Half crimp (Like a full crimp without the thumb. If there is a special grip type that need to be trained for a certain goal (full crimp, pocket pair, 3 finger drag, etc. The first joint is less sharply bent, and the thumb usually doesn’t wrap over the index finger. The one-armed 20 mm lift uses deadlift form: Stand with your feet shoulder-width or wider. Ultimately, you should only use the half crimp and the full crimp when you need a quick boost for speed and strength. Crimping ain’t easy. Front 3 drag: Good for catching holds and using pockets. gastons, some side pulls, some slopers, etc. Half Crimp Lifting Benchmarks I wondered if anyone of you knows benchmarks for lifting on an wooden edge from the ground. This is a good protocol for targeting harder yet shorter power endurance crux sections. Sep 11, 2023 · Open Hand vs. We calculate based on simulated bodyweight distribution across the index through pinky, following validated studies on finger force (AID: 36306014). The extension of the pointer and the pinky allow for the relatively efficient use of the flexor muscles while half crimp position of the middle two fingers 1 is half crimp. Damit wir im Folgenden aber Klarheit gegenüber den Techniken schaffen, findest du hier die offizielle Definition. I spent the last 40 days forcing myself to get better at the half and open crimp to improve my technique and strength and share my The strongest position for most of us, you should use an edge that allows you to hold the PIP and DIP joints at approximately the same level. This grip offers a balance of strength and flexibility, crucial for handling holds that are neither too large nor too small. For most the half crimp is stronger on thinner edges. The half crimp is also advantageous when we need an inward component of the pull and also when we need to gain an inch extra reach . 5 seconds. The correlations with route grades were similar. Crimps are small climbing holds and there are a few different types of crimp grip: open crimp, half crimp, and full crimp. e. I usually perform half of the sets in half crimp and the other half in open crimp. Differences/benefits? Oct 23, 2024 · The hyperextension further increases the climber’s ability to generate force. ) Feb 11, 2021 · Engage about 70% of weight Middle and ring finger half-crimp position 1 set of 10 seconds on, 50 seconds off Engage about 70% of body weight. totally to 3 sessions a week, maybe 4. I am quite happy with my lifts lately, however i wondered how they compare to hanging when looking at a broader dataset. Open hand vs. The Half Crimp is less stressing on the tendons compared to Why do you use open hand vs half crimp vs full crimp? I am interested in learning about which situations lend themselves to using one grip type over the other. My default grip, especially when trying hard at my limit, has been chisel (like half crimp, but index is opened). Dec 21, 2022 · Repeat this pattern with a full crimp and then finish with the half crimp, also for three sets of 3-6-9. : Slope, half crimp, and full crimp grip. In both the half crimp grip and full crimp grip, your index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky grip the rock surface, and your fingers lock at the second joint. Slopers are a waste of training time IMO as open crimp trains sloper hand strength, and you can just do open crimp with pockets and get solid sloper ability from that while benefiting from open crimp and pocket at the same time. Nov 10, 2024 · Crimping was one of my major strengths, let me get my fingers on something i could pull through on a half crimp now I can’t even hold my body weight on half crimp but I can do 5 pull ups on 3 finger drag. Not sure if this came about due to finger length or lack of intentional half crimping. The straight pointer finger one is a open hand crimp, half crimp is when all your fingers are at 90 degrees at the second knuckle. More importantly, you shouldn’t be sliding off the hold during every hang as this changes the force on your fingers. Closed Crimp vs. Discover the softness comparisons and other key distinctions to optimize your production process. quite straight). Slowly over months 1-2 or so work full crimp back into your climbing regimen very slowly over weeks starting with low to moderate intensity and volume. Any suggestions on nurturing either of these would be greatly Crimp grip techniques: Open hand – This is the most gentle for the joints and tendons in the fingers, but in some cases, not as strong as the other techniques. The fingers are bent at the first joint, creating a 90-degree angle, with the thumb pressing on the index finger for additional support. Advantages: The half crimp provides a balance between strength and strain on the fingers, making it somewhat safer than the full