[pct-l] Fwd: Ice Traction on the cheap

[Thomas Jamrog]

This is one of the most useful posts I have seen on this list.  Thanks, Steeleye.
Uncle Tom 

"It doesn't work to leap a twenty-foot chasm in two ten-foot jumps". 
-Source unknown




On Feb 7, 2010, at 1:37 PM, CHUCK CHELIN wrote:

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
> Date: Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 10:32 AM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ice Traction on the cheap
> To: Paul Mitchell <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
> 
> 
> Good morning, '178,
> 
> I install the screws whenever it looks like there will be a slick, smooth
> surface, such as ice, wet logs, rocks when wading, etc.  I receive the
> screws and driver at Kennedy Meadows, and usually “screw-up” before the
> first big pass.  As soon as the trail is mostly clear – usually before Echo
> Summit – I’ll remove any that remain.
> 
> The screws do get lost over time; that’s why I carry a few dozen extras.  The
> greatest loss is when people shuffle their feet over rock.  If the old hole
> seems tight I will reinstall another screw in that same hole.  If the old
> hole looks wallowed-out I’ll move the screw to a new location close by.  ½”
> screws work well for me, particularly since I have an additional 1/8” of
> margin from my SuperFeet inserts.
> 
> Having holes in one’s shoe soles isn’t a problem.  In fact, I’ve been known
> to drill holes in the soles of winter hiking sneakers to allow the
> inevitable water to drain out.
> 
> Shoe screws are much like studs in winter tires.  When the going gets tough
> they won’t substitute for aggressive lugs, or chains, but when a hard
> surface is slick they are great.
> 
> The best attribute of shoe screws is they are really cheap and easy to use.
> If you try them at home just be careful to stay on the carpeting in the
> house.  They can do wonderful damage to hard floors, and they can scratch
> ceramic tile.
> 
> Enjoy your planning,
> 
> Steel-Eye
> 
> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
> 
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
> 
> 
> On Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 9:57 AM, Paul Mitchell <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>wrote:
> 
>> Hey Steel-eye
>> 
>> So you leave these screws in for the entire hike, or at least the larger
>> stretches that will/may have snow?
>> 
>> We're hiking in Chacos & I was contemplating screws but was wondering what
>> the impact is when not on snow/ice.
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> Potential178
>> 
>> 
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