discussion however its PERFECT for the ice fisherman that already has a auger in his tool set.
Yeah check it out at http://www.IceAngelFishing.com     I think these are great. I will be very curious what you think!

Just wondering, itsmeagain, do you work for IceAnelFishing.com--have any vested interest in this?
Do you know what type of metal the it is made out of?

Thanks,
MD