Klein Tools 2214ARS User manual

Instructions for Proper Use,
Assembly and Care of Klein
Pole and Tree Climbers,
Including Gaff Sharpening

ENGLISH

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General Description

Instructions for Proper Use,
Assembly and Care of Klein
Pole and Tree Climbers,
Including Gaff Sharpening

becomes necessary (for those companies or users who
elect not to replace worn gaffs), use only the Klein Cat. No.
KG-1 gaff gauge, which is available separately or in the
Klein gaff-sharpening kit, Cat. No. KG-2.

To assure proper sharpening, follow the instructions in this
booklet exactly. For your protection, we recommend that
climbers be replaced when the original gaff and two
replacement gaffs have been used on the climbers.

Proper training, inspection, and maintenance are essential
to prevent serious injury or death. The cautions and
instructions in this booklet apply to climber use. Read,
understand, and follow them carefully.

These instructions apply to Klein pole climbers (Cat. No.
1972AR Series and 1986AR Series) and Klein tree
climbers (Cat. No. 1907AR Series).

Klein Tools recommends a combined body,
clothing, and tool weight of 300 pounds or less for
use with our pole and tree climbers.

Fig. 1 - Pole Climber Gaffs

Cat. No. 72

Cat. No. 86

Pole climbers are available in two size-adjustment
ranges —15"-19" (381-483 mm) and 17"-21" (432-533
mm). Each climber is adjustable in 1/4" (6 mm) increments
for a comfortable fit. Offered with or without pads and
ankle straps. Available with either 1-1/2" (38 mm) or
1-9/16" (40 mm) gaffs (see Figure 1).

Tree climbers have the same features as pole climbers
except their gaffs come in one size, 2-3/4" (70 mm).
(See Figure 2.) Available in two size-adjustment ranges
— 15" to 19" (381 to 483 mm) and 17" to 21" (432 to 533
mm). Tree climbers are adjustable in 1/4" (6 mm)
increments for a comfortable fit.

Replaceable gaffs are available for Klein pole and tree
climbers and can be installed in the field. Many companies
now replace all gaffs as they become dull rather than incur
the risk of improper resharpening. When resharpening

Fig. 2 - Tree Climber Gaff

Cat. No. 07

WARNING: Improper sharpening of gaffs and the use
of pole or tree climbers for purposes other than
specified here can result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: The employer and user are solely
responsible for obtaining and correctly using the
proper climbers, gaffs, and other occupational
protective equipment. Use only approved equipment.

WARNING: Save these instructions. Pole and tree
climbers must not be used without first reading,
understanding, and following these instructions.
Failure to read, understand and follow all instructions
may result in serious injury or death. Training and
instruction review should be repeated at regular
intervals by the user and his or her employer.

WARNING:

A fall could result in serious
injury or death. Do not use
unless properly trained.
Read and follow all
instructions and warnings.

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Construction of Klein Pole and Tree Climbers

A. Climbers are adjustable in 1/4" increments for the most

comfortable fit. Available in two size ranges:
15"-19" (381-483 mm) and 17"-21" (432-533 mm).

B. Replaceable gaffs for pole climbers are available in a
choice of 1-1/2" (38 mm) or 1-9/16" (40 mm) lengths.
Replaceable tree-climber gaffs are 2-3/4" (70 mm) long.
Gaffs are positioned by a center pin in the gaff and
secured by two flat TORX® cap screws.

C. Leg irons are contoured to position gaff properly for
security and comfort.

D. Broad stirrup (4-7/16" [113mm] wide) provides greater
support for the foot.

E. High-grade latigo-leather climber pads are cushioned
for comfort.

F. Climber straps are made of nylon. Buckles have
rollers for easy adjustment.

G. Steel sleeve fits over leg iron, and is secured by two
slotted hex-head bolts with lock washers and barrel-type
nuts (not visible in Figure 3).

H. Ankle straps are made of nylon.
I. Split ring secures the ankle strap. Allows quick

replacement, even in the field.

