Mountain Project: Forum: Do Screamers Have a Shelf Life?

By Crag Dweller
From Denver, CO
Mar 2, 2012

I read a study once which suggested that 80% of the time we ask questions not because we're looking for the truth but rather because we're looking for others to agree with what we would like to think. This is probably a good example of that.

That being said, does the nylon in screamers have the same shelf life as other slings? I'm guessing so but I'd like to think that my screamers will last until I use them, which I hope doesn't ever happen.

What do others think?

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By Jake Jones
From The Eastern Flatlands
Mar 2, 2012

I think if nylon has a finite shelf life, then Screamers would have to, right?

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By "H"
From Garden of Gods
Mar 2, 2012

Not sure. I've been using mine since the mid-late 90's. I've only used them for ice climbing. Otherwise their stored in a pack in my basement. Used them in Silverton and OUray a few weeks back. haven't taken a fall on them so I can't say that if once their activated they'll hold!

Probably should retire them.

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By Woodchuck ATC
Mar 2, 2012

If they have only seen light duty for ice season, very litt UV, no falls, and spend the rest of the year in storage, they should last quite a long time. Wear and UV damage retires regular QD's, slings and other runners so why not expect same shelf life or better from a partial use item found in storage for 10 months of the year. All they can do is fail/function as designed and rip a few stitched sections out.

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By Steve M
From MN
Mar 4, 2012

If you're using them ice climbing you won't fall anyway right? And even if you do, the sreamer only goes on the screw that's not going to hold anyway so why not keep using it?

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By Tom Mulholland
From #1 Cheese Producing State!
Mar 4, 2012

If they have a shelf life, I'm going to have to get on a lot more scary trad routes so I can get my money's worth.

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By David Appelhans
From Lafayette
Mar 4, 2012

Uh-oh, I bought your old ones a few years ago...so I'll let you know if I die and then you can figure you have about 2 years!

If you believe nylon stored in a cool dry place should be replaced every x years, then yes your screamers would be no different. I'm more worried about sun exposure than number of years though personally.

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By John Hegyes
From Las Vegas, NV
Mar 5, 2012

I think the concern here is a little overblown. Look at seat belts in cars. Those are nylon, right? How often have you heard of anyone replacing seat belts? Not very often. If the sling is noticeably stiff from UV damage, replace it, otherwise you're good to go. Kept in a backpack most of the time, they should last indefinitely.

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By Crag Dweller
From Denver, CO
Mar 6, 2012

David Appelhans wrote:

Uh-oh, I bought your old ones a few years ago...so I'll let you know if I die and then you can figure you have about 2 years! If you believe nylon stored in a cool dry place should be replaced every x years, then yes your screamers would be no different. I'm more worried about sun exposure than number of years though personally.

Don't worry, David. Those screamers were stored in a cool, dry place right next to open cans of turpentine and other solvents. They're fine. Just kidding, of course. They were about 6 months old when you bought them and had been tucked away in a rubbermaid bin in my gear closet.

John Hegyes wrote:

I was taught in an AMGA course that nylon has a 3-5 year lifespan regardless of whether or not it was stored away. Am I overly concerned based on information I was given that may be inaccurate? That is totally possible.

But, for what it's worth. Seat belts in race cars have been tested and lose half their strength in one year (www.sfifoundation.com/seatbelt.html). Fortunately, I've got an airbag backup.

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By s.price
From PS,CO
Mar 6, 2012