How to Care for Rock Climbing Gear

If you enjoy scaling rock faces, you must keep your climbing gear clean and in good working order. Remember, this literally represents your lifeline when you are climbing up and along that rock; you have a vested interest in taking care of it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Coil your rope to transport or store. Climbing ropes are made of nylon which breaks down if subjected to direct sunlight and chemicals. Keep your rope clean of dirt and grime. Wash your rope in cool water with non-detergent soap to remove dirt and grit that clings to it during a climb. Store it away from direct sunlight to dry.

2. Inspect your rope regularly for wear and abrasions that can cause fraying. If the rope has been used in excessively rough conditions, or you've owned it for two years or more, buy a new one.

3. Check your protective gear for signs of failure. Weak spots can fail during a climb, resulting in serious injury. Retire any nuts that show signs of releasing or breaking. Make sure that all cam devices are tight and do not show excessive play in their movement.

4. Examine your runners for fraying and excessive wear. Check the stitching and the knots connecting them and the knots of tied runners for tightness. Remove any rocks or grit. Clean the runners in cool water and mild soap and dry them out of the direct sunlight.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[TechSafetyLiens]

on 9/7/2008 I really enjoyed this article. Very thorough and a good introduction to climbing kits. I found a company called Tech Safety Lines that teach on-site rescue training, and manufactures patented self-rescue kits and gear. Check them out.

Tech Safety Lines
http://www.techsafetylines.com