Figure 3

E

F

A

G

H

C

B

I

D

To order replacement straps, pads, gaffs, or screws,
or to order gaff guards, call Klein Tools
Customer Service.

The Klein Gaff Gauge

Pole and tree climber gaffs must be sharpened to critically­accurate dimensions and configuration to function properly
and to assure maximum protection from the possibility of
“cut-outs” or tip breakage that could cause serious injury
or death from a fall. Although pole-climber gaffs are
shorter than tree-climber gaffs (see Figures 1 and 2 on
page 1), their points are sharpened to identical
configurations.

The Klein gaff gauge precisely measures both gaff types,
to accurately determine if gaffs need to be sharpened,
even in the field. See the “Climber and Gaff Inspection
Procedures” section of this booklet for specific instructions.

This gauge has openings and calibration marks for
precisely measuring gaff width, thickness, and point profile
(see Figure 4).

A. Slot to measure thickness 1" (25.4 mm) from tip (pole
gaffs only)

B. Slot to measure thickness 1/2" (12.7 mm) from tip
C. Slot to measure width 1/2" (12.7 mm) from tip
D. Slot to measure width 1" (25.4 mm) from tip (pole

gaffs only)

Figure 4

E

E. Proper length-limit marks when measuring

thickness or width 1" (25.4 mm) from tip
F. Proper length-limit marks when measuring

thickness or width 1/2" (12.7 mm) from tip
G. Template for determining proper tip profile

WARNING: For your protection, Klein recommends
that climbers be replaced when original gaff and two
replacement gaffs have been used on the climbers.

A

F

G

E

B

C

D

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How to Use Klein Pole and Tree Climbers

1. Assemble the climber (Figure 5).

A. Remove adjustable sleeves and sleeve fasteners from

the box.
B. With climber gaff and strap loop facing outwards, insert

climber shank into sleeve.
C. Step into the climber, placing the adjustable sleeve to

the inside of the leg.
D. Adjust sleeves to the most comfortable position, about

1" (25 mm) below knee. Insert screws into the two (2)
aligned holes of each climber, and tighten the supplied
nuts on the screws to secure the adjustment.

Figure 5

1"

2. Assemble the ankle straps (Figure 6).

Note: Ankle straps are already assembled on new Klein

climbers. If you are replacing ankle straps, follow the steps
listed below. Since no special tools are required, you may
install or remove ankle straps in the field.

A. Remove old ankle strap and ring from leg iron.
B. Position the new split ring so the wear pad is pointed

toward the front of the climber as illustrated in Figure 6.
C. Slightly open the split ring and thread it onto the solid

loop on the climber in the same manner as an ordinary
key ring.

Figure 6

buckle holes are not damaged. (5) If climbers do not
pass inspection, remove them from service, destroy
and discard them, and replace them immediately.

Also before each use, check that: (1) gaffs are free of

dents, gouges or scratches; (2) the underside of the gaff
is longer than the minimum length for proper use for that
type of gaff (1-7/16" [37 mm] for pole climber gaffs and
2-1/4" [57 mm] for tree climber gaffs); and (3) gaffs have
proper width, thickness, and point profile. Only evaluate
gaffs with the Klein KG-1 gaff gauge (See Figure 4).

(4) If gaffs do not pass inspection, resharpen them, or
discard and replace them.

4. Examine the pole or tree.

A. When using pole climbers, remember that poles are

not all alike. Different wood species, climate and pole age,
as well as different preservative treatments (Creosote,
Penta, CCA) affect climbability. Since these factors can
result in significant differences in gaff penetration, visually

check gaff penetration with your full weight
on the climber before starting any climb.
If penetration is shallow, use extreme caution, because

the gaff could “cut-out”, or the increased stress on the gaff
tip could cause the tip to break. To allow for proper
penetration, the minimum acceptable length for the
underside of a pole climber gaff is 1-7/16" (37 mm).
Avoid gaff contact with metal objects when climbing
(such as pole ID tags, nails, poster staples, metal pole
hardware, or any other metal on the pole).

