To help prevent climber cutouts, gaffs must be what characteristics?

• A. Sharp, properly sized, and properly shaped
• B. Dull and oversized
• C. Rusty but functional
• D. Colored for visibility

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that gaffs must interact with the surface safely and reliably, which comes from being sharp, properly sized, and properly shaped. A sharp edge lets the gaff bite in cleanly, reducing the force needed and lowering the chance of tearing skin or creating a cutout. The right size ensures the gaff fits the boot and the surface without protruding or slipping, while the correct shape provides stable contact and even load distribution, preventing snagging or misalignment. Dull and oversized gaffs tend to skip, slip, or tear, rusty ones risk failure from corrosion, and coloring for visibility doesn’t address the functional fit and geometry that prevent cutouts.