Replace this rope?

[Mick Dempsey]

You can retire rope and use it for pulling and realise that you can hang a truck off a damaged rope.

Having said that, if it worries you, replace it, as Muggs says.

 

[Boomslang]

Out of curiosity, anyone know of an accident involving a rope actually breaking (not being cut)?

I've broken rigging ropes and slings under extreme loading situations, but a climbing line (even a slightly compromised one) has a near zero chance of breaking under normal conditions.

Every story you read about rope breakage, whether in rock or tree climbing, always has other mitigating factors. Dan Osman famously did a few free falls using ropes that had been left outside for a month in snow and rain. Ultimately, it was friction that cut his rope and led to his death.

The amount of force needed to break a modern synthetic rope is much greater than the human body is capable of withstanding. You'll break yourself before you break the rope.

BUT, there are exceptions to everything which is why we preach replacement.

 

[Treemuel]

I've broken rigging ropes and slings under extreme loading situations, but a climbing line (even a slightly compromised one) has a near zero chance of breaking under normal conditions.

Every story you read about rope breakage, whether in rock or tree climbing, always has other mitigating factors. Dan Osman famously did a few free falls using ropes that had been left outside for a month in snow and rain. Ultimately, it was friction that cut his rope and led to his death.

The amount of force needed to break a modern synthetic rope is much greater than the human body is capable of withstanding. You'll break yourself before you break the rope.

BUT, there are exceptions to everything which is why we preach replacement.

Yeah, I was actually thinking about Dan Osman and the kind of free falls he would take on dynamic lines. Seems like all the (non-tree) climbing accidents I've heard of where the rope failed were due to other factors like sharp edges or cutting through it with friction.

Definitely wise to play it safe, but the safety margins on modern equipment have always made me feel more than comfortable.

 

[southsoundtree]

Almost all of the rope is undamaged. Cut it and you have 2 different lengths of lines, plus a new, full-length rope.

 

[Jehinten]

Echoing everyone else on replacement if it gives you peace of mind. Honestly though I'd probably climb on that unless I could see something else on an in person inspection.

A cheaper (free) option if you climb srt on it, tie an alpine butterfly with the damage in the loop and make that side your basal/retrieval leg. Don't use that knot for your termination, just tie another alpine wherever you need to terminate your rope and that damaged section will never see a load.

 

[ClimbingTN]

I would nip those off with scissors and use it for a few more years, but that's just me. You don't need group consensus to validate your worries about a piece of life safety gear. If it worries you then chop it.

Not really worried. I don’t see the core. I was just wondering if there is an ANSI recommendation and y’alls opinions. I’ve had some strands picked out and stuffed them back in. I’m going to measure it out but I know it’s closer to the eye (dang it). If I cut it, I’ll have long lanyard or a short system to advance in the tree. I appreciate the discussion. It just pains me to cut an 150 ft expensive rope.

 

[Phil]

Seems like a perfect time to learn how to splice double braids!

 

[islandarb]

Not really worried. I don’t see the core. I was just wondering if there is an ANSI recommendation and y’alls opinions. I’ve had some strands picked out and stuffed them back in. I’m going to measure it out but I know it’s closer to the eye (dang it). If I cut it, I’ll have long lanyard or a short system to advance in the tree. I appreciate the discussion. It just pains me to cut an 150 ft expensive rope.

We all been there, but I consider rope cheap and the nicks and glazes are always a cut for me. But I have ropes that go 3 years solid before I retire them. Part and parcel of being a productive arb. I do not like advancing up a tentioned rope and see puffs from cut strands. I have too many other things to focus on. Irieman's two cents here.

 

[evo]

Out of curiosity, anyone know of an accident involving a rope actually breaking (not being cut)?

If bridges are on that list, yes!
Along time ago one of the first ropes I broke.. it was a very old retired climbing line. It was derated to a rigging line and then somehow I wound up with some chunks of it. I used it to try to yard a log with an excavator. I was amazed at how much that thing stretched before it let go. If my body was part of that system the I’d be praying the rope would break just to end it all.

 

[ghostice]

Folks have probably seen this but if you haven't it's a great video on rope and bridges. Cheers

 

[ClimbingTN]

After close inspection…it’s getting cut. I found 8 strands severed and that’s too many for my liking. I’ll end up with a 50ft with an eye and 100 foot with no eyes. The plus side, I have an excuse to buy another rope.

 

[Bendroctanus]

After close inspection…it’s getting cut. I found 8 strands severed and that’s too many for my liking. I’ll end up with a 50ft with an eye and 100 foot with no eyes. The plus side, I have an excuse to buy another rope.

….There’s a silver lining behind every cloooooouuuuuud!…