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Author

Replacing Ropes/Slings/Harness


ajfclark

20-Feb-2015
12:20:39 PM

Actually petrol shouldn't damage nylon.

You could soak it in cat urine and it'd be significantly weaker.


shortman

20-Feb-2015
12:25:09 PM

On 20/02/2015 ajfclark wrote:
>Actually petrol shouldn't damage nylon.
>
>You could soak it in cat urine and it'd be significantly weaker.
>
Interesting. Would u wash yours in petrol to test the theory?


ajfclark

20-Feb-2015
12:28:25 PM

It's been done.

Sadly, since black diamond keep messing with their website I can't find the QC with KP article quickly... Here's one playing with acids and harnesses though: http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/qc-lab-acid-harness.html


ajfclark

20-Feb-2015
12:30:56 PM

Rock and Ice cites the same article with no link: http://www.rockandice.com/gear-guide-tips/will-urine-harm-a-climbing-rope

But the comment from a manufacturer of ropes:

According to the manufacturer Honeywell, which used to make nylon used for climbing ropes, substances that do not affect rope strength include motor oil, mineral oil, salt water, Freon, gasoline, kerosene, benzene, chloroform, paints, pine oils and insect repellent. Agents that we know will weaken nylon are sulfuric (battery) acid, bleach and solvents.

That said, I'm interested about the insect repellent being in there. I'm pretty sure Bushman's extra strength DEET does something nasty to nylon. [edit: apparently not, just other synthetic fabrics]

[edit: archived copy of old article: http://www.mediafire.com/view/ctvtgtx70pav822/QC+Lab_+From+the+Archives+__+Black+Diamond+Journal.pdf]


shortman

20-Feb-2015
1:12:03 PM

Aren't most harnesses made from polyester anyway? Maybe not from 20-30 years ago....

Anyway, I got my chemicals confused, thanks for the links Andrew.


shortman

20-Feb-2015
1:13:06 PM

On 20/02/2015 capt_planit wrote:
>It seems fine.

Take 2....You could soak it in cat piss, let it dry out and it would seem fine.

kieranl

20-Feb-2015
2:13:27 PM

On 20/02/2015 shortman wrote:
>On 20/02/2015 capt_planit wrote:
>>It seems fine.
>
>Take 2....You could soak it in cat piss, let it dry out and it would seem
>fine.
I don't want to know how you would go about getting hold of enough cat's piss to soak a harness.


ajfclark

20-Feb-2015
3:53:57 PM

Buy some XXXX? Fosters? NZ Riesling?

martym

20-Feb-2015
5:36:49 PM

Is cat piss just a funny word, or does it actually have some kid of corrosive property?


ajfclark

20-Feb-2015
10:33:20 PM

Not just a funny word. Urine and nylon is bad. Read the Bd article: http://www.mediafire.com/view/ctvtgtx70pav822/QC+Lab_+From+the+Archives+__+Black+Diamond+Journal.pdf

rightarmbad

21-Feb-2015
1:01:36 PM

And it would be, petrol does not significantly hurts slings. In fact, some tests show a slings breaking at higher then non soaked slings.

Battery acid is the devil to steer clear of.

rightarmbad

21-Feb-2015
1:03:48 PM

must update page before replying......

martym

21-Feb-2015
9:53:33 PM

Final word "Even though testing is inconclusive, don't pee on your rope. It's kinda gross."

Gives a whole new perspective to the Hotel California undies traverse!


Rocksinmyhead

22-Feb-2015
6:12:02 PM

Funny, I found the undies traverse to have the opposite effect. To quote colonel Barry Horne, USAF, "I don't think you could have driven a needle up my sphincter with a sledgehammer ".

Btw, if anyone's worried about urine, you should be paranoid about soft and sports drinks. A quick Google search indicates the pH of normal urine is 4.5 to 8, whereas sportsdrinks are about 3.5, and Coke is 2.5. Battery acid by comparison is 1.0

As far as replacing gear goes, I use a simple modification of Superstu's guide, e.g.

superstition and paranoia / Tight arseness = time till retirement

jrc

23-Feb-2015
12:44:30 PM

Sportsdrinks and Coke don't contain sulphuric acid as does a car battery.

Sulphuric acid is the main commonly used chemical that can attacks the chemical structure in nylon. Vapours from sulphuric acid can have an adverse effect also.

If you have a car with the battery in the boot (instead of under bonnet) it's probably a good idea to ensure you check the -out- of- car vent system is working for the battery. It is not a good idea to leave climbing gear in such an environment for long periods. eg in the boot for 6 months


Rocksinmyhead

23-Feb-2015
1:41:13 PM

On 23/02/2015 jrc wrote:
>Sportsdrinks and Coke don't contain sulphuric acid as does a car battery.
>
Hey jrc. They may not contain sulphuric acid, but they are apparently both more acidic than urine, which doesn't ( or shouldn't) contain it either. I mentioned battery acid for sake of comparison.

Urine is being suggested as a possible cause of weakening nylon, and I think it's assumed that it's the acid in it that's doing it. So if we should be worried about acids in general, there's more than one source to be concerned with, and it could be from something some climbers wouldn't normally consider. I think most would be aware that battery acid is potentially dangerous, but I for one didn't seriously consider a bottle of slightly leaking Gatorade in my climbing pack MAY be damaging. I say may 'cause without testing this is just marginally informed paranoia.


ajfclark

23-Feb-2015
2:13:16 PM

Bluewater says:

Chemical Contamination - Protect your rope from exposure to harsh chemicals. Exposure to chemicals will cause failure that can result in injury or death. DO NOT allow your rope to come into contact with any compounds containing acids or alkalis, oxidizing agents, phenol or bleaching compounds. Be especially careful to avoid contact with battery acid.

Remember: Contaminants can be in the form of liquids, solids, mist or vapors. Contamination may or may not be visible and may not be detectable. If you suspect your rope has been contaminated it must not be used. It must be destroyed immediately to prevent any use whatsoever.

Although it will not entirely eliminate the possibility, ropes should always be stored in a rope bag to reduce the potential of contamination.

(emphasis mine)


Rocksinmyhead

23-Feb-2015
2:29:29 PM

Ok, ajfclark, I'm happy to call it confirmed paranoia now.

There are 38 messages in this topic.