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My old climbing rope gave out on me during a big oak removal
It happened about two weeks ago on a job in Springfield. I was about 40 feet up, making a cut on a big limb, and I felt a weird little pop in my line. When I looked down, I saw about six inches of the sheath had just peeled back like a banana. My heart jumped into my throat, man. That rope was my first real climbing line, bought it eight years ago when I was still working for a big company. I did the slow, careful climb down and just sat on the tailgate staring at it. It wasn't even frayed anywhere else, just that one spot where it must have rubbed against a stub a thousand times. Made me think about all the gear we trust every day. What's a good sign you guys look for to retire a rope before it tells you itself?
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jamie7941mo ago
Had a carabiner snap once, same scary feeling.
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david_hayes1mo ago
Man, that's terrifying. Always check for hairline cracks now.
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ryanj604h ago
Ha, well first off ropes don't usually just give out from one bad rub spot like that. Sounds more like that spot had been getting scored for way longer than you noticed.
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