crimp for prolonged use. Do this session once more during the week. Feb 2, 2025 · Crimp climbing is one of the most challenging climbing styles, and it can result in significant injuries. Execute these moves well, remembering quality over quantity. This is the most common crimp position as it allows you to push down and keep your fingers in a locked position. When I first started rock climbing, everything seemed so intimidating. Similarly for your hang durations: If your training reps are going to be 5 seconds long then your maximum needs to be tested in a short timeframe, e. For most climbe significantly stronger in open crimp vs half crimp, better to focus on half crimp? started max weight hangs, my open crimp on 20mm is body weight + 50% for close to 8 sec, but half crimp i can only hang with +20% ish. Intense campus boarding on smaller rungs can also play a role, or simply subjecting your fingers to excessive repetitive forces on the wall. I hold 20lbs in an open or half crimp for 10 seconds in each hand, for a total of 5 reps. Nov 21, 2022 · In addition to the half-crimp and open-crimp grips, select a few others such as open hand, two-finger pocket “first team” (middle pair), two-finger pocket “second team” (inside pair), wide pinch and narrow pinch. Many sources don't pay significant attention to the position of the index finger, while others claim that it's critical for your progress. Half crimp – This crimp position activates your forearm muscles more. May 18, 2022 · Repeaters 1 Choose four or five different grip positions, for example four finger half crimp, sloper, front three open grip, and front three half crimp. Nov 14, 2022 · The half crimp and full crimp create much more of this friction than open handed positions, so frequent crimping is the obvious culprit. Are you guys always talking about half crimp or open/chisel grip as well? Huge difference for me. 12c/V7-. Closed crimps are preferred over full crimps. . In bouldering, a "Half Crimp" is a hand grip position used on small holds. Aug 20, 2019 · Each set is dedicated to a single grip type. The last joint in the fingers, the DIP-joint, is around 180 degrees (i. The thumb should rest around two to five centimetres beneath your pointer finger, off-set, one to three centimetres from the pointer, depending on hand size. Aim to position your fingers on the hold so that the weight is distributed through the pads of your fingers and not the tips. Some grip types are more “active” than others. I think you're surprised at how much effort half crimp takes, which is also something I came across when I started training it. Whenever I try hangboarding half crimp my pinky finger eventually gives up and turns it into open hand. •full crimping for power? •open hand for resting? May 10, 2022 · The half-crimp can be used for the vast majority of edges, whether flat, sloping or in-cut, and it is also used when pinching. does the open crimp not translate well to half crimp? and which one is more important? Jul 26, 2021 · All while having the fingers loaded with appropriate force. Both involve gripping with your fingertips and locking your finger joints. Reduce the number of reps to 5 if using this high weight. Full Crimp Jede dieser Griffvarianten fühlt sich anders an und im Eifer des Gefechtes benutzen Boulderer:innen die Begriffe oftmals etwas salopp. CR005 - 10 pcs. Jun 3, 2025 · If a climber turns out not to be stronger in crimp than in open hand position - as they might have assumed -the open hand grip, which is easier on the pulleys, should be used whenever possible. Half Crimp A half crimp climbing grip is when your fingers are at a full arch with your fingertips/finger pads on top of the hold but your thumb is to the side of the grip and isn’t being used. Is it merely a matter of practice, or does the half crimp offer mechanical advantages that could elevate their climbing experience? Sep 22, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Advanced climbers can also try increasing resistance to 80%. However, learning how to properly use crimping and seeing how far you've come as a climber will make you feel satisfied. This is probably the most difficult position for people who are very strong full crimpers to achieve. While their default grip leans towards the chisel, they question the potential benefits of the often-praised half crimp. Pointer and middle finger half-crimp position 1 set of 10 seconds on, 50 seconds off Engage about 70% of body weight. Sep 19, 2022 · Hangboard training should actually be a relatively calm, controlled experience, usually with a half crimp, though exact finger position will depend on your finger anatomy and goals. Half Crimp In a half crimp, the length of your fingers on the hold form a full bend in relation with the tips of your