My climbing line got a core shot on a big oak removal in Tacoma

It was a 16-strand rope, only six months old, and it just popped on a limb walk. I swapped to my backup and finished the job, but it was a real wake-up call. What's the best way to inspect for hidden damage before you're up there?

3 comments

3 Comments

jennybailey27d ago

Remember that feeling of running your thumb along the rope? A buddy of mine trusted that method, but he missed a spot. He had a similar core shot happen on a pine, not from a big cut but just from rubbing over a rough stub days before. Now he does a visual check in bright sun, looking for any change in the weave's color or shape, and then does the hand-over-hand feel check. He says you have to go slow and really focus, because your hands can miss what your eyes might catch.

danielm7727d ago

Yeah, the carabiner trick is solid. Gotta really pinch it as it goes through though, not just slide it. Lets you feel any tiny flat spots your hand might glide right over.

the_cameron27d ago

Man, run your whole rope through a carabiner and feel for any flat spots or bumps.