Spurs

About Spurs

Spurs are essential climbing aids designed for arborists, tree surgeons, and utility workers who need to ascend and work safely on wooden poles and trees. These specialised tools attach securely to boots or legs, featuring sharp steel gaffs or spikes that penetrate bark and wood to provide reliable footing at height. Whether you're carrying out tree maintenance, utility pole inspection, or forestry work, quality climbing spurs are fundamental safety equipment that enables secure vertical access where ladders and mechanical lifts cannot reach.

The construction of professional climbing spurs combines robust steel frames with adjustable strapping systems and replaceable gaff points. Modern designs prioritise both safety and comfort, with padded leg supports and ergonomic shaping that distribute weight evenly during extended periods aloft. Tooled-Up.com supplies spurs that meet rigorous safety standards required for commercial tree work and utility maintenance across the UK, ensuring tradespeople have access to equipment they can trust when working at height.

Selecting appropriate spurs depends on the specific application, whether that's hardwood tree climbing, softwood forestry work, or telegraph pole maintenance. Different gaff lengths and angles suit various tree species and pole types, whilst adjustability features ensure a secure, comfortable fit for different leg sizes and over various types of work boots. Regular maintenance, including gaff sharpening and strap inspection, is essential to maintain both safety and performance throughout the working life of these critical climbing tools.

Jargon Buster

• Gaff: The sharp steel spike or point that penetrates wood to provide grip whilst climbing. Gaffs require regular sharpening and eventual replacement as they wear.
• Climber Pads: Cushioned supports that wrap around the lower leg, distributing pressure and providing comfort during extended climbing sessions.
• Stirrup: The foot platform or rest on climbing spurs where the boot sole sits, providing stability and support during ascent and whilst working aloft.
• Shank: The main steel frame component connecting the gaff to the leg mounting system, determining the overall strength and durability of the spur.
• Pole Spurs: Climbing spurs specifically designed for utility pole work, typically featuring longer gaffs suited to treated timber poles rather than live trees.
• Tree Spurs: Climbing spurs designed for arborist work, with gaff angles and lengths optimised for various tree species without causing excessive damage to living wood.

Who Uses Spurs?

• Arborists and Tree Surgeons: Professional tree care specialists requiring safe access to canopy for pruning, removal, and health assessment work
• Utility Workers: Telecommunications and electricity workers maintaining telegraph poles, power lines, and elevated infrastructure
• Forestry Professionals: Timber industry workers involved in tree felling operations and forest management activities
• Landscape Contractors: Commercial landscaping firms providing tree maintenance and removal services for residential and commercial properties
• Local Authority Tree Officers: Council-employed professionals conducting tree surveys and maintenance on public land
• Railway Maintenance Teams: Workers maintaining wooden infrastructure and vegetation management along rail corridors

How to Choose the Right Spurs

The primary consideration when selecting climbing spurs is the intended application. Pole spurs feature longer, more aggressive gaffs suited to penetrating treated utility poles, whilst tree spurs have shorter gaffs designed to minimise damage to living wood. Consider whether you'll primarily work on hardwoods, softwoods, or dead timber, as this affects the optimal gaff length and angle.

Fit and adjustability are crucial for both safety and comfort. Quality spurs available at Tooled-Up feature multiple adjustment points to accommodate different leg sizes and allow use over various boot types. Look for models with well-padded leg supports and secure strapping systems that won't slip during use. The stirrup should provide stable foot placement that feels natural and secure when loaded with your full weight.

Build quality directly impacts longevity and safety. Professional-grade spurs use heat-treated steel shanks and replaceable gaff systems, allowing you to maintain the equipment economically over many years of service. Check that replacement parts are readily available for your chosen model. Consider the overall weight – whilst robust construction is essential, unnecessarily heavy spurs cause fatigue during all-day use.

Ensure any spurs you select comply with relevant UK safety standards and are appropriate for commercial use if required for your trade. Many professional arborists choose spurs certified to EN 795 or similar standards, particularly when working under contract for local authorities or utilities companies.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Gaffs: Spare spike points to replace worn or damaged originals, essential for maintaining safe penetration and grip
• Gaff Sharpening Files: Specialised files for maintaining sharp points between professional resharpening services
• Climber Pads and Straps: Replacement padding and strapping systems to refresh worn comfort components without replacing entire spurs
• Climbing Harnesses: Essential fall protection equipment required whenever using climbing spurs at height
• Work Positioning Lanyards: Allow hands-free working whilst secured to the tree or pole being climbed
• Pruning Saws and Pole Saws: Cutting tools for work carried out once safely positioned aloft
• Protective Storage Bags: Purpose-designed carry bags that protect sharp gaffs during transport and storage

Safety Information

Climbing spurs should only be used by trained, competent persons who have received proper instruction in their safe use. They are classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under UK Health and Safety regulations and must always be used in conjunction with appropriate fall arrest equipment including a certified climbing harness and work positioning systems.

Never use climbing spurs on living trees intended for preservation, as gaff penetration causes permanent damage to cambium layers. Tree spurs should only be used on trees scheduled for removal or already dead. Regular inspection before each use is essential – check for bent shanks, worn gaffs, damaged straps, and loose fastenings. Gaffs must be kept sharp; blunt points can slip unexpectedly, creating serious fall hazards.

The HSE provides specific guidance on working at height in arboriculture and utility maintenance. Ensure you're familiar with current regulations and that your equipment meets applicable standards. Never work alone when using climbing spurs, and always implement appropriate rescue procedures before ascending. Consider weather conditions carefully – wet bark, ice, or strong winds significantly increase risks when working aloft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should climbing spur gaffs be sharpened?

Gaff sharpness should be checked before each use by testing on scrap wood. Professional arborists typically sharpen gaffs weekly with heavy use, or whenever penetration feels less secure. Professional resharpening or replacement is needed when gaffs become too short through repeated sharpening or if they develop cracks or bends.

Can I use the same spurs for both pole work and tree climbing?

Whilst physically possible, it's not recommended. Pole spurs have longer, more aggressive gaffs suited to treated timber, which cause excessive damage to living trees. Tree spurs have shorter gaffs that may not penetrate deeply enough for secure pole climbing. Using application-specific spurs ensures both safety and appropriate tree care practices.

What size climbing spurs do I need?

Most professional spurs feature adjustable sizing to fit a range of leg circumferences and boot sizes. Measure around your calf at its widest point over your typical work boots and trousers. Quality spurs accommodate approximately 30-50cm circumference with adjustment. Proper fit is crucial – spurs should feel secure without cutting off circulation or shifting during use.

Are climbing spurs legal to use on trees in the UK?

Yes, climbing spurs are legal, but their use is restricted by professional standards and tree preservation regulations. Using spurs on protected trees (those with Tree Preservation Orders) scheduled for retention may constitute illegal damage. Professional arborists typically only use spurs on trees being removed, following industry best practices outlined by the Arboricultural Association.

How long do climbing spurs typically last?

With proper maintenance, quality steel-shanked spurs can last many years of professional use. Straps and pads require replacement every 1-3 years depending on use intensity. Gaffs need periodic sharpening and eventual replacement when they become too short – typically every 2-5 years with regular professional use. Always retire spurs immediately if shanks become bent or cracked.