Post by AussieSurvival on Aug 28, 2008 19:45:21 GMT 9.5
Care of outdoor equipment in general will increase its lifespan. Care of climbing equipment may increase your lifespan!
Ropes obviously need protection from sharp edges, falling rocks, crampons and the like. Avoid standing on them while belaying or climbing. They should be visually and manually inspected before each use. Replace a rope after a severe fall or as soon as any deterioration appears. Use a rope bag to protect it from dirt and reduce twisting. Many rope bags have an integrated rope mat for flaking the rope on while belaying to keep it out of the dirt. Ropes may be washed in clean water but do not store a wet rope. Dry your rope away from direct heat.
The lifespan of a rope depends on the method and frequency of use. Lifespan may be restricted to one use! As a guide, intensive daily use will limit the lifespan to between 3 months and one year. Weekend use may give 2 to 3 years. With occasional use a rope’s life may be 4 to 5 years.
Storage. All climbing equipment, but particularly ropes and harnesses, should be stored in a dark place. Avoid heat, high humidity, damp and UV light. Keep all equipment away from chemicals, corrosive substances, petrol, oil etc.
Nuts and Harnesses should also be checked before and after each use. Look for any frayed cord, webbing or wires, deformed nuts or damaged harness buckles. If gear is dirty, rinse in clean water using a mild detergent. Wipe off moisture and dry away from direct heat.
Cams should be cleaned at least once a year. Spray a paraffin-based lubricant on the axle, springs and between the cams. Take care to avoid any webbing slings. Let the excess drain and wipe off the surplus. Check that your cams operate smoothly throughout their range of movement. Ensure that if the triggers are released from any position that the cams instantly return to a fully expanded position.
Harnesses have a useful life of up to 5 years, depending on wear and tear. This may be limited to one use after a factor 1 fall. The lifespan of protection is given the conservative figure of 10 years for metal parts and 5 years for any cord or slings.
Personal Equipment. As climbing equipment is personal safety equipment you should consider using it only if you are personally present. If you are in any doubt about any piece of equipment replace it immediately.
Add your information on climbing equipment care, cheers
Ropes obviously need protection from sharp edges, falling rocks, crampons and the like. Avoid standing on them while belaying or climbing. They should be visually and manually inspected before each use. Replace a rope after a severe fall or as soon as any deterioration appears. Use a rope bag to protect it from dirt and reduce twisting. Many rope bags have an integrated rope mat for flaking the rope on while belaying to keep it out of the dirt. Ropes may be washed in clean water but do not store a wet rope. Dry your rope away from direct heat.
The lifespan of a rope depends on the method and frequency of use. Lifespan may be restricted to one use! As a guide, intensive daily use will limit the lifespan to between 3 months and one year. Weekend use may give 2 to 3 years. With occasional use a rope’s life may be 4 to 5 years.
Storage. All climbing equipment, but particularly ropes and harnesses, should be stored in a dark place. Avoid heat, high humidity, damp and UV light. Keep all equipment away from chemicals, corrosive substances, petrol, oil etc.
Nuts and Harnesses should also be checked before and after each use. Look for any frayed cord, webbing or wires, deformed nuts or damaged harness buckles. If gear is dirty, rinse in clean water using a mild detergent. Wipe off moisture and dry away from direct heat.
Cams should be cleaned at least once a year. Spray a paraffin-based lubricant on the axle, springs and between the cams. Take care to avoid any webbing slings. Let the excess drain and wipe off the surplus. Check that your cams operate smoothly throughout their range of movement. Ensure that if the triggers are released from any position that the cams instantly return to a fully expanded position.
Harnesses have a useful life of up to 5 years, depending on wear and tear. This may be limited to one use after a factor 1 fall. The lifespan of protection is given the conservative figure of 10 years for metal parts and 5 years for any cord or slings.
Personal Equipment. As climbing equipment is personal safety equipment you should consider using it only if you are personally present. If you are in any doubt about any piece of equipment replace it immediately.
Add your information on climbing equipment care, cheers