Crossword Genius

Mountaineering aid to fasten all round (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

piton

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'mountaineering aid' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'to fasten all round' is the wordplay.
'fasten' becomes 'pin' (pinning is a kind of fastening).
'all round' indicates putting letters inside.
'to' inserted within 'pin' is 'PITON'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for piton that I've seen before include "Peg driven into rock as climbing support" , "Climber's iron peg" , "something upwardly mobile type hammers home" , "Metal peg used in rock climbing" , "Climber's spike" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.