 These improved pitons proved instrumental to the success of the first ascent of the Northwest Face of Half Dome in 1957.That same year, Yvon Chouinard began to produce and sell alloy-steel pitons.Chouinard's success with his pitons led him to establish Chouinard Equipment, Ltd, which later became Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.


Gallwas studied chemistry at San Diego State University.