Track spike tools are available from online specialty retailers for athletic equipment. You can also find these tools at larger sporting goods stores. Local running shops often stock them.
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TL;DR
Track spikes require specific tools like spike wrenches to manage common maintenance issues such as stripped threads or stuck pins. These tools are readily available from online vendors and specialised sporting goods outlets.
Athletes are advised to dip spike threads in light oil before insertion, which helps prevent rust and aids in easy replacement, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of track footwear.
What tools are necessary for track spike maintenance?
For effective track spike maintenance, athletes primarily need specialized spike wrenches or robust pliers to address common issues like stripped threads or stuck pins. Maintaining spikes is crucial because track spikes are specialized, lightweight shoes with hard plastic or carbon-fibre plates that thread metal pins, providing enhanced traction on synthetic surfaces.
Improperly maintained spikes can severely hinder an athlete's performance and potentially damage expensive track surfaces.
- Athletes frequently encounter problems such as stripped threads on spike pins.
- Stuck spikes require careful removal to avoid damage to the shoe's plate.
- Applying a light oil to spike threads before insertion prevents rust and facilitates future changes.
How do different spike types affect tool use?
Different spike types, such as pyramid, needle, and Christmas tree spikes, primarily influence track surface impact rather than the specific tools required for their maintenance. Pyramid spikes compress the track and return energy, while needle and Christmas tree spikes, often prohibited in school competitions, are designed to slice or permanently compress the track material.
Regardless of type, the removal and insertion process typically requires the same basic tools.
- Pyramid spikes are conical and temporarily compress the track surface.
- Needle spikes are sharply pointed and can damage synthetic tracks.
- Christmas tree spikes have a stepped, blunt design which also compresses tracks.
How to choose the right track spike tools?
Choosing the correct track spike tools involves considering the type of maintenance needed and the tool's durability.
- Assess the frequency of spike changes.
- Determine if pliers or only a wrench will suffice for common issues.
- Evaluate the material quality of the tool for longevity.
- Ensure the tool fits all common spike pin sizes.
