ESSENTIAL HOLD INFO
(please read this before using your holds)

Beacon climbing holds are designed to fit on to all types of climbing wall surface and can be fixed using either tee nuts on plywood or sockets which have been set into a concrete or brick surface.

Inspecting your holds
All holds are carefully checked before they leave the Beacon, and with the exception of screw-ons, they are all individually wrapped with the appropriate bolt. If you receive any damaged packages please do not sign for them, and if necessary return them with the carrier. If there is any sign of damage, such as chips or cracks, when you unpack the holds they should be returned to the Beacon to be replaced.

Tightening holds
Beacon holds are mounted using M10 bolts and are tightened using either a 6mm or 8mm Allen key. Never force a bolt into a Tee nut that isn't sitting squarely, as you have a good chance of cross threading the nut and having it come adrift. The amount of force required to fully tighten a hold depends on the size of the hold and how much leverage it will be subject to in use. Smaller holds will generally have a countersink bolt requiring a 6mm Allen key and do not need much force to tighten. Most of the larger holds have cap head bolts and are tightened securely using a long handled 8mm Allen key.

IMPORTANT
Over-tightening of smaller and narrower holds, or holds with a thin base can occasionally lead to breakages. If you suspect a hold has broken on tightening it should be disposed of immediately. Don't under any circumstances continue to use a hold you suspect has cracked: you will generally know a hold has cracked because you will feel, or hear it happen! Particular care is needed to prevent breakages when fixing to uneven surfaces, and it may be best to steer clear of the Xsmall holds in these circumstances. If you are not sure about the suitability of your surface then please ask.

Second fixing point
Some of the larger Beacon holds, or those most prone to spinning due to leverage, have a second fixing point. The use of this second point is advisable in certain circumstances, eg for use on a brick wall intended for small children, or for securing a big jug next to that crucial clip on a lead wall. The second fixing point is designed to take a standard wood screw which can be fixed with an electric screwdriver set to low torque.

Handling holds
Beacon holds are strong and tough. However, care should be taken with the handling of holds, and any holds dropped from a height should be discarded, as there could be hairline cracks. Care also needs to be taken with general handling to avoid ‘throwing’ holds onto a hard floor or into a bucket containing other holds: if in any doubt then you should dispose of the hold.

Cleaning holds
Beacon holds are very resistant to polishing, though they will clog with chalk and grease with repeated use over time. A scrub in hot soapy water followed by a hot rinse will restore the original texture. If you need to clean large quantities of holds a dishwasher or pressure washer work well, but avoid using temperatures in excess of 50 degrees.