• I'm on a budget, can I get a discount?
  Yes! We offer Bulk Discounts and big discounts on Cosmetic 2nds.
  
  
  
• Do you sell Cosmetic 2nds?
  We sure do! Click the link below to read more about our cosmetic 2nds.
  Cosmetic 2nds
  
  
  
• Can I Email or Fax my Credit Card order?
  Absolutely! Download order Form
  
  
  
• How much will it cost to ship my order?
  If you're not sure how to find out what the shipping cost will be for your order, check out our simple instructions here: Calculate shipping cost
  
  
  
• Can I order using a Purchase Order?
  Yes! To Order using a PO#, Fax or email your order with your po number shown. Please include item specifics such as Set Name, Hardware type, Wall thickness, and Color preference. Payment is due 30 days after the order is shipped.
  
  All checks should be made payable to: Three Ball Climbing LLC.
  
  Phone 480-334-4646
  Fax 480-968-2223
  
  
  

• 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 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.
  
  If a "Large" hold from company A is $7, and a "Large" from company B is $10, it would be easy to assume that company A is 30% cheaper. In reality the large holds from company B may be the same size as XL holds from company A which are sold for $12 each.
  
  
  
  

• 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) Roof Jugs Defined
  
  

• Where are your climbing holds made?
  I'm concerned about Chinese products.
  Three Ball Climbing 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.
  
  

• 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 $45 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 semi-rigid and can flex if it is fastened to the wall with extreme pressure. Our polyurethane is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and lead free!
  
  
  

• I live in the Phoenix area, do I have to pay for shipping?
  No! Give us a call and you can pick your order up from the workshop. (480-334-4646)
  
  
• 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 most bouldering / climbing walls we recommend starting with 1 hold per 1.5 square feet. (About 21 holds per 4'x8' sheet of plywood)
  
  For an 8' tall traverse wall where climbers will be moving from one side to the other instead of up and down, we recommend a minimum of 3 holds per lateral foot. (If the wall is 30' wide, you'll need 90 holds)
  
  For a 4'x8' kids wall, we recommend 15-25 holds depending on how many routes you would like to create. 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 climbers.
  
  
• 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 wrist. 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 and t-nuts.
  
  

• 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 use 2" weather resistant Deck Mate 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 below to view instructions:
  
  Install 4 Prong T-nuts
  
  Install 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.
  
  
  Remember, every grip can be turned sideways or even upside down to create a new challenge.
  
  
• What is the difference between
  Rigid and Semi-Rigid urethane?
  Three Ball Rigid Polyurethane
  
  Rigid Polyurethane is the best material available for making bolt-on holds for climbing walls with flat surfaces. It is flexible enough to slightly conform to the surface of uneven climbing walls, but rigid enough that it will not deform and become prone to spinning. The balance between stiffness and flexibility make this type of material excellent for making climbing holds. Because they can be tightened with extreme pressure without deforming or cracking, they are least likely to spin. The downside to Rigid Polyurethane is it can crack when abused and overtightened on contoured concrete walls. The edges will also chip easier than a more flexible urethane.
  
  
  Three Ball Flexible Polyurethane:
  
  When grips are made with this type of urethane they are not likely to crack and are best for contoured concrete climbing walls. Because of the flexibility / softness they are more likely to spin when used on flat walls. When tightened with extreme pressure the plastic will usually compress and deform instead of cracking. This type of hold is the least likely to chip around the edges when dropped or fastened to an uneven wall. It is also the least likely to crack or break when overtightened.
  
  
  
  
  

If you have more questions, let us know! We are happy to help!