Pitons: Leeper

Wired Z–Nailers

Z–Nailers are meant to be stacked with standard pitons (usually angles), not driven individually. Wired slings resist abrasion and cutting better than webbing or cord slings.

Wired Z–Nailers are fine for vertical cracks, but the more flexible webbing or cord slings are preferred for horizontal cracks where sling friction on the rock helps reduce the outward pull on the Z–Nailer.

↑ 012: Leeper Wired Z–Nailer; S

Made in USA [ca. 1995].
Effective size: 45x16 mm.
Leeper Z–Nailers were designed for stacking with angle pitons. They came in three sizes.
Made from heat–treated 4130 chromium–molybdenum steel.
Stamped "Leeper" on the upper side of the central rib.

Z–Nailers

Z–Nailers are meant to be stacked with standard pitons (usually angles), not driven individually. They provide an attachment point centered on the stack's bearing surface with rock, reducing or eliminating the leverage normally acting to rotate the piton blade out of vertical cracks. Their small slings are fine for aid climbing, but not for free climbing.

↑ Set 013-015: Leeper Z–Nailers; S, M, L

Made in USA [ca. 1995].
Leeper Z–Nailers were designed for stacking with angle pitons.

↑ 013: Leeper Z–Nailer; S

Made in USA [ca. 1995].
Effective size: 45x16 mm.
Made from heat–treated 4130 chromium–molybdenum steel.
Stamped "Leeper" on the upper side of the central rib.

↑ 014: Leeper Z–Nailer; M

Made in USA [ca. 1995].
Effective size: 50x19 mm.
Made from heat–treated 4130 chromium–molybdenum steel.
Stamped "Leeper" on the upper side of the central rib.

↑ 015: Leeper Z–Nailer; L

Made in USA [ca. 1995].
Effective size: 53x22mm mm.
Made from heat–treated 4130 chromium–molybdenum steel.
Stamped "Leeper" on the upper side of the central rib.

Z-Tons

There were seven Z-ton sizes made in three series. The first series from 1962 had a different shape eye than the later two. The third series changed the alloy to S.A.E. 4130 and used slightly thicker steel.