kaip11•3d ago

My old climbing rope gave out on me during a big oak removal

It happened about two weeks ago on a job in Springfield. I was about 40 feet up, making a cut on a big limb, and I felt a weird little pop in my line. When I looked down, I saw about six inches of the sheath had just peeled back like a banana. My heart jumped into my throat, man. That rope was my first real climbing line, bought it eight years ago when I was still working for a big company. I did the slow, careful climb down and just sat on the tailgate staring at it. It wasn't even frayed anywhere else, just that one spot where it must have rubbed against a stub a thousand times. Made me think about all the gear we trust every day. What's a good sign you guys look for to retire a rope before it tells you itself?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamie7943d ago

Had a carabiner snap once, same scary feeling.

david_hayes3d ago

Man, that's terrifying. Always check for hairline cracks now.