Pitons
A piton is a forged piece of metal, formed in various shapes, thicknesses, and lengths, which is pounded with a hammer into cracks in the rock for climbing protection and anchors. Although pitons were the main form of climbing protection until about 1970, they are rarely used by climbers now since their repeated insertion and removal creates scarring and damage to cliff faces, which can lead to cliffs being closed to climbing. Most pitons are used on aid climbs and only as a last resort. Types of pitons including angles, knifeblades, Lost Arrows, and bongs. Piton is a French word.
