The video above is excellent. There are a few tests such as visual: looking for signs of frays, worn out yarns and especially look for melting signs from friction. Then there are integrity tests such as finding a good stiffer section of rope and bending it into a loop notice how it holds its shape (some ropes more so than others) then with a bad rope when you bend the loop it will not hold shape. These are quick indicators for rope in need of retiring. If it’s just a bad section and you have a long enough rope, you can cut out the bad section. If not, retire the rope immediately if it has any of the problems listed above. Most rope manufacturers suggest rope retirement based on volume of use. If you use it frequently it should be checked before and after each use and retired annually. If you only use it like 20 times a year and it’s passing visual checks you can utilize your rope up to 3 or 4 years. Whatever you do, be safe and inspect all ropes including tethers and linesman ropes before and after you use them.
