My old climbing rope sheath started to separate on a big oak removal in Eugene last Tuesday.

I had to switch to my backup rope and finish the job, but it got me thinking about rope inspection schedules, so what's your usual check routine before a climb?

2 comments

2 Comments

karen_nelson4012d ago

Honestly, that sheath separation is a real wake up call. Tbh my routine is pretty basic, just a visual and hand-over-hand check before every climb. But your post makes me wonder if that's enough for wear you can't see. How do you check the core, especially on an older rope? Do you do a weight test or something more than just feeling it?

michael_bennett1112d ago

Ever think about how much hidden damage a rope core can take before it shows on the sheath? After a scare like yours, my check got a lot more serious. I do the hand-over-hand like Karen mentioned, but I also weight the rope on the ground, watching for any weird kinks or flat spots that hint at core damage. For an older rope, I'll pinch and slide sections to feel for soft or thin spots you might miss with just your eyes. It's a few extra minutes that really tells the story.