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Chockstone Forum - Gear Lust / Lost & Found

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Author

Is my gear still safe?

damon

20/07/2010
10:09:23 PM

Hi Guys,

I have had about 3 years off climbing and finally have some time to get out for a little play at Werribee Gorge..

All my gear has been sitting in a box in the garage (no exposure to sunlight)
My rope was bought brand new about 4 years to 5 years ago. Has mainly been used for top-ropping and never taken a lead fall. Used probablly once-a-month over 2 years. (if that)

So life of the rope is probably getting on 5 years, no thin spots or sheath damage.

Safe to assume its good to go?

**I am assuming all the other gear (harness, karabs, belay, slings. is fine over time?)**

:P

nmonteith

20/07/2010
10:12:23 PM

Go for it. I'm still using a 5 year old rope that have been used every week for the last five years!

Tommo

20/07/2010
10:15:47 PM

Wow, you just made me feel really guilty about some of the gear I use if this has you worried...

Go for it, but that's just my opinion, and opinions are like a**holes - everyone's got one.

;o)

arniearms

20/07/2010
10:34:12 PM

Hey damon,

I found myself in a similar situation about 5years ago, i used my rope that was basically brand new but in storage, but retired my aging harness as it was starting to show signs of wear and tear. As I was learning again, I wasnt taking big falls on my rope, and felt safe untill it started to soften up...

If ur serious about ur climbing, just replace the gear slowley over time, starting with what needs doing, and then go from there...

Play safe!

Sarah Gara

20/07/2010
11:09:36 PM

check your harness carefully -my petzal harness frayed and that had been in storage. x

damon

21/07/2010
12:07:55 AM

Really appreciate the feedback guys, look forward to getting back in the game!

Cheers.

Tommo

21/07/2010
7:44:18 AM

Having said that, just retired my harness. But my new one is oh so sexy, so I keep bringing my old one out for bolting routes, to save glue getting all over my new one. Which is naughty. I must cut the old one up to resist temptation!

I'm actually pretty critical of worn gear and my decision to use or not is well thought out. Having hung out with some BD guys in their test-lab and seen some 'old' stuff break, I realise how over engineered most gear is.

If in doubt (like, you have that uneasy queasyness in your belly while using it) CHUCK IT!

IdratherbeclimbingM9

21/07/2010
8:20:41 PM

>Is my gear still safe?

Nah.
~> I will take it off your hands and ~~dispose of~~ test it if you like!
Heh, heh, heh.

There are 8 messages in this topic.