My old climbing rope finally gave out on a job in Spokane

It was a 60-foot line I've had for about seven years, and the sheath tore near the splice last Tuesday. I was about 30 feet up a big maple when I felt that weird, soft spot. I had to switch to my backup line and finish the cut, then lower down real slow. What's a good sign it's time to retire a rope before it gets to that point?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamesf2913d ago

That "weird, soft spot" is a major red flag. I read a guide once that said to check for sheath fuzziness and hard, glazed sections from lots of friction. If the core feels crunchy or lumpy when you run it through your hands, that's a sign it's done. Sun damage makes it stiff and faded too. Basically if it looks or feels different than when it was new, it's probably time.

wyatt13513d ago

Wait, crunchy or lumpy core? That's a new one. Never even thought to check for that. Makes sense though, if the inside is breaking down. Sun damage turning it stiff is the worst, had a rope do that once. Felt like trying to tie a knot with a piece of dried out licorice.

gavin22813d ago

So that crunchy core feel, is that from wear or just age?