fingers resting on the edge of the hold but the thumb is placed to the side of the grip and isn’t used to apply pressure on the top. The difference between a half crimp and full crimp is our thumb positioning. Comparison of half crimp type, large (towards open hand) or small (towards full crimp) Rotational position of your body, face against board or face along the board etc. May 1, 2024 · Half-Crimp: The half-crimp is the grip with the most applications while climbing. This creates a larger angle, which allows you to actively pull on the grip when moving through a wider range of motion (see image). Aim to train in the open-hand or half-crimp position, as it will improve your strength and increase the force you can generate when you engage the full-crimp. 3 second pulls at max effort, 3 reps per set, 3-5 sets. Question: What are the pros/cons of training a "true" half crimp? Safer? Stronger? Or is it just variances in anatomy that don't matter Jun 3, 2025 · If a climber turns out not to be stronger in crimp than in open hand position - as they might have assumed - the open hand grip, which is easier on the pulleys, should be used whenever possible. Robustness of physical structures in hand/forearm 3. Oct 4, 2017 · What we found was a better correlation between finger strength in a half crimp position and boulder grade vs. I assume the pinch position has a very active grip position that emulates the half crimp isometric grip. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine how accurate climbers from different Figure 1. Add to cart uxcell 120Pcs Ribbon Crimp Clamp Ends, 16mm Bookmark Pinch Cord End Clasps for DIY Craft Making, 6 Assorted Colors Add to cart Tanstic 240Pcs 4 Colors 4 Sizes Pinch Crimp Ends Kit, Half Round Ribbon Ends Crimps Ribbon Clamp Ends Bookmark Pinch Crimp Cord Ends Leather Crimp Ends Fastener Clasps for Jewelry Making Add to cart Half Crimp by Gravity Well Brewing Co is a Pale Ale - New England / Hazy which has a rating of 3. Jun 5, 2023 · The half crimp position keeps the hand/fingers above the hold rather than the open hand position of hanging down and under the hold. Limit yourself to a maximum of six sets. It was almost instantaneous in terms of gains because even after all these years of my pointer finger being essentially unused, it’s far stronger even untrained than a highly trained pinky finger. The Results: Emil: Previous Max: 14-millimetre crimp: 3 seconds at Body weight (BW I train: half crimp (weighted), open crimp with pockets, and min edge. While climbing holds may look simple enough, understanding the nuances of each type of hold is an essential part of climbing; and a lot harder than it looks!While there are only a couple of types of holds in the climbing gym, they come in thousands of shapes and sizes which affects the way you Mar 27, 2019 · Using edges Half Crimp The half-crimp is the utility grip, which is used for most flat, sloping and in-cut edges. Important Tip: Crimp holds primarily engage the fingertips, so proper finger placement is crucial. The thumb either rests next to the index finger or onto the hold, if possible. Jun 15, 2025 · Understanding half crimp versus full crimp is crucial for textile manufacturers. The author, Ned Feehally, full crimps on his home wall. With the knees and elbows straight, pull the body into the ground by curling the fingers (PIP joint at 110 degrees of motion to start) for 3 seconds. Feb 24, 2023 · While grip position may vary based on your goals, to protect against injury, train the half-crimp/semi-crimp position—without your thumb (right photo). Higher risk than drag positions. Hang/open/drag. Training on a hangboard is a very static load and environment, so if done with proper form (and adequate warm up) really it is safer than climbing where you're moving dynamically between holds. There are three different crimp grips, the open hand grip, half crimp and full crimp grip. Jun 3, 2025 · If a climber turns out not to be stronger in crimp than in open hand position - as they might have assumed - the open hand grip, which is easier on the pulleys, should be used wheneverpossible. Transfer to real rock The three grip positions: 1. Full crimp is trained second to ensure you’re warmed up for it. Have climbed 5. Crimp holds are divided into three different types: full crimp, half crimp, and open hand. 2 is full crimp I just had this explained to me very clearly by a climbing-specific physical therapist. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how accurate climbers could assess their maximal finger flexor strength in half-crimp and open hand positions. A half crimp is the preferred crimp because it spreads the load more evenly between the tendons and pulleys. This guide covers definitions, benefits like enhanced elasticity, applications, identification methods, and more. ) I trade in two of the open crimp and/or half crimp sets to make room for two of the special grip Sep 30, 2025 · For anyone struggling with a half crimp (and full crimp) for that matter, hopefully this small cue can help. Half crimp takes more muscular effort to use. The index, middle and ring fingers are bent at 90 degrees, the pinky may be slightly straighter and usually contours the hold, and the thumb either rests next to the index finger or pinches the side of the hold, if possible. Curl back into the half crimp position, and repeat for sets of 8-10 repetitions with a 5 second eccentric period. It seems like most good climbers I see get more power from half crimp and full crimp. But training half crimp somehow made pinch projects way easier. I could hang +50% BW on open hand but could barely hang BW with half crimp, and it felt like I really had to try hard to engage the forearm muscles. Jun 22, 2024 · The internet did not enjoy watching me full crimp pinches. The most open position—often referred to as a “drag”—is extremely useful for resting on large positive holds where the high contact surface with the hold allows for frictional assistance. For most climbers, this is the top grip to train, as it builds finger strength, which translates to the broadest range of holds. Advanced climbers can do a second set for each half- and open-crimp grips, plus one or two additional sets that target one- and/or two-finger pockets. Definition of Half Crimp Half crimp is a fascinating textile property that adds an interesting dynamic I think it's definitely worth training your half crimp strength to bring it up to the same level as your full crimp. What are some benefits of using the Full Crimp and Half Crimp techniques in the kitchen? The Full Crimp and Half Crimp techniques offer several benefits for home cooks, including improved safety, enhanced control, increased efficiency, and better cutting precision. They both focus on putting all your force on your fingertips while bringing the palm of your hand closer to the wall for even more strength. The slope crimp is characterized by a flexion of the distal interphalangeal (IPD) and a little flexion of the proximal interphalangeal (IPP). With the massive smooth beveled exterior, a significant portion of the hold falls away from under the contact surface area and we lose part of the edge we were supposed to be training. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t maintain stable shoulder and finger positions for the full The chisel (mid two in a right angle at the 2nd joint and the index in an extended position) is a lot stronger than the half-crimp on deep (≥10 mm) flat edges, for a lot of people. Full crimp is useful for limit projects but full crimping everything is probably going to put you at a bigger risk of injury. Sep 4, 2025 · Here, the half crimp and full crimp will typically result in the highest performances. In regards to safety I'm thinking of training half crimp with all 4 fingers only 1/2 times a week, and the other times doing mono crimp max hangs, at the appropriate load, for the other 2/1 sessions of the week. Complete the following for each grip position: hang for 7 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and do seven hangs, so that you’re near exhaustion for the last (seventh) hang. Same and Next Day Delivery. Four finger half crimp 2. In Ned Feehally's beastmaking book. Climbers don’t simply get injured from full crimping; they get injured because they aren’t listening to their bodies. ). Rest 90 seconds, and then repeat for a total of 2 sets. To summarize, the importance of using the strict half crimp form while Arm-Lifting and hangboarding is still debatable. Half Crimp Perhaps the ‘Pièce de résistance’ of climbing grips, the ‘Half-Crimp’ is the most versatile finger position, performing well on crimps, ledges and slopey holds. Half Crimp vs. HALF CRIMP GRIP POSITION OPEN HAND GRIP POSITION Half Crimp Grip Position: The half crimp has the fingers bent slightly less than in a full crimp. Jan 11, 2024 · You can train different grip types (half crimp, open hand, three-finger drag) but be sure to stick to one grip type for the entire six sets. The half crimp is Mar 20, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. What I would also recommend is assessing how much you use a crimp grip when you are climbing or hangboarding… is that grip really necessary or can you reduce the stress on your joints by using a half crimp or open-handed grip? HOW TO USE This number represents your approximate mechanical load on the flexor chain, especially during crimp or half-crimp positions. Bend the index, middle and ring fingers at 90 degrees, keep your little finger straight, and rest your thumb next to