B. When using tree climbers, remember that trees are
not all alike. Different species and bark thickness affect
climbability. Visually check gaff penetration in the

same manner described for pole climbers before
starting any climb. To allow for proper penetration:
(1) Use a tree-climber gaff with a minimum underside

length of 2-1/4" (57 mm). (2) When the bark thickness
measures more than 2-1/2" (64 mm), make sure the gaff
is long enough to properly penetrate the wood under the
bark. Avoid gaff contact with metal objects when
climbing (such as nails, poster staples, or any other metal
on the tree).

5. Wear the climbers properly.

Put on the properly adjusted climbers with gaffs positioned

Left Strap

Right Strap

inside the legs. The climbers should be fastened securely
and comfortably using the calf and ankle straps. The leg
iron stirrups are marked “L” for left foot and “R” for right
foot.

3. Inspect the climbers.

Before each use, visually check that: (1) all buckles are

properly closed; (2) climber straps and pads are free of
burns, cuts, broken stitches or excessive wear; (3) rivets
are not bent, loose, or missing; (4) buckles are not
distorted or cracked, tongue does not bind on buckle, and

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6. Protect the gaffs between climbs.

Remove pole or tree climbers between climbs. Gaffs can
be damaged if they strike rocks or other hard surfaces, or
if they strike against each other while you are walking.
Between uses, use gaff guards to protect gaff tips.

How to Use Klein Pole and Tree Climbers (continued)

7. Use additional fall protection.

Always use fall protection if there is a risk of a fall.

Although OSHA regulations generally require workers to
use fall protection when exposed to a fall of six feet or
more, Klein strongly recommends using fall-arrest
protection when working at any elevated position. Know
the appropriate OSHA regulations. If you have any
questions or any doubt as to what regulations apply to you
or what safety equipment is required, contact your
regional OSHA office.

Note regarding additional Klein fall protection
equipment: For full information on Klein protective

harnesses or connecting devices, refer to the warning
tags or labels attached to those products or to the
instruction booklets packed with them.

General Inspection Procedures

1. Check for wear and deterioration.

Before each use, carefully inspect the complete
system for signs of wear or deterioration, or evidence of
impact loading.

Visually inspect for loose threads, pulled rivets, cuts,
abrasions, or other evidence of chemical or physical
deterioration that may have weakened the material or
assembly.

2. Inspect hardware for malfunctions or cracks.

Check all hardware, including rivets and buckles.

WARNING: For your protection, Klein recommends
that climbers be replaced when original gaff and two
replacement gaffs have been used on the climbers.

WARNING: Pole and tree climbing equipment is to be
used only by individuals who are qualified and
properly trained to use this equipment. Improper use
of climbing equipment can cause serious injury or
death. OSHA mandates that the employer is
responsible for user competence and safe work
practice.

3. Destroy and replace all worn or damaged

equipment.

Immediately destroy and replace any component which
does not pass inspection.

WARNING: Inspect leather straps for any
deterioration before each use: that is, cracking,
wearing thin, tearing, weakening, or chemical attack.
Maintain with Neat’s-foot oil or equivalent. Remove
from service, destroy and discard strap if it does not
pass inspection.

Procedures for Inspecting Climbers and Gaffs

Carefully inspect the entire climber and gaff before
each use.

1. Check straps and pads.

Make sure straps and pads are free of tears, burns,
broken stitches, or excessive wear. Carefully check leather
for cracking, wearing thin, tearing, weakening, chemical
attack, or other signs of deterioration (see Figure 7).

Figure 7

2. Check rivets, buckles and other metal parts.

Check that rivets are not bent, loose, or missing. Check
that buckles are not distorted or cracked, tongue does not
bind on buckle, and buckle holes are not damaged. Also
check split ring, leg iron, and steel sleeve for signs of
excessive wear or damage (see Figure 8).

Figure 8

3. Check gaffs.

Check that gaffs are free of dents, gouges, or scratches.

