UKC

Tools for cleaning light vegetation on routes

New Topic
Please Register as a New User in order to reply to this topic.
 Frankie boy 06:31 Sun

Morning all,

Have been noticing a some routes on some of the local crags are starting to suffer from a bit of light vegetation in cracks / breaks. Mostly dirt and small root systems.

The question being, other than a pair of clippers, what tool is most ideal for sensitively cleaning the dirt / roots out. A nutkey just doesn't quite cut it.

Cheers

2
 ExiledScot 07:23 Sun
In reply to Frankie boy:

I use a car windscreen scraper which has a plastic blade one end, stiff brush on the other. Kids sand pit plastic toys have been utilised in the past, that and stiff bristled brush minus the shaft, threaded with cord to clip and let it hang from my set up descending. Rigid enough to clean, but not damage. 

Post edited at 07:47
4
 Jon Read 08:13 Sun
In reply to Frankie boy:

Any of the narrow stiff brushes available are good for cleaning up choked cracks, but get yourself a Kent & Stowe Carbon Steel Hand Weeding Knife for proper crack preparation.

1
In reply to ExiledScot:

Thanks, I'll try that. Hopefully it will get the roots out, help stop the veg coming back as quickly.

 Fraser 08:19 Sun
In reply to Frankie boy:

A pair of long-nosed pliers does a decent job. Those, and an old narrow chisel or screwdriver for deeper cleaning.

1
In reply to Frankie boy:

I use one of these similar to Jon's suggestion for getting mud and roots out of cracks, much more effective and easier  to use than a nut key also goes deeper into the cracks so more likely to remove roots for longer lasting cleaning

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spear-Jackson-3065EL-multicoloured-31-5x8-5x7-5/dp...

Post edited at 08:37
 ExiledScot 08:42 Sun
In reply to Frankie boy:

It would appear I'm much too gentle with my cleaning and non aggressive implements. I'll just call in air support and napalm the whole crag in future. 


New Topic
Please Register as a New User in order to reply to this topic.
Loading Notifications...