Frequently Asked Questions
What is the All Thumbs Multi-Grip and how is it different from a regular pinch block? +
The All Thumbs Multi-Grip is a specialized training tool with one cleverly shaped edge that lets you train two different grip patterns — thumb isolation or open-hand crimp — without switching tools. Here's how it works: The block has a single, hyper-rounded edge designed to work two ways: 1. Thumb-nesting pinch grip: Nestle your thumb into the curved profile and pinch the block like a climbing hold. Because the edge is rounded and your thumb sits deep in the curve, your fingers have less to grip — which shifts the load directly onto your thumb. This isolates thumb strength in a way flat pinch blocks can't. 2. Hyper-rounded open-hand crimp: Grip the same edge with an open hand (fingers draped over the curve, thumb relaxed or lightly opposing). The rounded shape reduces strain on finger tendons compared to sharp edges, making it great for warm-ups, endurance work, or tendon-friendly strength training. How it's different from a regular pinch block: A standard pinch block has a flat surface that trains thumb and fingers together. The All Thumbs Multi-Grip uses one rounded edge to let you choose: isolate your thumb (pinch style) or train open-hand grip (crimp style). Same tool, two targeted workouts.
Why train my thumb separately? Can't I just get thumb strength from climbing? +
You can build some thumb strength from climbing — but training it separately with the thumb-nesting pinch is more effective because it isolates the exact muscles you need for thumb-dependent moves. Here's the problem with only climbing for thumb strength: When you're on the wall using your thumb, your body naturally recruits bigger muscles (forearms, arms, back) to help when your small thumb muscles start to fail. This means your thumb never gets fully trained — you're always "cheating" a little by using other muscles. How the thumb-nesting pinch fixes this: No compensation: When you pinch the rounded edge with your thumb nested in the curve, your fingers have less to grip. Your thumb either holds it, or it doesn't. This forces your thumb muscles to adapt and get stronger. Measurable progress: You can track exact weights and times. If you pinched 10 lbs for 7 seconds last week and 15 lbs this week, you know your thumb is getting stronger. On the wall, progress is harder to measure. Targets a common weakness: Most climbers have weaker thumb strength than finger strength. The thumb-nesting pinch exposes this weakness directly and forces your thumb to catch up. What actually gets stronger: Thumb flexor strength (your thumb curling and compressing); Thumb opposition (your thumb pressing against your fingers); Small hand muscles that stabilize pinch grip; Neural recruitment (your brain learning to fire thumb muscles more effectively).
How do I actually use the thumb-nesting pinch correctly? +
Using the thumb-nesting pinch correctly is specific — and getting it right matters for both effectiveness and safety. What correct form looks like: Thumb placement: Nestle the pad of your thumb into the deepest part of the rounded curve. Your thumb should feel "cradled" by the shape, not perched on top. Finger position: Place your fingers lightly on the opposite side of the edge — just enough to stabilize, not enough to take over the work. The goal is to let your thumb do the lifting. Compression, not just grip: Actively press your thumb into the curve while gently opposing with your fingers. You should feel your thumb working, not just your fingers squeezing. Straight arm: Keep your arm fully extended when holding weight. This isolates the thumb — if your arm is bent, your biceps are helping. Neutral wrist: Your wrist should stay straight, not bent forward or backward. Common mistakes to avoid: Thumb on top, not nested: If your thumb is resting on the edge instead of in the curve, you're not using the isolation design. Fingers gripping too hard: If your fingers are doing most of the work, you've lost the thumb-isolation benefit. Light finger contact only. Letting it slip: If the block is sliding in your hand, either use chalk or reduce the weight. Slipping means you're losing tension. Holding too long or too short: Aim for 5-10 seconds. Less than 5 seconds = too heavy. More than 12 seconds = too light. Simple self-check: After each hold, ask yourself: - Did I feel it primarily in my thumb pad? ✓ - Was my thumb nestled deep in the curve? ✓ - Did my fingers stay relaxed while my thumb worked? ✓ If yes to all three, you're using it right. Quick tip: Use chalk before every attempt. Thumb grip is highly friction-dependent, and sweaty hands will slip no matter how strong you are. Keep a chalk bag nearby and reapply between sets.
When would I use the thumb-nesting pinch vs. the open-hand crimp on the same edge? +
The same rounded edge on the All Thumbs Multi-Grip serves two different purposes depending on how you grip it. Here's when to use which: Use the thumb-nesting pinch when: • You want to specifically target thumb strength and compression • You're training for small pinches, crimps with thumb support, or compression holds • You notice your thumb fading before your fingers on the wall • You're in a strength-building phase and want measurable thumb progress. Use the hyper-rounded open-hand crimp when: • You're warming up your fingers before climbing or training • You want finger strength work on a tendon-friendly, rounded edge • You're building open-hand grip endurance with higher reps • You're rehabbing or prehabbing finger tendons with low-load movement. Simple way to think about it: - Thumb-nesting pinch = targeted thumb strength (like thumb curls) - Open-hand crimp = finger-focused work on a forgiving edge (like rounded hangboard training).