-
How do I fasten bolt-on climbing holds?
The world of climbing has many terms which may be unfamilar to someone new to the sport. (T-nuts, climbing holds, jugs, etc.) If you need more information on what a bolt-on climbing hold is and how to fasten it to your climbing wall click on the picture or download our little guide: How to fasten bolt-on climbing holds
(Please allow up to 30 seconds for the download to complete.)
How do I install T-nuts?
Click for instructions on installing 4 prong t-nuts and Round Base t-nuts.
-
How big is an XL climbing hold?
In the climbing hold industry there is no standard regarding hold sizes. Climbing holds defined as “Small” by one company may be equivalent to “Medium” holds from another company. Click to download the article (pdf) and save $20 on your next Roof Jug order! Standard hold sizes
What is a Roof Jug?
In the climbing hold industry there are many terms that are defined differently from one company to another. Our second example is Roof Jugs. Some hold producers call anything that can be held on a roof a "roof jug". You thought you were buying something easy to hold, only to find you have to crimp down really hard. At Three Ball Climbing we want you to get what you expect. Check out our definition of 'Roof Jugs" by downloading the (pdf) and save 25% on your next Roof Jug order! Roof Jugs Defined
- Can I order by phone?
Yes! We can take your credit-card order by phone during regular
business hours (m-f 9-5). If you can't call during regular hours send us an email with your phone number and best call time and we'll give you a call!
threeballclimbing@yahoo.com
480-334-4646
- Where are your climbing holds made?
I'm concerned about Chinese products.
Three Ball Climbing holds and Project holds are MADE IN THE USA! Our workshop / warehouse is located in Phoenix Az. The raw materials
we purchase are also produced in the USA. Our products are non-toxic and lead-free.
Above all we are committed to quality. The past few years we have been approached by several foreign companies offering to make our products for us at Half the cost. We always have and always will reject them. We believe that as a small business the best way to grow is to produce the best product possible and let the word spread.
We use our holds! We have several testing and climbing walls at our facility which are used by staff on a daily basis.
- Can I choose a certain color for my climbing holds?
Yes! We have many color options available from our Custom Colors page.
What is the difference between
Polyurethane and Polyester Resin?
(Also known as 'Fiberglass Resin')
Polyester resin is extremely rigid, which makes it very brittle. Polyester holds are notorious for breaking by merely tightening the bolt. The strength of Polyester cannot compare with the strength of Polyurethane. Of all Thermoset plastics, polyester resin is the cheapest and poorest quality. It was never designed for making climbing holds.
If you see extremely inexpensive holds for sale, they are probably Polyester. Polyester resin, can be purchased for about $7 per gallon. We spend about $40 per gallon on our polyurethane. The difference in quality is well worth it.
Three Ball Climbing Holds are made in the USA with Polyurethane that was developed specifically for making climbing holds. This polyurethane is also rigid, but it can flex if it is fastened to the wall with extreme pressure. Our polyurethane is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and lead free!
Click Here for more info on
Polyester Resin and Polyurethane.
- I live in the Phoenix area, do I have to pay for shipping?
No! Call to order (480-277-7120) and we'll ship for free!
- Can I use these holds outside?
Yes! Our holds function well on indoor and outdoor climbing walls. However,
keep in mind these are Climbing holds, not Decorative holds. Anything left
in direct sunlight including climbing holds will fade or discolor. If you
want the colors to stay, use them indoors or keep your wall shaded.
- How many holds do I need?
For a 4'x8' kids wall, we recommend 15-20 holds. This
many will give you a good start, and you can always add more later. The
exact number needed will depend on the size and ability of the climber
- How far apart should I space the holds?
The answer to this question depends on the height of the
climbers. For beginners, we recommend spacing holds no farther apart than
the distance from their elbow to the tips of their fingers. As the skill
of the climbers increases they can skip holds, or try using smaller holds
instead of the bigger ones.
- I want to build an outdoor wall,
What material should I use?
We recommend 2x6 or 2x8 panels. It is possible to use
plywood, but it does not stand up to the elements as well. If you are
using bolt on holds you'll need stainless steel bolts.
-
What is the difference between
Bolt-on holds and Screw-on holds?
Bolt-on holds generally have one anchor point. They require
3/8" socket-head bolts and the installation of 3/8" T-nuts in the back
of the wall. Once the T-nuts are installed, fastening and removing the
holds is extremely easy. All you need is a 5/16 hex key/wrench.
Screw-on holds always have at least 2 anchor points. The pre-cast holes
in each hold are 1/4" in diameter. We generally use 2" weather
resistant deck screws to fasten them to the wall. You will need a power
drill with a philips head bit to install and remove these holds. Because
the hardware is so much cheaper, screw-on holds are the way to go if you
are on a budget.
How do I install T-nuts?
Click for instructions on installing 4 prong t-nuts and Round Base t-nuts.
- Which holds are for feet and which are for hands?
Good question! Almost all holds can be used either way.
You can use the big holds as handholds and rely on your arms, use the
big holds as feet and rely on your legs, or mix it up.
- What is the difference between
Residential Grade and Commercial Grade?
Our Commercial Grade holds have no fillers. They are made with pure polyurethane. This type of hold
is far more durable than holds made with filler. Commercial grade holds are stronger than the t-nuts. If you push them to the limit, the t-nut will break before the hold does. Three Ball holds are designed to withstand years of abuse in the busiest climbing gyms. Our screw-on holds also feature imbedded washers just like the bolt-on holds. This in addition to our urethane helps our screw-on holds endure more abuse than those without washers.
Residential Grade climbing holds are made with polyester resin or polyurethane with fillers added to increase the volume of the mix. This allows other manufactureres to make more holds with less plastic and keep the cost down. Holds made with filler will break if overtightened.
|
