While current retail BCA “B” series shovels are all sold with a plug in the bottom (blade) end of the shaft, some were sold in the past that did not have this plug. Though “plugless” shovels have worked fine for us and we are big fans of this shovel model series, some individuals have reported (sometimes rather vehemently) that snow packing into the open shaft end can cause the shaft to part ways with the blade. Thus, BCA provides a plug retrofit kit that we highly recommend. Pretty simple, check it out.
BCA shaft plug upgrade kit includes a shorter button spring, plug and instructions.
Completed install, the process is simple. Swap spring. Insert plug in shaft. Bash shaft down on solid surface to seat the plug.
Previous “B” BCA shovels review.
Shop for BCA avalanche shovels here.
7 comments
Any note on where to get the retrofit? I can’t find any info on BCA’s website.
Thanks for reporting on this. Cheers
Just call BCA and they will send you one.
Will they fit the Traverse series? That’d be a welcome upgrade to a spare shovel.
Charlie, I’ve owned both Traverse and newer B series and I’d say it will fit. Contact BCA to be sure.
Plug-less shovels had worked wonders for me. But this plug looks interesting. Not this season, but might try it next year.
One thing to bear in mind is the plug is not meant to be removed and would be near impossible to do so in the field. If your shovel handle is part of your emergency sled concept, you may wish to leave the plug off, or even remove it at home to be able to remove the spring clip in order to bolt to ski tips/tails.
Indeed Plinko, that plug is bashed in there super tight. If I had to get it out at home I’d be attacking it with my heat gun. It could probably be made to be field removable by grinding on it just enough so it still fit tight enough to stay in while shoveling, but was still removable by prying it off. It’s funny, but I’m wondering if some shovels or their parts have actually become too beefy?
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