Just realized my old climbing rope was 12 years old

I finally swapped out my climbing rope last week after finding a fray near the splice that I'd missed for months. The new one cost $220 but the peace of mind alone was worth it after a sketchy removal job on a big oak in Portland. Any of you guys keep a log of when you bought your ropes or just go by feel like I did?

3 comments

3 Comments

abbyhall2d ago

Just go by feel" is basically what I did for years, and it almost bit me. I had a rope that felt fine to me until a buddy pointed out a spot where the sheath was worn thin right where it ran over a sharp edge on a previous anchor. After that scare I started writing the purchase date on a piece of tape and wrapping it around the core at one end, hidden under the sheath. It's low tech but I can check it without having to dig up old emails. Now I swap them out at the 8 year mark no matter what, even if they still seem okay. Peace of mind is cheap compared to a hospital bill.

kim_mason552d ago

I still have a rope from 2014 in my shed that I use for trunk straps on removals lmao. It saw a 40 foot piece of a hemlock snap off and catch it once, that thing earned its retirement.

mason.drew2d ago

Man, @abbyhall that tape trick is actually genius. I've been writing the date on the rope tag with a sharpie, but that tape idea inside the sheath is way better because it won't rub off over time, especially with all the dirt and sap we deal with. I do the same thing now though - every 6 years for me, no exceptions, after I pulled a rope out of my gear bag that had a section that was basically dust when I pinched it. Cost me a new rope and a real sketchy afternoon.