When to Retire Ropes

[Aocskasy]

Just wanted to get some feedback on whether or not I should be retiring ropes (tether, lineman, rappel, etc) based on how old they are regardless of them not showing obvious signs of wear. For example, the tethrd saddle comes with the tag to retire it in five years. Is there a storage method that will extend the lifetime of these materials?

 

[thedutchtouch]

Following for hopefully some good info. One rule I've heard is to always pinch test your ropes to verify the core is good- only takes a few minutes to do 50-60 feet. Also in climbing apparently you're supposed to always retire a rope after a fall, but someone more knowledgeable that me will hopefully be along shortly...

 

[AustinL911]

How about weathered ropes? I bought a 9mm Sterling HTP a couple years ago when I first dabbled in Saddle hunting. I left it in a tree thinking I would return soon, but never did. So, its been sitting tied to a tree for 2 years now in the sun and rain.

Would it still be safe to use?

 

[Hunter260]

Following because I’d like to know, seems like there’s no way a one general rule is good for everything cause I’d imaging drt climbing or rappelling ropes wear much faster than say a linesman belt.

 

[HuntNorthEast]

How about weathered ropes? I bought a 9mm Sterling HTP a couple years ago when I first dabbled in Saddle hunting. I left it in a tree thinking I would return soon, but never did. So, its been sitting tied to a tree for 2 years now in the sun and rain.

Would it still be safe to use?

My personal preference, I wouldn't use a 2 year old weathered rope. Ropes degrade fast in the elements. When it's your life on the line ask yourself this. How much is my life worth? Definitely more than $55 rope.

 

[Brocky]

How about weathered ropes? I bought a 9mm Sterling HTP a couple years ago when I first dabbled in Saddle hunting. I left it in a tree thinking I would return soon, but never did. So, its been sitting tied to a tree for 2 years now in the sun and rain.

Would it still be safe to use?

UV rays would weaken it, plus critters might have been chewing on it. Rope manufactures recommendations when to retire a rope are conservative for their legal protection.

 

[msnormand]

Some years ago when HSS lifelines where all the rage, I took one down from a preset to pull with ATV and haul a 200#+ hog out of a deep steep creek where it died. Backed up to edge, and hit the throttle hard wfo in 4wd low/locked and drug it out with all wheels spinning mud flying. All done, hang rope back on preset and move on. I wonder if went out of spec?

 

[raisins]

How about weathered ropes? I bought a 9mm Sterling HTP a couple years ago when I first dabbled in Saddle hunting. I left it in a tree thinking I would return soon, but never did. So, its been sitting tied to a tree for 2 years now in the sun and rain.

Would it still be safe to use?

HECK NO

 

[AustinL911]

HECK NO

I came to that same conclusion. Bought 2 new replacement ropes, one for practice and one for hunting.