jääruuveja

Jääruuveja, meaning ice screws in Finnish, are essential pieces of equipment for ice climbing and mountaineering. They are designed to be screwed into ice, providing secure anchor points for ropes and protection. This allows climbers to ascend icy surfaces safely, whether they are vertical ice walls or steep glacial slopes.

The construction of an ice screw typically involves a hardened steel tube with sharp threads on the exterior. A rotating handle or crank at one end facilitates the screwing process into the ice. As the screw is turned, the threads engage the ice, creating a strong hold. The strength of the hold depends on the quality of the ice, the depth of the screw's penetration, and the screw's design.

Ice screws come in various lengths, typically ranging from 10 to 22 centimeters. The choice of length depends on the thickness and type of ice being climbed. Shorter screws are used in thinner ice, while longer screws provide greater security in thicker, more stable ice. Modern ice screws often incorporate features like simplified placement mechanisms and robust construction to ensure reliability in extreme conditions.

Proper placement and removal of ice screws are critical skills for anyone venturing onto ice. They are typically placed in a zig-zag pattern as climbers ascend, each screw acting as a temporary anchor. Upon reaching a belay station or the summit, screws are carefully removed, often with a dedicated ice screw remover tool, to avoid damaging the ice and to be reused. Their importance in providing safety in otherwise perilous environments cannot be overstated.