Chapter 3

Figure 3-25. Crampons.

ICE SCREWS
3-44. Ice screws provide artificial protection for climbers and equipment for operations in icy terrain. They
are screwed into ice formations. Ice screws are made of chrome-molybdenum steel and vary in lengths
from 11 centimeters to 40 centimeters (Figure 3-26). The eye is permanently affixed to the top of the ice
screw. The tip consists of milled or hand-ground teeth, which create sharp points to grab the ice when being
emplaced. The ice screw has right-hand threads to penetrate the ice when turned clockwise.
3-45. When selecting ice screws, choose a screw with a large thread count and large hollow opening. The
close threads will allow for ease in turning and better strength. The large hollow opening will allow snow
and ice to slide through when turning.

Type I is 17 centimeters in length with a hollow inner tube.

Type II is 22 centimeters in length with a hollow inner tube.

Other variations are hollow alloy screws that have a tapered shank with external threads, which
are driven into ice and removed by rotation.

3-22

TC 3-97.61

26 July 2012