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Damaged steel cable on BD stopper

Original Post
Chase Bowman · · Durango, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 1,010

So after taking a fall onto a #1 black diamond I noticed that it has a small, but noticeable amount of steel wire protruding from the side of it. It was placed in a horizontal over a small ledge and the fall was swinging so I'm sure the cable rubbed back and forth on the sharp edge. I'm not necessarily worried about its strength, but mainly focused on a good way to cover up the loose ends so they don't stab any important webbing/rope. I don't want to you use electrical tape.



Also just curious about this. Anybody have a good way to straighten the cables on stoppers? Not a big deal, but is kinda annoying on the smaller sizes.

tim naylor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2004 · Points: 370

wow

Barrett Pauer · · Brevard, NC · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 775

You may want to toss it, those wires arn't very strong to begin with and that would have weakend it considerably.

I shot you an email as well

Charlie S · · NV · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 2,391

I had the same thing happen to one of my stoppers. I tried cutting off the lose ends but they still stuck out. More of a pain when they caught/ripped something. Probably worth the $10 or so and just replace it.

Chase Bowman · · Durango, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 1,010

I was considering just tossing it, but I thought it might come in handy in some weird way while aiding. Rivet hanger? Ha hey Barrett I was meaning to message you about invisible airwaves. From the pitch three anchors, can you rap down directly to the ledge? I was concerned about this while planning for May. Should I keep a haul line fixed to the ledge, while on pitch three?

Barrett Pauer · · Brevard, NC · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 775

Yeah dude you can rap to the ledge for sure. Just fix your haul line to the ledge. Don't forget to do the swing! (When we did it we had a 60m lead line and 200' static)

Chase Bowman · · Durango, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 1,010

Charlie, thanks for letting me know. I was about to borrow some wire cutters, but I'll just forget about it. But thanks Barrett, if you leave the haul line fixed, can you make the rap with just a 60m?

Barrett Pauer · · Brevard, NC · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 775

Chase, Here is the sequence we used when we climbed it.
-Linked P2+P3 and fixed both lines to anchor
-Rapped haul line back to ledge (fix to ledge so you can pull yourself back in)
-Played on swing
-cleaned then rapped back to ledge (ropes still fixed to ledge, you will need to pull yourself in)
-rap to ground

Chase Bowman · · Durango, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 1,010

Sweet. Was wondering what the best way was. The thought of fixing a line like that puzzled me..

JK- Branin · · NYC-ish · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 56

Considering a #1 is only rated to 2Kn I figure it did it's job and then some by catching a fall at all. If it were me I'd give it a nice funeral and replace it.

teece303 · · Highlands Ranch, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 596

It's a minuscule aid piece that is now damaged. Worth about $9. Toss that thing, dude.

dave custer · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 2,411

The manufacturer is the ultimate arbiter of when to retire gear:

demandware.edgesuite.net/aa…

"...Retire it immediately if it has:
◆ Any abraded or frayed cable strands...

If you have any doubts about the dependability of your gear, retire it and get a new replacement..."

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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