PSA: My go-to method for spotting weak limbs before a climb

Adam Ward · 2026-02-28T06:50:44.752107+00:00

I always carry a cheap golf club in my kit to gently whack branches. If the wood gives a dull, soft feedback, it's probably compromised inside. A clean, sharp tap means it's solid and safe to put weight on. This little trick has helped avoid breakage while I'm up there.

clairem477mo ago

Eucalyptus wood fools even a nine iron.

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wadep157mo ago

Is this method actually reliable enough to trust with your safety? Even @clairem47 pointed out how eucalyptus can seem solid when it's not. In my experience, wood can sound fine but have hidden rot or cracks a simple tap won't find, so I wouldn't bet my weight on it alone.

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xena_brown507mo ago

Combine the sound check with a solid visual inspection every time, especially looking for fungus or weird soft spots you can poke with a knife. I still give limbs a good shake too, since some cracks only open up under a bit of movement. Eucalyptus is a total pain though, I get why people don't trust it lol.

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