![]() ![]() The ideal way to finish such a rope is to use a Sailmaker's whipping short of the end, cut the core shorter than the sheath, and then burn the end of the sheath to enclose and cover the core. However, if the core merely chars, it is far too likely to pull out or retract inside to be a satisfactory long term protection. If the rope has a core and a sheath, the sheath may melt and provide a ring of solid plastic round the core. Burning these ropes provides no protection. If you value your ropes, whip and burn all their ends.Ĭharring: Aramid fibers, e.g., Kevlar, are merely charred by heat. However, nothing beats adding a properly applied whipping. ![]() Careful, prolonged heating provides better protection by creating a larger layer of solidified plastic on the end of the rope. However, merely cutting the rope with an electrically heated element provides very poor protection: the thin layer of fused plastic does not survive compression or abuse. Heat: For rope made of nylon, polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene, the ends can be protected moderately well by melting them using flame, an electrically heated element, or a soldering iron. Unsure of Condition or History: immediately.flat spots, soft spots, stiffening, sheath damage): immediately Major Fall (approaching factor 2): immediately.Sport Climbing (frequent short falls): every 3 – 6 months.However, repeated minor falls, heat from rapid rappelling (abseiling), and rappelling using small diameter carabiners all tend to weaken rope. If a rope has not suffered a major fall, i.e., approaching factor 2 (a fall double the rope distance from the belay) if the sheath shows no significant wear or damage and if the rope has not been exposed to damage from chemicals: it is almost certainly safe to use it within the schedule shown below. Manufacturers recommend a retirement schedules which errs on the side of caution and also, presumably, on the side of profit for them! How long you decide to use the rope depends on your own inspection, knowledge of the rope’s history, and assessment. Avoid direct sunlight, do not use a dryer, and do not place the rope above a heat source. ![]() CleaningĬlimbing ropes should be washed occasionally by hand in cold water with a mild soap, rinsed free of the soap, and then spread out or hung up to dry in the air. Climbing rope should be stored, preferably after drying, at room temperature, ideally in a storage bag. Use climbing rope only for climbing – not for towing a vehicle. Avoid treading on your rope as this may work sharp particles into the core. Avoid contact with chemicals, acids, alkalis, bleach, oxidizing agents (present in concrete), and embers, sparks or other sources of ignition, e.g., smokers. Keep your rope off the ground to protect it from dirt that contains sharp small chips and crystals. Nevertheless, while modern ropes may be resilient to damage, the ends must still be protected against unraveling, and rope should be coiled, or kept, so that it is ready for use when needed: kink free, knot free, and twist free. ![]() Indeed, attempts to show marked deterioration due to age, chemicals, and misuse are more remarkable for the strength preserved than for the damage done. Modern good-quality rope, properly treated against UV damage, is extraordinarily resilient and lasts for many years. ![]()
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