Best Lineman Gaffs (Pole Climbers): Steel vs Aluminum vs Titanium
By Alan Cristoffer, Lead Lineman ·
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Climbers (hooks, gaffs, spurs) are the piece of gear most likely to hurt you if they’re wrong, worn, or badly sharpened. This guide covers what to compare. Your training center’s instruction and the manufacturer’s instructions come first.
The standard
Lineman climbers sold in the US are made to ASTM F887, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment, which also covers body belts and climber straps. Look for compliance on the manufacturer’s documentation.
What to compare
- Material: steel (durable, heavier), aluminum (lighter), titanium (lightest, most expensive). We don’t quote weights; check the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
- Gaff: permanent or replaceable. Replaceable gaffs can be swapped when worn past gauge.
- Shank shape: contoured or straight. Contoured follows the leg.
- Pads and straps: most comfort complaints come from pads, not the climber. Hook-and-loop wrap pads are popular.
- Gaff guards: always cover gaffs on the ground and in your bag.
Kits linemen commonly run
| Kit | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Buckingham BuckLite Titanium | Premium lightweight kit | Buckingham at Linemen’s Supply |
| Buckingham BuckAlloy | Alloy kit option | Buckingham at Linemen’s Supply |
| Buckingham steel (permanent/replaceable gaff) | Durable workhorse | Buckingham at Linemen’s Supply |
| Bashlin aluminum / steel | Long-time lineman favorite. Pads often sold separately | Bashlin site |
| Klein pole climber set (e.g., CN1972ARL) | Klein’s complete climber set (check leg-length range) | Check on Amazon |
See also: Buckingham vs Bashlin and How to sharpen gaffs.
Fall protection while climbing
OSHA’s power-line standard (29 CFR 1910.269) requires fall protection while climbing and working on poles. In practice that means a fall restriction device such as a pole choker. See pole chokers / fall restriction.
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