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Climbing Holds FAQ |
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- How much will it cost to ship my order?
To find out what the shipping cost will be for your order, please check out our simple instructions here:
Calculate shipping cost
- Can I use a Purchase Order?
Yes! To Order using a PO#, Fax or email your order with your po number shown. Please include item specifics such as Set Name, Hardware type, Wall thickness, and Color preference. Payment is due 30 days after the order is shipped.
All checks should be made payable to:
Three Ball Climbing LLC.
Phone 480-334-4646
Fax 480-968-2205
threeballclimbing@yahoo.com
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How do I fasten rock climbing holds to my wall?
Click on the picture to the left, or the link to the right for more information on what a bolt-on climbing hold is and how to fasten it to your climbing wall: How to fasten rock climbing holds
What is a "Roof Jug"?
In the climbing hold industry there are many terms that are defined differently from one company to another. Our second example is Roof Jugs. Some hold producers call anything that can be held on a roof a "roof jug". You thought you were buying something easy to hold, only to find you have to crimp down really hard. At Kids-Climbing-holds.com we want you to get what you expect. Check out our definition of 'Roof Jugs" by downloading the (pdf) Roof Jugs Defined
- Where are your climbing holds made?
I'm concerned about products that are made in China.
Three Ball Climbing holds are MADE IN THE USA! Our workshop / warehouse is located in Phoenix Az. The raw materials
we purchase are also produced in the USA. Our products are non-toxic and free of heavy metals.
Above all we are committed to quality. Foreign companies regularly approach us offering to make our products for us at Half the cost. We always have and always will reject them. We believe that as a small business the best way to grow is to produce the best product possible and let the word spread.
What is the difference between
Polyurethane and Polyester Resin?
(Also known as 'Fiberglass Resin')
Polyester resin is extremely rigid, which makes it very brittle. Polyester holds are notorious for breaking by merely tightening the bolt. The strength of Polyester cannot compare with the strength of Polyurethane. Of all Thermoset plastics, polyester resin is the cheapest and poorest quality. It was never designed for making climbing holds.
If you see really cheap holds for sale, they are probably Polyester. Polyester resin, can be purchased for about $7 per gallon. We spend about $40 per gallon on our polyurethane. The difference in quality and safety is well worth it.
Three Ball Climbing Holds are made in the USA with Polyurethane that was developed specifically for making climbing holds. This polyurethane is also rigid, but it can flex if it is fastened to the wall with extreme pressure. Our polyurethane is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and lead free!
Click Here for more info on
Polyester Resin and Polyurethane.
- I live in the Phoenix area, can I pick up my order?
Yes! Give us a call and we'll have your order ready when you visit the workshop. (480-334-4646)
- Can I use these holds outside?
Yes! Our grips function well on indoor and outdoor climbing walls. However,
keep in mind these are Climbing holds, not Decorative holds. Anything left
in direct sunlight including climbing holds will fade or discolor. If you
want the colors to stay, use them indoors or keep your wall shaded.
- How many holds do I need?
Normally we recommend around 1 hold per square foot. For smaller walls like a 4' x 8' kids wall, we recommend 15-20 holds. This
many will give you a good start, and you can always add more later. The
exact number needed will depend on the size and ability of the climbers.
- How far apart should I space the holds?
The answer to this question depends on the height of the
climbers. For beginners, we recommend spacing holds no farther apart than
the distance from their elbow to the tips of their fingers. As the skill
of the climbers increases they can skip holds, turn them upside down, or try using smaller holds
instead of the bigger ones.
- I want to build an outdoor wall,
What material should I use?
We recommend 2x6 or 2x8 panels. To preserve it the best you'll want to seal or paint the wood. If you want to use plywood, we recommend using the 1" green treated stuff. If you are
using bolt on holds you'll need stainless steel bolts & t-nuts.
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What is the difference between
Bolt-on holds and Screw-on holds?
Bolt-ons generally have one anchor point. They require
3/8" socket-head bolts and the installation of 3/8" T-nuts in the back
of the wall. Once the T-nuts are installed, fastening and removing the
holds is extremely easy. All you need is a 5/16 hex key/wrench.
Screw-ons always have at least 2 anchor points. The pre-cast holes
in our holds are 1/4" in diameter. We generally use 2" weather
resistant deck screws to fasten them to the wall. You will need a power
drill with a #2 philips head bit to install and remove these holds. Most people who use screw-ons don't change the hold positions very much.
Because the hardware is so much cheaper, screw-on holds are the way to go if you
are on a small budget.
How do I install T-nuts?

Click to view instructions for installing
4 prong t-nuts and Round Base t-nuts.
- Which rock holds are for feet and which are for hands?
Good question! Almost all rock holds can be used either way.
You can use the big holds as handholds and rely on your arms, use the
big holds as feet and rely on your legs, or a little of both.
- What is the difference between
Residential Grade and Commercial Grade?
Our climbing holds are made with pure commercial grade polyurethane. This type of hold
is far more durable than holds made with fillers. Commercial grade holds are stronger than the t-nuts. If you overtighten the bolts the t-nut will break before the hold does. Three Ball holds are designed to withstand years of abuse in the busiest rock climbing gyms. Our screw-on holds feature imbedded washers just like the bolt-on holds. Embedded washers help our holds endure more abuse than those without washers.
Most of our competitors make Residential Grade climbing holds. These holds are made with polyester resin or polyurethane mixed with fillers like sand or microspheres. This allows other manufactureres to make more holds with less plastic and keep the cost down. Cheap holds made with filler will break if overtightened. Your really do get what you pay for!
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If you have more questions, let us know! We are happy to help!
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