the index finger. Rehab Activity #7: Open Hand Farmer Carries This is only necessary for moderate to severe injuries or if you are uncomfortable progressing to hangboard training. The position is defined extended pointer and pinky fingers while the middle two fingers rest in the half-crimped position. Three finger drag 3. Aug 30, 2023 · Navigating the intricate world of rock climbing grips, a climber ponders the value of mastering the half crimp. Apr 7, 2024 · That's why it may be a good idea to train it separately in the half crimp. If you are not training for something specific though half crimp max hang is best for increasing general finger strength in climbing and I would definitely focus most of my time on that. half-crimp: Do climbers assume differences in their own maximal finger strength that do not exist? Introduction Many climbers believe that they are stronger in the crimp position than the open hand position, but the crimp is linked to higher pulley forces, increasing the risk of finger injuries. Learn the 3 main types of crimp grips — open crimp, half crimp, and full crimp — and find out: Which grip gives you the most power Which one is safest for your fingers When to use each style Half/full crimping is generally a lot more helpful when moving off a hold and/or locking off because it allows for a more secure grip on the hold but any move made with a half crimp can be made with an open hand crimp too. finger strength in a an open grip position and boulder grade. Have you ever made this face after falling off of a problem? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. May 29, 2014 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Oct 29, 2020 · Early climbing research has shown that the full crimp position puts the most stress (or force) through your pulleys and tendons when compared to other standard grips like half crimp and open hand. I would train mostly half crimp but might also include open hand pockets, especially if training for a climb that has lots of pockets. g. (Photo Jordan Hirro) Half-crimp. Check out our half crimp selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our crimp beads shops. Constantly touted as the gold standard, is it worth it to force myself to learn to half crimp? (via hangboarding and being conscious of half crimping when climbing) Half crimping doesn’t cause Hi there, I'm pretty new to climbing, I've been at it for a few months, mostly bouldering in the V3-4 neighbourhood of difficulty. For the half crimp, the angle of the IPP is 90° with an extension for the IPD. Initially, focus on training the half-crimp and open-crimp grips—one set each. I think the best way to get better at half crimp is probably a combination of training it in the hangboard and consciously forcing yourself to half crimp Jan 31, 2022 · Only ever training in a half crimp or openhanded position and then expecting to be able to crimp to your maximum on a project seems like madness to me. Specificity 2. Nov 19, 2025 · A crimp in rock climbing is a type of climbing hold that will only fit your finger pads. Illustration of the slope (a), half crimp (b) and full crimp (c) grip techniques used during rock-climbing. He claims that you should rather train the half crimp, as the half crimp will make your chisel grip stronger as well, but the chisel grip will not make your half crimp grip stronger. Nov 19, 2025 · Crimps When I first started rock climbing, I thought that holding on to a crimp would be an impossible task. The slope grip is characterised by a flexion of the finger joints. We finish with half crimp because it is the strongest position. I have been holding onto all crimp holds using half crimp according to the first definition (DIP hyperextension without the thumb) but full crimp according to the second (DIP >180 degrees regardless of thumb). Full crimp – This is defined by that hyperextension backwards of the Check out our half circle crimps selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our crimp beads shops. Full-Crimp: Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. 