UKC

What’s the best deal on expansion bolts at the moment? I had an eBay link to some from a previous thread but it’s no longer active. Thanks 

I'd be EXTREMELY wary of buying from any ebay link, as there are just too many chancers out there selling substandard and frankly dangerous stuff online. For safety critical equipment you really need to stick to reputable outlets selling known and trustworthy brands. If you can get things much cheaper elsewhere there's very likely a good reason why, and it won't be because you've found a magical source of high quality gear at unbelievable prices!

As much as I agree with you John these were recommended by a seasoned bolter, so not some cheap chinese knock off.

As someone that buys a reasonably large quantity of bolts on behalf of a local bolt fund I have become extremely cautions of sourcing bolts or any other hardware such as links and rings. There needs to be some accountability for what I purchase with peoples donations. This advice came from the BMC technical Officer, who has always been a great help.

So gone are the days of getting bolts from fixing merchants and marine chandlers.  Its never been easy or cheap to get expansion bolts in the UK for climbing, specifically sold as such and they tend to be a bit on the short side. 

I get all the bolting hardware now from Germany and Greece from two companies that make and test their gear "specifically sold for climbing and mountaineering" with many of the items being UIAA and EN:959 or whatever. This I think is the absolute minimum I should do to ensure that bolts the bolt fund are installing are safe to use. 

Unfortunately for an individual you will not get a Bolt Fund bulk buy discount and then there is a shipping/customs charge. 

Ignoring all this or you don't have a local bolt fund to buy from you may consider "GS Products" a favourite with "seasoned bolters". 

Orbital fasteners, parker tools

Can you say who these two companies are please ? Via email if you can't do so publicly.

Thanks, j

I’d wager…

http://www.bolt-products.com/

https://lappasclimbing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooU4-btK7cSjWLd50GSsvohHbbPJ9VeRQx...

Probably, but I don't think Bolt Products manufacture expansion bolts, which is what the OP had asked about.

I use Orbital for the bolts, GS Products for lower-offs and Alpinetrek for the hangers.

They don’t manufacture the expansion’s but they source and batch test…

The reply wasn’t a reply to the OP

I know, to both. I was trying to stay on topic!

(Having said that, I see they do manufacture special, long expansions.)

Thanks Kristian for the considered response. Is buying from the local bolting fund a thing? If so I didn’t realise. If so then I’ll speak with Mick or Nez to see if that’s a possibility 

You Got It

This was a discussion we bought up at a an AGM. It incentivises people to use good bolts which are otherwise difficult to obtain especially it small quantities and in the long run it will create less work replacing bad bolts in the future. It can also be quite a good way of bringing in more volunteers which is the most valuable asset any bolt fund can have. 

Every bolt fund has a different policy, some will fund new routes and others it's just for existing and some may contribute some bolts for worthwhile new routes in exchange for volunteering hours. 

We used to get Rings from GS Products but Lappas has bought out this fancy new certified non welded ring that combats the ongoing issues surrounding weld corrosion. Probably a bit overkill for inland limestone but they are still a really good price. https://lappasclimbing.com/product/ring-ss-60-1010/

Looks interesting, I can see the benefit in the non-welding fabrication.

I took delivery today of some GS Products 10mm snap-gates for lower-offs which, in conjunction with 8mm maillons, we've been using to replace the double rings at a local crag. That was about £180 worth so a local bolt fund would definitely be useful! 

Google search yourself easy enough