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Procedures for Inspecting Climbers and Gaffs (continued)

4. Check gaff thickness with Klein Gaff Gauge.

For pole gaffs only, insert the gaff as far as
possible through the large opening in the gauge marked
“TH” (Figure 9). Make sure the top ridge is flush against
the gauge base. The point of the gaff should fall within the
limits formed by the last line and the edge of the gauge as
shown. If it does, the gaff is the proper thickness, as
measured approximately 1" (25.4 mm) from the point.

For pole and tree gaffs, insert the gaff as far as
possible through the small opening in the gauge marked
“TH” (Figure 10). Make sure the top ridge is flush against
the gauge base. The point should fall within the center two
lines, as shown. If it does, the gaff is the proper thickness,
as measured approximately 1/2" (12.7 mm) from the point.

Figure 9

Figure 10

5. Check gaff width with Klein Gaff Gauge.

For pole gaffs only, insert gaff as far as possible through
the large square opening in the gauge marked “W” (Figure

11). Make sure the top ridge is flush against the gauge
base. The point should fall within the limits formed by the
last line and the edge of the gauge as shown. If it does,
the gaff is the proper width, as measured approximately 1"
(25.4 mm) from the point.

For pole and tree gaffs, insert gaff as far as possible
through small opening in the gauge marked “W” (Figure

12). Make sure the top ridge is flush against the gauge
base. The point should fall within the center two lines as
shown. If it does, the gaff is the proper width, as measured
approximately 1/2" (12.7 mm) from the point.

following: (a) 2-1/4" (57 mm),
measured on the underside of the
gaff, or (b) long enough to penetrate
the core of the tree. Before climbing,
always test the penetration of tree
gaffs at the base of the tree to be
sure gaffs extend through the bark
and properly penetrate the wood.

Figure 13

7. Check gaff sharpness with the

“plane test”.
Step 1: Place climber with gaff pointing downward and

upper strap loop resting against a horizontal board or pole.

Hold the leg iron parallel to the wood surface, with the
stirrup vertical. Push the climber horizontally in the

direction of the gaff without any downward pressure
except the weight of the climber (see Figure 14).

Figure 14

Step 2: The gaff is properly sharpened if it buries itself in

the wood within a few inches of its starting position and
can no longer be moved forward (see Figure 15). The gaff
is not properly sharpened if it merely slips, slides, or
plows a shallow groove in the wood (see Figure 16). In
this case, either replace the gaff following the “Gaff
Assembly and Ordering Instructions” or resharpen the gaff
following the “Gaff Sharpening Instructions”, both contained
in this booklet. A resharpened gaff must be tested for
proper width, thickness, and point profile, and it must also
pass the “plane test” before use.

Figure 15 - Right Figure 16 - Wrong

Figure 11

6. Check gaff profile/contour with Klein Gaff Gauge.

For pole and tree gaffs, place the side of the gaff along

the front edge of the gauge with the gaff point resting in
the notch. The point should follow the configuration of the
gauge to assure the proper “rounding off” of the tip within
1/4" (6.4 mm) of the point (see Figure 13).

Minimum safe length for a pole-climbing gaff is 1-7/16"
(37.5 mm), measured on the underside of gaff. Minimum
safe length for a tree-climbing gaff is the greater of the

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Figure 12

The “plane test” reveals possible penetration prob­lems not noticeable to the naked eye. Figure 17 shows
how a properly sharpened gaff cuts its way into the
pole for proper support. Figure 18 shows how an
improperly sharpened gaff can “cut-out”.

Figure 17 - Right

Figure 18 - Wrong

Procedures for Inspecting Climbers and Gaffs (continued)

8. Destroy and replace all worn or damaged OPE

equipment.

If evidence of excessive wear, deterioration, or mechanical
malfunction is observed, replace the equipment
immediately. Never work with worn or damaged OPE
equipment. Using damaged or worn equipment can cause
serious injury or death.

9. The inspector is the most important part of the

inspection.

Check all equipment thoroughly and follow all safety
procedures and guidelines. Do not take any shortcuts.

Maintenance Procedures

Clean and maintain equipment as recommended.

