Anchoring My Portable w/ Ice Climbing Screws (Pics)

[Chris Raymond]

I'm a big proponent of using ice climbing screws to anchor my portable in a wind.  Some have asked that I post pictures.  Now that we have fishable ice, I was able to take some pictures today to show how I do it.  I realize ice climbing screws are not inexpensive, but they are super easy to install and remove and do not require any effort, drills, hammers, etc.   

My tie down lines are always attached to my sled and kept off the ice.  The lines are 1/2" thick and have simple carabiners on either end for easy and quick attachment. 


Ice screws are screwed into the ice by hand with relatively little pressure.  The only thing that you need to keep in mind is to ensure the screw does not have ice inside the tube when starting.  The lines are spread to the outside so that the sled doesn't swing with small changes in wind direction.




The eyebolts to which the lines are attached serve two purposes.  In addition to functioning as the attachment point for the anchor lines, they also hold my rod holder board in place on the inside of my tent. 

[jurrensb]

Like the idea, but have a question.  I know you have the rod holder on your flip over, but do you ever worry about the ends of the bolts tearing your fabric when you set up and tear down? I was out two weeks ago in the wind and spent the entire time anchoring my feet so I wouldnt fly away. I bought some eye bolts with a shorter shank, but cant find a good way  to protect the tent from the bolt ends on the inside. Any ideas?

[adkiceguy]

Nice stuff. How much are the screws?

Thanks
My first post!!!!!!

[Chris Raymond]

Like the idea, but have a question.  I know you have the rod holder on your flip over, but do you ever worry about the ends of the bolts tearing your fabric when you set up and tear down? I was out two weeks ago in the wind and spent the entire time anchoring my feet so I wouldnt fly away. I bought some eye bolts with a shorter shank, but cant find a good way  to protect the tent from the bolt ends on the inside. Any ideas?

It would be hard, if not impossible, for the tent to come into contact with the bolt ends.  The tent would have to get stuffed in between the rod holders, where the bolts come through, for it to happen and it just isn't an issue.  And, there's maybe 1/4" of bolt showing beyond the nut.  Plus, my rod bag is usually in front of the rod holders when traveling so that just one more thing in the way.  If I didn't have the rod holder board, I would probably look at waxing (less permanent) or epoxying the bolt ends if I thought it might catch on the tent. 

[Chris Raymond]

Nice stuff. How much are the screws?

Thanks
My first post!!!!!!

Eventhough they are used and had been relatively inexpensive, they have gained popularity and price within the last couple of years as more are using ice screws to anchor their tents.  I would look to Ebay but a guy's still probably going to have to drop $15 - $20 per screw nowadays. 

[goonboy]

It would be hard, if not impossible, for the tent to come into contact with the bolt ends.  The tent would have to get stuffed in between the rod holders, where the bolts come through, for it to happen and it just isn't an issue.  And, there's maybe 1/4" of bolt showing beyond the nut.  Plus, my rod bag is usually in front of the rod holders when traveling so that just one more thing in the way.  If I didn't have the rod holder board, I would probably look at waxing (less permanent) or epoxying the bolt ends if I thought it might catch on the tent.

i do the same thing with mine also very simple , is that the one man wide u have

[Chris Raymond]

i do the same thing with mine also very simple , is that the one man wide u have

No, it's the two man cottage. 

[jethro]

Nice stuff. How much are the screws?

Thanks
My first post!!!!!!

These are as cheap as I have seen them for real ice screws, new from a store. And they are good ice screws, I have 4 of them.

http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/product.php/prodid/21182

[JIMC_ND]

Thanks for the link!  Good price...   

Also you can keep an eye out for Russian-made titanium ice screws.  They pop up on online stores and ebay once in a while.  Lighter weight than steel with less corrosion problems, and can usually be bought for a good price because serious ice climbers don't trust them.  But they work great for a shack anchor.  My buddy got a set for $25 shipped on ebay.

The best ice screws I've used are Black Diamond Turbo's.  They screw into ice effortlessly but are spendy.  You will have at least a $100 into a pair of them with rope and biners.

Jim Carroll  NPAA #13

[eriksat1]

I have a frabill one man flip over and have never had to anchor it, If I'm not sitting in it I usually flip it down. It would take some pretty serious wind to move it. If I was going to anchor it those Eskimo ice anchors have had very good reviews easy to screw in and only about $11 for a pair. http://www.amazon.com/Eskimo-Anchor-Pack-Model-69138/dp/B000LX739W

[Drifter_016]

I have a frabill one man flip over and have never had to anchor it, If I'm not sitting in it I usually flip it down. It would take some pretty serious wind to move it. If I was going to anchor it those Eskimo ice anchors have had very good reviews easy to screw in and only about $11 for a pair. http://www.amazon.com/Eskimo-Anchor-Pack-Model-69138/dp/B000LX739W

Those Eskimo anchors are no where near as good as these ice climbing screws.
It is like comparing a Lada to a Ferarri. The Eskimo type anchors take quite a bit of work to get them started while a proper ice screw takes no effort at all.

Thanks for the link doctorgee got a pair on the way. 

[jvanhees]

I anchor my portable as well.  I drill a hole with my auger, twist a 12" stick into my shanty tow rope, and put the stick in the hole below the ice horizontally, so it cannot come out.  Works perfect, and it costs a stick.  Just an idea.

Yours does look nice though and I bet it works good/

[CharlieBrn]

Welcome "adkiceguy!  Nice work Chris on those anchors.  I was just sitting out in my permanent shack out in the back yard wishing I had that problem. 

[jethro]

I anchor my portable as well.  I drill a hole with my auger, twist a 12" stick into my shanty tow rope, and put the stick in the hole below the ice horizontally, so it cannot come out.  Works perfect, and it costs a stick.  Just an idea.

Yours does look nice though and I bet it works good/

Yeah, I used to do that too. Always grabbed two sticks before leaving the shoreline. Works very well. But if it's real cold you can make 6" of ice in that hole over the course of a day and then it's a bear to get your rope out. The ice anchors are better for shelters that you want to move too, they take zero time to install, and zero time to remove.

[Chris Raymond]

Also you can keep an eye out for Russian-made titanium ice screws.  They pop up on online stores and ebay once in a while.  Lighter weight than steel with less corrosion problems, and can usually be bought for a good price because serious ice climbers don't trust them.  But they work great for a shack anchor. 

Jim, mine are as you mention...the brand name is Irbis for those of you that might end up looking. 

There could be another use for these if you happen to be a darkshack guy.  After cutting a square in the ice, some of the spearers I've been around always end up fighting the cube(s).  I could see where putting a screw or two in the block, before it's been cut off course, would give a guy handles with which to easily remove the ice from the hole. 

[coboy]

I've got an Otter Cottage and use metal electrical conduit straps clamped around the bottom pole that lies on the ice. I usually only need one but will use one on each side if it's really windy. No need to get out of the shelter to install them.It's still possible to be mobile when windy because you hardly have to move off the seat to back off the screws to move.