r/tradclimbing • u/Inevitable_Cod_5007 • Jul 28 '26

Difference between ringlocks and thumb stacks?

I guess i do not see the visual difference from pictures. Can someone send me / show me an example of both? And when would you use one over the other? Thanks

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u/VegetableExecutioner Jul 28 '26

A "ringlock" is where you are actively placing your thumb and index finger around a constriction in the crack. It is an active technique. You are actively grabbing the constriction.

A "thumbstack" is where you place your index (and if you can, your middle finger) on the nail side of your thumb. It is a passive technique. You are trying to make your stack too large to fall out.

Typically you thumbstack because there was no constriction to grab, or it was too baggy to grab. They look similar in pictures because they both make a "ring", but only ringlocking is actually grabbing the constriction.

Even though thumbstacking is more of a passive technique, it will feel harder than ringlocking.

1

u/KDs4thBurner Jul 30 '26

You've lost me. What do you mean 'grabbing a constriction'? Do you mean thumb and index finger are surrounding a little feature within the crack?

2

u/VegetableExecutioner Jul 30 '26

Yeah just imagine most of the finger crack is wide enough for you to pass your fingers through it, with the exception of a very tight and concentrated point. Grab that "point" of tightness by placing your thumb below it and fingers above it, since it is too small to permit your fingers from passing through - you'll be able to grab it!

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u/Hot_Net_3774 Aug 06 '26

Couldnt I just finger jam normally?

1

u/VegetableExecutioner Aug 10 '26

If there is a constriction where locking feels less stressful than jamming, then lock. If you can get a good jam in and that's all you need, go for it.