GAFF
INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
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To
get the best climbing performance from your
Bashlin climbers the gaffs must be sharp,
properly sized and shaped. Improperly shaped
gaffs can cause cutouts, accidents or injury.
Here are the basic methods for proper gaff
maintenance. |
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SHARPENING
GAFFS |
| 1. |
Place the climber in a vise using
wood blocks to protect the shank. The bottom of
the gaff is up and in the proper position. |
| 2. |
We recommend a 6" mill bastard
file. Using both hands, begin at the heel of the
gaff and draw it forward in a flat level cut.
Follow the shape of the gaff over the tip,
maintaining the chisel point. |
| 3. |
Finish, using a sharpening stone. |
|
GAFF SHAPE |
| If
the gaff is short or thin, remove it from
service. If the gaff is wide or thick, reshape
it. |
A gaff gauge must be used for
maintaining the shape and dimensions of a gaff.
Only a Bashlin gauge #5 may be used for Bashlin
gaffs. The gauge indicates the correct length,
width, thickness, and tip contour of the gaff.
|
 |
1. |
Length — Place
the end of the gauge under the gaff. The tip
should fall over the last line. This indicates
the length is at least 1-1/4". |
| 2. |
Thickness —
Using the "T" side of the gauge, place
the gaff through the larger, then the smaller
opening. This checks the thickness at 1" and
1/2". It should fall between the lines as
illustrated. |
| 3. |
Width — Using
the "W" side of the gauge, place gaff
in the large, then small hole. This checks the
width at 1" and 1/2" It should fall
between the lines as illustrated. |
| 4. |
Tip Contour —
Place the gaff in the cutout section of the
gauge. The tip should follow down to a point.
This chisel point causes the gaff to keep
penetrating a pole. |
| 5. |
Gaff Tip —
Place the hole over the tip of the gaff. It
should not be able to be touched from the other
side. If it can be, the gaff is needle pointed
and should be removed from service. |
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SHAPING A
GAFF |
| 1. |
Block the climber in a vise, with
the back of the gaff up. |
| 2. |
Using the 6" mill file, make
even, rounded cuts. Remove just enough steel to
bring it back to the tolerances of the gauge
while maintaining the convex gaff shape. |
| 3. |
Check the dimensions with the gauge. |
|
As a
final inspection, perform a pole cutout or board
test prior to putting the climbers back in
service. This procedure is outlined in the
Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook. (No. 831)
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