FROM: "Phil Box" SUBJECT: Re: Shelf Life of Snatch Straps DATE: Tue, 28 May 2002 11:25:48 GMT ORGANIZATION: BigPond Internet Services (http://www.bigpond.net.au) NEWSGROUPS: aus.cars.offroad "Trentus" wrote in message news:lpnH8.16961$b5.59295@newsfeeds.bigpond.com... > > but I would use them for > > abseiling or for hauling. Yeah they`ll still be good. > > ...Phil... > > You scare me! > In an abseil the ONLY thing supporting your life is your rope (and anchor > gear), whereas in a lead climb, if you don't fall you'll never need the rope > for support, so it could be a peice of sewing cotton for all it matters. I'd > NEVER use suspect equipment for either a climb, OR an abseil. And certainly > not for an abseil. And I speak with some authority on this matter as I'm an > Instructor. > > However, given the stated conditions of storage etc. And the fact that a > snatch strap isn't supporting life in normal use, I'd probably use them. In > fact I'd probably BUY them if the price was right. > > Trent Hey Trent, I can speak with equal authority as I am also an instructor. I have studied the question of when to retire ropes long and hard. I can state that the manufacturers recommendations of retiring ropes after 2 years is hooey and is designed so that you and I have to go in and buy new ropes all the time. Federation Mountain Rescue here in Queensland recently tested some 25 year old ropes and guess what they came up 100% rope strength. This was done on University of Queensland testing gear. The University in Adelaide also did some totally independant testing at the same time. Both of these tests were presented to Rock Magazine for publication and this was turned down with the retort that these tests were not in the best interests of their advertisers. I`ll stand by my earlier statement that I would use the snatch straps for the purpose for which they were designed. I do love to have debates about climbing related stuff, please play again, no animousity intended. Actually we are on common ground when you speak of never abseiling or climbing on suspect gear but we were talking about snatchum straps which do not support life loads. Say one did use an out of date snatchy strap and it breaks, what is the worst that could happen. Hey I`ve seen almost new straps break when used incorrectly. ...Phil...