Rock Climbing Nut Tool
An ergonomic redesign of a rock climbing tool.
Skills: Fusion 360, user research, needfinding, prototyping
Role: Designer, Researcher
Team: Robert Luke Joseph, Zach Larson, Jannah Kara Vira
Context: Stanford University, 2023
Existing tool + problems
A nut tool is used to dislodge protective metal nuts, which rock climbers push into spaces between rocks. Existing nut tools, made of thin pieces of steel, are uncomfortable and difficult to grip.
Using this tool requires repetitive and forceful motions; prolonged use leads to pain through excess wrist extension, wrist abduction, and tissue compression.
To counteract the strain and cramping, our team added an ergonomic handle to the metal pick. Our main goals were to redesign the tool to be easy to grip, allow for a more neutral wrist position, and feel comfortable for a range of hand sizes and grip styles.
ideation + PROTOTYPING
To begin the redesign process, I started sketching ideas for new handles, taking inspiration from other types of tools.
We turned our favorite initial concepts into pink foam prototypes, which we attached to a laser cut top piece.
user TEsting
To test our eight prototypes, we went to the Stanford Alpine Club at the rock gym. We surveyed climbers with a range of experience and hand sizes:
a beginner climber who has never used a nut tool
an experienced left-handed climber who often uses nut keys
an intermediate climber with bouldering experience
After testing the prototypes, climbers participated in interviews, completed hand pressure surveys, and ranked each model from 1 to 5. Then, we assessed each interaction with the RULA ergonomic assessment to compare strain. The following report from our first session includes hand assessments of pressure and pain, specific comments, RULAs for each design, and more.
refinement
This testing data informed further iterations of the most successful design: the “gas pump handle.” After creating iterations with varying thicknesses and placements, we returned to the rock gym for more testing. Another round of RULA assessments led us to combine two of the designs to reduce bulkiness without losing ergonomic functionality.
The final redesign addressed the climbers’ needs for a sleek, convenient, and comfortable tool. This tool can be held at varying positions and angles without excessive wrist flexion or extension. The finger notches prevent slipping and help the hand settle into place, allowing for a secure grip.
