Full Crimp

A "Full Crimp" is a grip position where the climber's fingers are sharply bent at the second knuckles, allowing them to hold onto small holds with maximum strength. The thumb typically wraps over the index finger to add support. While effective for securing holds, this grip can put significant stress on the tendons and joints of the fingers, making it riskier for injuries if not used carefully.

Examples

In the climbing gym, Sarah sees a small edge on the bouldering wall that she needs to grab to progress. She places her fingers on the edge and bends the first knuckle fully, putting her thumb over her fingers for extra grip. This is a "full crimp." James is bouldering outdoors and faces a route with sharp holds. He finds a tiny ledge, positions his fingers in a full crimp to gain maximum hold, and pushes himself upward. On a challenging overhang problem, Maria uses a full crimp to hang onto a nearly horizontal hold, her fingers tightly curled and locked to maintain her grip while she searches for the next foothold.