A piton is a specialized piece of equipment used in big wall and aid climbing. It consists of a metal spike designed to be driven into a crack or seam within a climbing surface using a dedicated climbing hammer.
The primary function of a piton is to serve as an anchor, providing protection for the climber against falls or assisting with progress during aid climbing maneuvers. These tools are typically equipped with an eye hole or a ring, allowing a carabiner to be attached directly or indirectly to a climbing rope.