8 out of 5, with 575 ratings and reviews on Untappd. In a full crimp, you also use your thumb, but this position puts a high amount of stress on the annular ligaments. The images below provides an example of using a single rubber-band in an open-hand and half crimp position. Improving your crimping skills is an achievable goal for climbers at every level. Sometimes on very small micro-edges, a full-crimp may provide better traction or on larger edges an open/drag grip may provide a more restful alternative, but generally speaking, the half crimp is the way to go. Sep 27, 2024 · With full crimping, your thumb locks a half-crimp into place and doesn’t allow it to fail. I am a professional musician and Choose from our selection of wire ferrule ratchet crimpers, wire ferrule crimpers, confined-space wire ferrule crimpers, and more. If that's true, then yes, I'd prefer to train the correct half crimp grip. Oct 26, 2021 · 5. I was wondering if I should try to work on either catching holds with a half crimp or converting an open crimp to a half crimp when already on a hold. Optimizing Muscular Strength-to-Weight Ratios in Rock Climbing. This distinction is hugely important because everyone says to avoid full crimping to prevent undue stress on the finger pullies. Dec 17, 2021 · If you are slipping from half-crimp into open-hand during your fingerboard routine, you likely require a larger edge, or longer rest between reps or sets. He describes your positions as: open hand half crimp crimp full crimp He also has drag which is even more passive than your open hand position (ie really relying on friction!) Jul 13, 2021 · There are two main types of crimping in rock climbing: the full-crimp grip and half-crimp. A half crimp position is simply a crimp with the palm flat or “open”. Aug 25, 2019 · May need to rework half and full crimp if they are irritating and/or avoid certain climbs which put rotary stress on the fingers (e. To perform a half-crimp, a climber’s index, middle, and ring fingers are bent at a 90-degree angle while the pinky is straight (simply because it is shorter). I then proceed to do dynamic finger curls (from a full open hand to a near full crimp, without the thumb) for a total of 5 sets of 10 reps per hand. As we do most of our Sep 4, 2025 · What this means is that if you’re training two-arm hangs in a half crimp, then your testing should be with two arms and in the same grip type. Nov 9, 2022 · Half crimp: This is best ‘all rounder’ for training strength as it is arguably more transferrable than other positions. Silver Plated Half Round Ribbon Crimp End Caps - 20mm x 12mm - Great to make tassels and dangles! With teeth Aylifu 600pcs Silver Crimp Bead Knot Covers Metal Half Round Open Crimp Beads Covers Knot Cover Caps for Craft Supplies DIY Jewelry Making Accessory, 3 Sizes $1099 Aylifu 600pcs Silver Crimp Bead Knot Covers Metal Half Round Open Crimp Beads Covers Knot Cover Caps for Mar 10, 2023 · Half-crimp overcoming isometrics 25-30mm edge. It is also quite simple, with all fingers bent at a 90-degree angle (the pinky finger may straighten slightly) and the thumbs disengaged to the side of the hand. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Grips Half crimp. On BM2000 14mm I can only pull 5% BW half crimp, but 45% BW chisel, 30% BW 3-finger drag. I've since more or less equalized my half crimp and open hand strengths, my numbers are roughly 120 lbs per arm @ 140 lbs body weight. This is why most climbers use either a half crimp or full crimp when climbing. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice regarding the 3 above grip types (full crimp, half crimp, open hand), and most importantly, how they differentiate in terms of stressing the tendons/pulleys in the hand/fingers. Oct 15, 2021 · The half crimp position and full crimp position are nearly identical with one key difference. This position is often misidentified: climbers often claim they are in a half crimp when they are actually in a full crimp minus the thumb. Hang data for 20mm ~7-10 sec: -my fuller "half crimp": ~45lbs -3 finger drag: ~25lbs -"true" half crimp: less than 20 lbs I recently started training 3 finger drag after I noticed it was significantly weaker. Open-Hand with Rubber-Band To achieve the best results with isometric finger training, perform the exercises in positions that mirror common climbing grips. Back 3 half crimp: Good for those with weaker pinky fingers. If your half crimp is your weaker grip I'd say definitely train it on the hangboard, having more even numbers across grip types will likely mean less injury when you are climbing. (Photo: Beastmaking Collection) GETTING TO GRIPS WITH YOUR FULL CRIMP A lot of climbers feel like they lack full crimp strength, or feel that crimping is The half crimp is when your middle knuckles on each finger are =90 degrees. And the third, which is the least risky crimping position, is when your middle knuckles on each finger are <90 degrees. The only time my first contact with a hold is in a half crimp is when i can gingerly place my hand on the hold and set it up. You will perform one (entry-level) to three (advanced) sets of repeaters with each grip position. Usually this is a slightly lower risk grip position to train. Jan 19, 2021 · Four-fingers Open-hand The four-fingers open-hand position is an excellent compromise between efficiency and power. Fortune favors prepared fingers. xtzkldpc dyfzw ryof caokgxh vemq rgpnl noaq sfmsby xau rtujyy rckl oabcjs vaui twple jtifgc