Outdoor Shape: How To's
How to Build a Climbing Rack
By HOOKED™ Staff
Jun 27, 2002, 10:51

The building of a climbing rack is really pretty simple, but best accumulated over time. Not only does this approach ease you into the financial commitment, it lets you familiarize yourself with each piece before buying another.

First Step
The beginning foundation for a rack is a good selection of biners, quickdraws and slings.
The following is gear enough to top-rope and sport climb and is a realistic initial investment toward building a rack:

  • Locking Carabiners(3)

  • D-shaped Carabiners(10)

  • Quick draws(12)

  • 24 -inch slings(5)

  • Belay device
    A belay device is not usually considered part of the “rack”, but it’s one of the most important pieces of hardware needed. Figure eights and tube style devices work equally well. One advantage to the tube style device is its compatibility with double ropes.

  • Tubular Webbing
    If top-roping is the activity of choice, a few eight foot sections of one inch tubular webbing would be good to add to this rack as well.

    Second Step
    The next building block for a rack is an assortment of passive protection, protection without moving parts.

    Chocks
    Chocks are the most commonly used rock protection. Different manufacturers have different names for them like Stoppers, Nuts and Rocks. Eventually a double set of chocks will be needed, but starting with a single set is fine. One set means one of every size chock made by a certain manufacturer.

    Hexes
    Hexes are another type of passive protection. They can be used like large chocks by being wedged in crack constrictions. They can also be placed in parallel-sided cracks if the cam angles are used properly. Four or five hexes of varied size are a good addition to a beginners rack. Hexes can many times take the place of a more expensive and heavier camming unit.

    Camming Units
    The last and most expensive addition to the rack will be camming units. Two full sets of these spring-loaded devices will eventually complete a standard free climbing rack. Each device can fit in parallel-sided cracks of varied sizes. Some of the top-end names are Camalots, Friends, Quad Cams and TCU’s. One set of these usually includes about twelve devices.

    Expert instruction is always advised. Have fun, be safe and enjoy. Let your rack and experience grow together.



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