ORIGINAL 1960s-1970s CHOUINARD STEEL ANGLE PITON SIGNED BY TOMMY CALDWELL
Masterpieces in design, having fair lines and functional shapes, these angles typify the high qualities of beauty in the Chouinard line of pitons. The angle pitons have inherently exceptional holding power; yet when not overdriven they are easy to remove, and retain long service life. Because this size crack is frequently encountered, the ¾” angle has become the standard angle piton of the American climber. The 1”, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” angles are consecutively lager sizes required for wide-angle cracks. The latter two are riveted closed for greater strength, holding power, ease of removal and endurance. All the angles are made of aircraft quality alloy steel, and heat-treated for optimum toughness.
Alloy steel angles are more destructive to the cracks than any other piton. Because of the tremendous stiffness and hardness of the alloy steel, in a short time the thin edges of their blades can cut grooves in even the toughest rock. However, these sized cracks are the ones most suited for chocks. We urge the use of chocks whenever possible.
The young Yvon Chouinard purchased a forge in 1956 and started fabricating chrome moly steel pitons using a Diamond C logo, originally selling them from his truck in Yosemite Valley to support his own climbing and surfing lifestyle. Chouinard went on to found the Great Pacific Iron Works in Ventura, CA. and later the very successful Patagonia. Chouinard climbing equipment developed a worldwide reputation for quality. Some of the equipment was made in the USA, some was made in Europe to Chouinard specifications. Chouinard Equipment was forced to declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the 80’s because of several lawsuits unrelated to product quality. Plaintiffs claimed that Chouinard failed to warn them that use of climbing equipment was potentially hazardous. The climbing hardware business was sold to the employees, who changed the name to Black Diamond and retained a modified diamond logo.