1. Nylon straps.

Wash nylon only in warm water and mild detergent. Avoid
harsh chemical agents such as degreasing compounds,
turpentine, paint thinner, gasoline, and other solvents.
Allow nylon objects to dry naturally. Do not use heat to
speed up the process.

2. Leather components.

Maintain all leather with Neat’s-foot oil or equivalent to
prolong life. Clean with saddle soap or other mild soap.
Allow leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat to speed up
the process.

WARNING: OSHA specifies that all employers
covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act
are responsible for inspecting and maintaining all
tools and equipment used by employees — whether
owned by the employees or by the company. Personal­protective equipment should be inspected before
each use and removed from service if signs of wear or
damage are found.

WARNING: Should any unusual conditions be noted
during inspection that are not specified here, do not
use the suspect equipment until an individual
considered by OSHA to be qualified makes a decision
on its usability.

3. Leg iron, steel sleeve, stirrup, gaff, and other metal

parts.
A. Make sure all metal parts are clean and free of foreign
material. B. Wipe metal parts dry with a clean cloth.
C. Maintain or replace gaffs as explained in this booklet

to preserve proper width, thickness, point profile, and
sharpness.

4. Reinspect all equipment after maintenance.

It is mandatory to reinspect the equipment after
all maintenance procedures to determine if the
maintenance was done properly and effectively.

Gaff Sharpening Instructions

1. Always use a fine-tooth file.

Never grind on a wheel, as you will create heat, which will
alter the temper of the gaff and make it dangerous to use.
A proper file is contained in the Klein KG-2 kit.

2. File gaff from heel to point.

Place the climber in a smooth-jaw vise with the gaff as
shown in Figure 19, so that you can file from the heel to
the point of the gaff as shown by the arrow in Figure 20.
Remove only enough material to make a good point.
Never cross file. Cross-filing weakens the point, and under
load it may cause tip breakage.

Figure 19

Figure 20

Top
Ridge

Side
Slope

Heel



Underside of Gaff

1/4"

Point

3. Remove any file marks by honing.

Work the honing stone in the same direction as the file (as
shown by the arrow in Figure 19.) A compatible honing
stone is included in the KG-2 kit.

(continued on next page)

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Gaff Sharpening Instructions (continued)

4. Do not make a needle point.

In order to not make a needle point (see Figure 21), file
both side slopes to obtain straight edges. The top ridge of
the gaff (see Figure 20) must be perfectly straight from the
tip back at least 1" (25.4 mm) and should not be altered.
Deep nicks, dents, or scratches along the top ridge require
gaff replacement. The final point must always be in the top
ridge of the gaff.

Wrong

Figure 21

Right

Figure 22

Sharp Cutting Edges

1/16"

3/32"

Cross Section
View of Point

5. Maintain proper shape on underside of gaff.

The underside of the gaff should be perfectly straight (flat)
to within 1/4" (6.35 mm) of the point, then rounded slightly
toward the top ridge of the gaff on a radius of 1/4" (6.35
mm) (see Figure 19). At a distance of 1/16" (1.59 mm)

back from the point, the width should be a minimum of
3/32" (2.38 mm) measured on the underside of the gaff
(see Figure 22). The remainder of the underside should be
kept perfectly straight (see Figure 20).

6. Replace gaffs when necessary.

Pole climbers should not be used after the underside of
the gaffs are worn or filed to 1-7/16" (37 mm) long. Tree
climbers should not be used after the underside of gaffs

are worn or filed to 2-1/4" (57 mm) long. When bark
thickness measures more than 2-1/2" (64 mm), make sure
the gaff has adequate length to properly penetrate the
wood under the bark.

When climber gaffs measure less than the above limits,
they should be replaced with a new pair. For your
protection, Klein recommends that climbers be replaced
when original gaff and two replacement gaffs have been
used on the climbers.

7. Check final result after sharpening.

Use the KG-1 gauge when inspecting the gaff. Replace
the gaff if it fails the gauge tests.

