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Tools & Test Equipment
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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3. |
Finish, using a
sharpening stone. |
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GAFF SHAPE |
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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. |
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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". |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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1. |
Block the climber in a
vise, with the back of
the gaff up. |
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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. |
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3. |
Check the dimensions
with the gauge. |
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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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