[irish si]

I and a few other people where in the hole the other day, and a couple of reasonably well known boulderers were (discretely) using what looked like a wire brush of the infamous hold.  When questioned they stated that it was infact brass and that it would do the rock no harm.  The situation was somewhat awkward and all parties went their own ways.  I personally think that the hold is getting fucked and this is the last thing it needs, and i decided to mention it on here just to see what others thought.  They may well use the forum and hopefully the message will get put across, that this is not neccessary under any circumstances on such a mature piece of gritstone.  I also dont want to cause any trouble, therefore I am naning no one!!! but I know various others were present at the incident.

This is a uk bouldering forum, therefore i suppose its important, so what do you think????

[Bubba]

Though a little suede-style brass brush is better than a big DIY store wire jobby, there's still no need for them.

A nylon bristled brush is going to be just as good - it's not like Brad Pit is covered in a stubborn layer of lichen is it?

[irish si]

Yeah, I find a good whack with a towel sorts that hold out best of all!!!

[Kim]

You can argue the toss about wire brushing new, dirty problems, but c'mon, something like brad pit?? Can't be a good thing.
Whoever it is should know better, especially if they read this forum as it gets slated regularly... and brass? wire? it's all metal innit - definate NO!

[dave]

personally i don't care what the thing is made out of, brass, steel, copper or whatever, wire is still wire. granted brass brushes are less likely to do damage, but still its fucking excessive, espcially since A its a well used established problem, and B its already been enlarged and damaged by wirebrushing (the marks are there for all to see).

I'd like to know why the people in question think they are so special they they don't have to respect both the rock and the guidelines that everyone else follows. This kind of thing sucks a fat dick.

[Jim]

a good whack with a bar towel sorts it right out, no need really for any brushes at all. I carry a little brass suede brush in me bag but rarely use it and wouldn't dream of using it on a clean hold, especially one as used as brad pitt.
Somebody's already scrawled 'NO POF' on the wall to the right, does '& WIRE BRUSHES' need to be added.

[dave]

on a related not last time i was there, there was an old rusty tin can with "brad pit" and a number 1 or something painted on it neatly in white paint and it was stood on a rock about 3 foot left of the start and under the block. any idea what the fuck that was about?

[Jim]

I was wondering about this as well

[mark]

Another cry of "No need" from me. The only reason someone would take a metal brush to BP is to improve the holds. A whack with a cloth or a sweep with a nylon brush is all it takes to get any excess chalk or loose grains off.

[Paul B]

no need at all (...goin out 2mora night si?)

[irish si]

Defo paul, will see you there.

Nice pic jim!!!!   :

[Doylo]

was it those cunts from middlesbrough?

[Paul B]

one of them is a sound bloke and ive known him ages and i dont know whether he was the offender...the other i have issues with....
dont think theyre quite from the borough but near enough.
(see you there si, pete and ryan going?)

[Jim]

Nice pic jim!!!!   :

You have dense to thank for the photography and myself for the slight edit and the excellent spotting :

[dobbin]

I think I was in the hole with you that day and they were adamant that use of a suade brush was ok - one of the group told them otherwise and they continued.

That day there were about five guys trying the problem in succession, its gonna get greasy (and covered in blood), so just move on! there are plenty of other great problems to go at in the plantation, I guess its just the first celebrity problem victim!

[Bonjoy]

No need for anything other than rag or toothbrush on BP.
I really dislike suede brushes, because the metal is soft it leaves a thin slippery layer of brass on the rock, much like pof but more visible and less bio-degradable :evil: .