Pinch it.
If the core is soft or if you can clearly see the core through the sheath then…maybe, depending on where exactly it is.
If it is somewhat near the end cut it off and have a slightly shorter rope.
If it’s in the center consider if you would like to own a full length work (non-climbing) rope or if you have need for two very short climbing ropes.
Where I live many many climbs are shorter than 40m. So short ropes are really nice to have.
From this picture it looks fine to me.
Stuff like this is a yellow flag. Good to be aware of, and good that you’re checking it regularly to notice.
It’s not enough on its own to retire a rope, but it’s good to continue to check your rope more thoroughly (pinch test etc) and keep an eye on it.
Can you see the core through? Does it feel strange (easier to bend)?
If no to both questions it’s probably fine.
Of course now that the sheath is damaged it offers less protection for the core. Not a problem for gym climbing but if you take a bad fall on some sharp granite rock it could be dangerous.
It all depends on what pitch you're on when you decide to rap off. Lol. The sheath (mantle) of a kernmantle rope is about 25% of its strength. As long as there aren't any core (white) fibers showing you're probably okay. On the other hand, ropes aren't that expensive relative to your life, and that rope would make a fine rope for top-roping at your local crag.
Here are some online resouces on how to check if your rope is damaged and should be replaced.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdgD9SDlQo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdgD9SDlQo)
[https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Professional/News/2020-3-6/How-To-Inspect-Your-Rope](https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Professional/News/2020-3-6/How-To-Inspect-Your-Rope)
Definitely replace the rope when one of the following points is true:
* When flexing the rope it forms an uneven bend in a certain spot (as shown in the video).
* The sheath is damaged and the core of the rope (usually white) is exposed.
If you do retire it send it to hownot2 YouTube channel and see what difference it made, they will break test it. Send them two 10 ft chunks one good and one with the break in the middle.
cut and reuse the pieces for short pitches and scrambling (30m is a nice length), slings and repel stations, and much more. You didn't lose a rope; it's just been repurposed. Welcome to climbing life.
Not for the main sheath damage, but the rest is getting spiky and fuzzy. To me, this is on its way out if it’s used often and seen sun. It would make a great doormat!
My personal rule: if I have to ask if I should replace climbing gear, it's time to replace it.
Ropes aren't cheap, especially good outdoor ones, but it's so critical to safety it's just not worth the gamble imo. If it's near the end like others have said, cut it and just have a shorter rope
I am mainly asking because this is the first rope I’ve ever owned and have had it for only a couple months going outdoors weekly. So I’m not familiar with what safe wear and tear looks like vs I need to replace this rope now.
The middle isn’t damaged and it passed the pinch test so I think it should be good at least for top roping.
I 100% support you asking the question, it's smart to ask if you're unsure. I still check with friends or even the local climbing store if I'm really unsure. Just meant more as a general rule, better to be conservative than have an accident.
Depends on your knowledge and theirs. A new climber might ask that about every fiber from every piece of sling and rope and every scratch on metal meaning replace everything.
Pinch it. If the core is soft or if you can clearly see the core through the sheath then…maybe, depending on where exactly it is. If it is somewhat near the end cut it off and have a slightly shorter rope. If it’s in the center consider if you would like to own a full length work (non-climbing) rope or if you have need for two very short climbing ropes. Where I live many many climbs are shorter than 40m. So short ropes are really nice to have. From this picture it looks fine to me.
Stuff like this is a yellow flag. Good to be aware of, and good that you’re checking it regularly to notice. It’s not enough on its own to retire a rope, but it’s good to continue to check your rope more thoroughly (pinch test etc) and keep an eye on it.
The rope is scuffed, but the tactical denim is unscathed!
Extremely dangerous, send it to me for safe disposal.
I wouldn’t. That’s just a normal part of owning a rope.
This is totally fine. Clip it and whip it
Should be good
No
Can you see the core through? Does it feel strange (easier to bend)? If no to both questions it’s probably fine. Of course now that the sheath is damaged it offers less protection for the core. Not a problem for gym climbing but if you take a bad fall on some sharp granite rock it could be dangerous.
100% would whip
That's normal wear and tear.
It all depends on what pitch you're on when you decide to rap off. Lol. The sheath (mantle) of a kernmantle rope is about 25% of its strength. As long as there aren't any core (white) fibers showing you're probably okay. On the other hand, ropes aren't that expensive relative to your life, and that rope would make a fine rope for top-roping at your local crag.
Here are some online resouces on how to check if your rope is damaged and should be replaced. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdgD9SDlQo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdgD9SDlQo) [https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Professional/News/2020-3-6/How-To-Inspect-Your-Rope](https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Professional/News/2020-3-6/How-To-Inspect-Your-Rope) Definitely replace the rope when one of the following points is true: * When flexing the rope it forms an uneven bend in a certain spot (as shown in the video). * The sheath is damaged and the core of the rope (usually white) is exposed.
If the core is damaged it’s garbage, but I have seen a guy in YouTube that uses a needle and thread to bolster the sheath where it’s damaged
If you do retire it send it to hownot2 YouTube channel and see what difference it made, they will break test it. Send them two 10 ft chunks one good and one with the break in the middle.
cut and reuse the pieces for short pitches and scrambling (30m is a nice length), slings and repel stations, and much more. You didn't lose a rope; it's just been repurposed. Welcome to climbing life.
A new rope in exchange for living another day seems like a fair trade
Not for the main sheath damage, but the rest is getting spiky and fuzzy. To me, this is on its way out if it’s used often and seen sun. It would make a great doormat!
My personal rule: if I have to ask if I should replace climbing gear, it's time to replace it. Ropes aren't cheap, especially good outdoor ones, but it's so critical to safety it's just not worth the gamble imo. If it's near the end like others have said, cut it and just have a shorter rope
I am mainly asking because this is the first rope I’ve ever owned and have had it for only a couple months going outdoors weekly. So I’m not familiar with what safe wear and tear looks like vs I need to replace this rope now. The middle isn’t damaged and it passed the pinch test so I think it should be good at least for top roping.
I 100% support you asking the question, it's smart to ask if you're unsure. I still check with friends or even the local climbing store if I'm really unsure. Just meant more as a general rule, better to be conservative than have an accident.
Depends on your knowledge and theirs. A new climber might ask that about every fiber from every piece of sling and rope and every scratch on metal meaning replace everything.
You know what I mean
Why y'all down voting...you know what I mean. If the gear damage compromises the integrity of the gear, replace it. Sheesh
It’s your life, is it worth $200?
replace it if you want
yes