Gaff Assembly and Ordering Instructions

Gaff Assembly

1. Attach gaff with locator pin (B) to

middle hole of leg iron.

2. Thread longer screw (C) into

bottom hole (nearest gaff point). Do
not seat screw.

3. Thread shorter screw (A) through flat

portion of gaff.

4. Alternate tightening of both screws until seated. Do not

exceed 24 ft.-lb. torque on screw.

Gaff Ordering. Gaffs are supplied in pairs with TORX
screws and wrench. No. 72 gaffs, No. 86 gaffs, and No. 07
gaffs are interchangeable and fit all Klein replaceable-gaff
climbers.

Cat. No. Description
72 Pair of 1-1/2" (38 mm) gaffs. For pole

climbers only.

86 Pair of 1-9/16" (40 mm) gaffs. For pole

climbers only.

07 Pair of 2-3/4" (70 mm) gaffs. For tree

climbers only.

A
B

C

72

®

86

07

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Cautions: Pole & Tree Climbers

• Climbing equipment is for use by properly trained
professionals only.

• Use climbing equipment only for the specific
purpose for which it was designed and intended.

• Klein Tools recommends a combined body, clothing

and tool weight of 300 pounds or less for use with our
pole and/or tree climbers.

• Always visually check that all buckles are properly
closed before use.

• Before each use check that: (1) gaffs are free of dents,
gouges, or scratches, (2) gaffs have proper width,
thickness, point profile, and sharpness. Only evaluate

gaffs with Klein KG-1 gaff gauge. (3) If gaffs fail
inspection, resharpen them, or discard and replace
them.

• Before each use check that: (1) climber straps and
pads are free of burns, cuts, broken stitches, or excessive
wear, (2) rivets are not bent, loose, or missing, (3) buckles
are not distorted or cracked, tongue does not bind on
buckle and buckle holes are not damaged. (4) Remove

from service, destroy and discard item if it fails
inspection, and replace it immediately.

• Never punch holes in or alter a strap or climber.

• For leather components: Leather is subject to
deterioration by cracking, wearing thin, tearing, weakening,
and chemical attack. Carefully maintain with Neat’s-foot oil
or equivalent. Inspect straps before each use. Remove

from service, destroy and discard strap if it shows any
signs of deterioration and replace immediately.

• While climbing, avoid gaff contact with metal, such as
pole hardware, tags, nails, poster staples, etc.

• Poles are not all alike. Different wood species,
climate, pole age, and preservative treatments (Creosote,
Penta, CCA) affect climbability, resulting in significant
differences in gaff penetration. Visually check gaff

penetration with your full weight on the climber before
any climb. If penetration is shallow, use extreme
caution. The gaff could “cut-out”, or the increased stress

could lead to tip breakage. For proper penetration, the
minimum underside length of a pole climber gaff is 1-7/16"
(37 mm).

• Trees are not all alike. Different species and bark
thickness affect climbability. Visually check gaff
penetration as described for pole climbers before any
climb. For proper penetration: (1) Use a tree climber gaff
with a minimum underside length of 2-1/4" (57 mm).
(2) When bark thickness measures more than 2-1/2" (64
mm), make sure gaff has enough length to properly
penetrate the wood under the bark.

• After climbs, remove climbers to avoid gaff damage from
hard surfaces or from gaffs striking together when walking.

• Use gaff guards to protect gaffs between uses.

• Limiting gaff replacement on climbers to two times is
highly recommended.

• Employer — instruct employee as to proper use and
warnings before use of equipment.

• Read, understand and follow all information
provided with climber before use.

WARNING: OSHA states that any OPE equipment
actually subjected to in-service loading, as
distinguished from static load testing, shall be
immediately removed from service and shall not be
used again to safeguard employees. If any equipment
has arrested a fall, immediately destroy and discard it
so it can never be used again.

WARNING: The use of occupational protective
equipment without proper instructional materials and
training could result in serious injury or death. Klein
Tools will supply additional instructional materials,
warnings tags, or will answer questions on any piece
of Klein occupational protective equipment free
of charge.

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