Using Old Ropes or New Ones

[LytWind]

Do you always use new ropes when you go rappelling? If you are using old ropes, how do you know if the rope is still good enough to carry you?

[oldsarge]

I still have Army issue 7/16 green line around the house. Last time I used it was several years ago. It was old back then too. Since this rope is a three strand twist, inspecting it can be a long boring job. In the military we would twist the rope to see inside the lay of the rope and check for breaks, worn out spots or cuts. The over all appearance will tell you if it's safe to use also. Some of the newer ropes that have an outer sheath, you won't be able to see inside. You have to go by outside wear, abrasions and staining with any oils or grease. Also if the rope has been use during a fall, causing a shock to it. I might not want to use it again. Google it and see what you come up with.

[nomad]

That's a pretty detailed explanation on how to check ropes. If you are doubting about the rope then there is no doubt that it will fail so better buy a new one. Don't depend your life on a rope that you think is not strong enough.

[oldsarge]

I also would double up on rope. Instead of using just one rope I would use two during any rappelling. I'm not a professional climber, but have used ropes exstensively while in the Army. Everything from basic climbing and rappelling to making rope bridges over short spans and for stream crossings. Another point pertaining to rope safety is proper anchoring and knots. Knots actually reduce the strenght of a rope. Redundant safety's are a must. Nomad made a great point...if you''re not sure, get rid of it!

[Gwen]

I have never gone rappelling, but if I would, I will insist on using a new rope or a double rope to be sure that it is safe to hang on.

[wvbreamfisherman]

I've done a fair amount of rope work in the fire service, and we are very conservative about our ropes. If there is any doubt, the rope is never used for life safety, and is relegated to utility service. Also, if a rope is subjected to a large shock load, as in the case of a safety line having to catch a falling man, it is automatically retired.

This is VERY expensive, but then so is having a rope fail with someone on it.

[danny28]

I always use 2 ropes too - it is crazy not to. I don't always use new ropes but I never use old ratty ones. You can tell if your rope is good by checking it out. Look for frays in the rope- if it has some - ditch it!

[oldsarge]

A rope walks into a bar and orders a beer.

The bartender says we don't serve your kind here.

So the ropes walks out and goes down the street to his friends house. He tells his friend, "Tie me in a knot, now cut off a few inches on top and rough it up a bit". The rope goes back to the bar and orders another beer.

The bartender says "hey, aren't you the same rope that was in here before?"

The rope looks at him and say's "No I'm afraid not!"

Get it? A frayed knot! BWAAAAAAA!

[carmen]

Good notes about the safety of using ropes (same applies for all types of security/tool issues for outdoors work) and I love the joke. Now what happened to the rope that tried to cross the street?

[oldsarge]

Got me on that one...what happened?