Bolt Replacement: Tips for Working on the Wall

by Jason Haas

Removing and replacing bolts while hanging from the wall poses special challenges. Putting thought into how to organize your workspace, keep all your tools from taking unintended falls to the ground, and stay relatively comfortable is an important component of getting the work done. Watch the video for tips and read below for a list of miscellaneous tools that will both make it possible and easier to work in the vertical world.

Miscellaneous Tools

  • Static rope, which is easier to jug than dynamic lines
  • Sharp edge protection for your rope
  • Jumars
  • Aiders
  • Auto-locking belay device, such as a cinch or grigri
  • Spare or junk carabiners, especially lockers
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Magnet on a stick – good for getting out flakes of metal in the hole
  • Knife
  • Epoxy or putty for patching holes
  • Vice grips for freeing stuck bits
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • A Bosun chair like this one from Petzl
  • Tool storage system. Some of the more popular options include:
    • A small pack
    • A five-gallon bucket with a tote organizer on it
    • A collapsible nylon tool bag with a rigid bottom
    • A fishing vest