Should I retire my blue moon climbing line

F

Fatguyclimber

Location
Newark
Hey guys yesterday I was practicing climbing by spiking up a tree in the woods across the street from my house. About half way up the tree my climbing line was getting caught up in my feet. And I accidentally put my spur spike in my rope and it went through the first layer and the core layer. What should I do? Should I retire my line? Or turn it into something else? What is the chance of it breaking on me next time? Please guys
 
You now have two shorter ropes.

For SRT, just put an Alpine butterfly to isolate the damaged section within the loop, for now.


I run my rope on the topof my foot, and slide spurs up the tree, mostly, then step down, not stomp them in.

Clipping your rope to the side can help.
Largely, especially after my climbing rope went into the chipper, I bag and carry my rope.
 
When I was going up the tree I was working off a carabiner cinch above me and I was 15 feet from the top. I have 200 feet of rope right now so I could cut 15 feet off if you think I should. What would you recommend alpine b-fly or cut it?
 
I would just cut it off and be done. Save the 10-20 feet to practice knots while sitting in the living room. We all have to cut our new ropes at some point or another, it happens.

Stop using Carabiners for cinch anchors, there are far better options for doing that.

and, Welcome to the Buzz.
 
Yeah I know it can be dangerous that’s why I only use the cinch while I’m working my way to my final tie in point then I switch over. What would you recommend a alpine b-fly with a ring
 
You have a blue lanyard to use with a different colored climbing rope, and a 185' of bluemoon as a climbing line. Easy.

If you need more rope for an SRT basal anchor, just join two ropes. I used to sometimes use 120' of half-inch, and 90' of 9mm HTP. Thick rope for working, thin rope to extend down to the base, reducing bounce.


My suggestion of the AB is in part sharing a trick in case of rope damage while working,
and if it was more like 100' down the rope and you still want to climb on it until replacement, its a way to isolate the damage.
 
Fatguyclimber said:
Yeah I know it can be dangerous that’s why I only use the cinch while I’m working my way to my final tie in point then I switch over. What would you recommend a alpine b-fly with a ring
Click to expand...

I usually use a shackle. I have used opposing carabiners in a pinch but only when I set it by hand. If your just working vertically only than simplicity is nice. If you start moving all over the canopy then some of the pulley versions work better when it's time to drag your rope back out of the tree.

Search for "canopy ties", I think that was the thread that really goes into all the variations possible.
 
Fatguyclimber said:
Hey guys yesterday I was practicing climbing by spiking up a tree in the woods across the street from my house. About half way up the tree my climbing line was getting caught up in my feet. And I accidentally put my spur spike in my rope and it went through the first layer and the core layer. What should I do? Should I retire my line? Or turn it into something else? What is the chance of it breaking on me next time? Please guys
Click to expand...

I would not recommend spiking trees you don't plan on removing. This will help prevent spiking your rope accidentally.
 
yoyoman said:
Bet you won't do that again.
Isolating a 10% flaw with an AB that reduces the strength 40% (all estimates) may not be the best choice.
Did the spike cut the fibers or just pull them loose?
Click to expand...

Seems like a hard way to estimate the damage to the rope, particularly with a double-braid.

You know that the AB will not degenerate unexpectedly, and we typically accept knots in ropes, with associated loss of efficiency.

I haven't seen a picture.
 
yoyoman said:
Bet you won't do that again.
Isolating a 10% flaw with an AB that reduces the strength 40% (all estimates) may not be the best choice.
Did the spike cut the fibers or just pull them loose?
Click to expand...
yoyoman said:
Bet you won't do that again.
Isolating a 10% flaw with an AB that reduces the strength 40% (all estimates) may not be the best choice.
Did the spike cut the fibers or just pull them loose?
Click to expand...
It cut through the fibers. I know you can see a hole in the rope now I definitely wouldn’t trust climbing on it
 
Fatguyclimber said:
I like to practice with them because in a real situation I will be wearing them so want to learn how to access the whole tree with them
Click to expand...

I said to not spike trees you don't plan on removing. By all means, practice on a tree that is going to be removed. If you know of a removal, see if you can practice on it the day before.
 
yoyoman said:
Just for fun if you are interested. Send it to me, I'll test the damaged section, and publish the results here, you'll lose a few feet of rope. Then I'll sew eyes in the other ends. You pay postage both ways is all it will cost. PM if interested.
Richard
Click to expand...

How could you refuse that offer. Richard, you really are a great guy. Except for the fact that anytime you get a hold of my stuff you break it. Thanks for all the break testing videos.
 
As a general repy to rope damage ( a question I deal with weekly). As soon as you, in your mind question the strength of your rope, due to age, damage, what not, the answer as to whether or not to remove from service is YES

As a seasoned professional trust your instincts. As a total novice err to caution.

Of all the tools we use rope is the least expensive, easiest to replace. Why push it?

Tony
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Kask Stihl NORTHEASTERN Arborists Wesspur TreeStuff.com Teufelberger Westminster X-Rigging Teufelberger
Back
Top Bottom