Whether you’re an indoor rock climber setting up a home wall or a gym owner installing a professional wall, understanding all the varieties of climbing holds available is crucial. One way to understand the distinctions of climbing holds is how they attach to the wall.
But what’s the difference between a screw-on and a bolt-on climbing hold? We answer that question, and more in our comparison of screw-on and bolt-on holds below!
Screw-On Climbing Holds
Screw-on climbing holds are a popular choice among climbers and gym owners alike. These holds attach to the wall via wood screws rather than bolts, making them versatile and easy to install. Unlike bolt-on holds, installers can place screw-on anywhere on a wooden surface, offering unlimited route-setting possibilities.
Screw-on holds are typically smaller and require more technical climbing. They provide excellent grip and precision, making them ideal for training finger strength and technique. However, because screws attach them to the wall, they are not as secure as bolt-on holds and may require periodic tightening to ensure they remain safe and stable.
The Advantages of Screw-On Climbing Holds
Screw-on climbing holds boast several advantages that make them a favorite among route setters and climbers. They’re incredibly flexible options as installers can affix them to any part of the wooden wall, allowing for creative and diverse route designs.
This adaptability is perfect for climbers at all levels, as it enables the creation of everything from beginner-friendly routes to complex technical challenges. Additionally, the installation process is a breeze, requiring only simple wood screws and a drill, ensuring that anyone can set up or adjust their climbing walls with minimal fuss.
The Best Use of Screw-On Climbing Holds
Screw-on holds shine in two particular areas: training and route-setting. Their compact size, precise grip, and versatility make them ideal for building finger strength and improving technique. For gym owners, screw-ons are perfect for creating intricate routes that challenge climbers while keeping them engaged and having fun.
Bolt-On Climbing Holds
Bolt-on climbing holds, on the other hand, attach to walls via bolts that go through the hold and anchor into a T-nut embedded in the wall. These holds are generally larger and more robust than screw-on holds, providing a secure and stable climbing experience. The bolt ensures that the hold stays firmly in place, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Bolt-on holds come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from large jugs to tiny crimps. They offer a more durable option for high-traffic climbing walls, such as those in commercial gyms.
The Advantages of Bolt-On Climbing Holds
Bolt-on climbing holds excel in their durability and stability, making them a top choice for high-traffic walls. They are perfect for climbers looking to push their limits and tackle more challenging routes. Additionally, the variety of shapes and sizes available means that they can create a wide range of climbing experiences, from easy routes to challenging climbs.
The Best Use of Bolt-On Climbing Holds
Bolt-on holds are best for commercial gyms or home walls with a high volume of climbers. Their secure attachment method ensures that they can withstand repeated use without loosening or becoming unsafe.
Comparing Screw-On vs. Bolt-On Climbing Holds
When deciding on screw-on or bolt-on climbing holds for your wall, compare the two and understand their differences to find the ideal holds for you. Screw-on holds offer unparalleled flexibility and ease of installation, allowing route setters to place them virtually anywhere on a wooden surface for creatively diverse and technical routes. This makes them an excellent choice for personalized training plans and innovative wall designs.
Conversely, bolt-on holds stand out for their durability and stability, secured firmly with bolts and T-nuts, providing reliable performance on high-traffic walls typical in commercial gyms. While they limit placement versatility to pre-drilled points, their robustness and wide variety of shapes cater to a broader range of climbing challenges, making them a go-to for gym settings where safety and durability are paramount.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bolt-On or Screw-On Climbing Holds
When selecting climbing holds, there are a few essential factors to consider to ensure the best fit for your specific needs.
Wall Material
First and foremost, consider the type of wall you will be using for climbing holds. Screw-on holds are best for wooden walls, providing a secure and easy-to-install option for home climbing setups or smaller climbing gyms. These holds are simply screwed directly into the wooden surface, often making them versatile for different wall angles and designs.
On the other hand, bolt-on holds require pre-drilled T-nuts in the wall's material, typically concrete or plywood. This installation method is more common in commercial climbing gyms and large-scale climbing structures due to its durability and strength. Bolt-on holds attach via bolts that fit into the T-nuts, which embed into the wall, allowing for easy reconfiguration and a more robust hold.
Versatility
If you value variety and creativity in your climbing routes, screw-on holds offer unmatched versatility, as installers can place them practically anywhere on a wooden surface. This flexibility allows climbers to experiment with new routes and configurations, enhancing their skills and keeping their training sessions interesting.
However, if you're looking for more straightforward installation and durability, bolt-on holds may be the way to go. Bolt-on holds are easier to install, often requiring fewer tools and less time, and they tend to be more secure and long-lasting, making them a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned climbers.
Durability
Bolt-on holds have the advantage in terms of durability, as their bolted attachment method offers a secure and long-lasting hold. Bolts that penetrate the climbing wall fasten these holds into the wall, providing a strong and dependable connection that can withstand heavy use and high stress.
Screw-on holds require more frequent tightening to ensure they remain safe and stable. The screws of screw-on holds can loosen over time, especially under constant use, which means regular maintenance is necessary to keep the holds in optimal condition for climbers.
Intended Use
Consider the type of climbing you will be doing when selecting holds. Screw-on holds are best suited for technical and precision-based routes, offering a variety of shapes and sizes that require careful foot and hand placement to navigate. These holds are ideal for climbers looking to improve their technique and accuracy.
On the other hand, bolt-on holds provide a more robust grip, making them perfect for challenging and sustained climbs that demand endurance and strength. They are typically larger and more secure, allowing climbers to tackle more demanding routes with confidence.
Find Bolt-On and Screw-On Climbing Holds at Atomik!
Whichever type of climbing hold you need, you’ll find it at Atomik Climbing Holds! Our expansive selection includes screw-on and bolt-on holds of all kinds, from climbing holds volumes to slopers and more.
Whether you’re building a wall for your commercial gym or your home, we’ve got the holds you need. Browse our inventory, which includes over 40 colors for holds, today!
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