Would anybody be able to help me find out how old a rope is? I was recently given an Edelrid rope that appears to be quite old given that the labels are a faded yellow colour!
The rope is a full strength rope and seems to be in perfect condition, no scuffs etc, and is a mustard\orange type colour of about 11mm.I dont know if the colour would denote age etc.

Static or dynamic?

Does it have a bar code or ID number?

Since the labels are still on it, it can't be that old. Usually they come off quite quickly with the knotting and unknotting.

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Happy climbing
Nic

If its static- and you cut off a piece there is usually a hidden string with some writing on within the core that will display the date of manufacture. not sure if its true for dynamic .

Post a pic of the rope and I'm sure someone will be able to give you a good idea.

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Climb ZA - Administrator

I am not sure if it is static or dynamic, although I am inclined to say dynamic given that if you tug hard enough on a long enough section,it seems to have a bit of stretch! I don't see any barcodes or serials.Not too sure if I want to lop a chunk of the end to check internally though. I think the trick might be to try the rope and try not to bail-out!

Does the yellow faded label have a circle with a 1 in it?
Like in the picture
Or the same circle with a "1/2" or "∞"

Hi Nicky

This rope is terribly unsafe. Please post it to me so I can have it destroyed.

The rope has a one in a circle, so I would think that it might be dynamic.- Nice try Marshall

Picture of rope and markings?

Also, was the rope given to you by someone:
a: That you trust
b: Would like to trust
c: Don't trust at all?

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Climb ZA - Administrator

I will post a pic over the next day or so ,but apart from that,- it was a client who gave it to me , and I think I might be in his good books ( I Hope! )

Hi Justin, tried to upload picture and failed miserably. Did a bit more checking -there is a slightly compressed area on the rope about 2cm away from the Edelrid tag on the rope end- probably a label with the name of the rope? As well, the rope was found at a Pawn shop a couple of months ago and was bought because it was there!. The yellowish tags on each end of the rope identifying it as an Edelrid also appear to be yellow by design as opposed to being faded, and are just a bit dirty from lying around.With no fluffiness to the sheath, and no other visible damage whatsoever,I am inclined to say that it could be quite new.

I kinda think we're being trolled....


Nicky,
If you have trouble with the photo, mail it to Justin so he may post it.

Dynamic:
If it has the circle with the one in: ① it is a Dynamic, and you can lead on it.

Internal Condition:
To test the condition, bend every millimeter of the rope as tightly as possible.
If the rope bends, it should be fine, if it folds flat, then cut it at that place.
You do this by rolling the entire rope between forefinger and thumb.
- Can somebody perhaps post a photo of what I'm trying to explain here.

Importer
If i was given a possible dodgy rope I would contact the manufacturer of agent.
Try Vertigo Gear, they import Edelrid.
http://www.vertigogear.co.za/

Good day justin,
Please could you send me your E-mail address so that I can mail you the pics directly

If you can't trace the full history of the rope, burn it. Or better yet, don't buy it. The only way we can protect ourselves from being robbed of our gear is to make it pointless to steal it in the first place. Make it impossible for the bastards to sell it. In fact you should go back to the pawn shop and do some "missionary" work. Kill the black market trade in climbing gear before it becomes a problem. Dammit, I sound like Drifter, noooooooooooo!

If you send me a picture of the rope I’ll post it up for you. justin@climb.co.za

You will want an experienced climber to check this rope out for you. In the unlikely event that the rope was exposed to a corrosive substance (e.g. petrol) which you will not be able to notice.
Shorti, you don't sound like Drifter, but we'll let you know if you ever do

Considering a rope costs +-R1500.00 is really worth taking the risk? Your insurance is not going to cover your death.
Perhaps you may want to consider mailing the rope to Marshall after all

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Climb ZA - Administrator

This is an old rope, early 90's I would guess. From a safety point of view I would only toprope with it (after I had thoroughly checked it out).
The 1 with a circle around it indicates that it is a Single Rope.
The bulge in the end is either sheath slippage or where another piece of tape used to be (or both)

Professionally: Send it to Marshall or keep it for towing cars, hanging laundry and such!

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Thank you Justin,You have been a great help! At least now I know not to take any chances with it! As said , the confusion arises in that it looks perfect!I will use it for swinging on in my Garage!

Pleasure.
That rope could be the one in the picture below (I marked it off

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Justin is absolutely correct...send it to me.