Non-Certified Rappel Ring for Masterpoint

A few years ago, I started using the girth hitch masterpoint and I bought a large rigging ring to use as the masterpoint.

I bought it on Amazon from a vendor that seemed legit.  https://www.rocknrescue.com/about-rock-n-rescue/

Last month, I replaced a bunch of 20+ yo carabiners, nuts and soft goods with newer and lighter equipment.  I switched to the Mammut Workhorse Locker for my girth hitch masterpoint and Cypher Ceres II for racking and draws.  Also replaced OG Metolius curved nuts with new ultralight curved nuts.  Add in the new 6mm dyneema slings as well as a 180 and 240 for anchors, In total I shaved 3lbs off my rack.

I was proud of this accomplishment and willing to part with the old biners and lockers so, I shared a picture of my old biners and gear with friends and began giving it away.  

I hesitated when I came to the above mentioned ring because it didn't have any UIAA or CE markings on it.  Then I really started to question my own judgment because I'd been using it for the last few years.  I searched all of the internet and the only thing I could find on this ring was Tech Tip: Rappel/Rigging Rings as Master Points.

I ended up reaching out to the Rock-N-Rescue and they were very responsive and provided me with the following information:

******

Thank you very much for reaching out.

Prior to our acquisition of Omega Pacific, the aluminum rings in question were manufactured for RNA by International Safety Components (ISC). These rings were independently third-party tested and served as hardware components on our arborist saddles and other tree climbing systems.

Please note that CE and UIAA certifications are not required for our U.S.-based arborist customers, which is why these markings do not appear on the rings. However, the rings meet the relevant strength and quality standards for their intended applications. For reference, here is the product page from ISC:

https://www.iscwales.com/Products/Detail/rin0011-large-aluminium-ring/

While your application may fall outside of tree care, these rings are capable of being used safely in anchor-building scenarios for rock climbing, provided they are integrated into a system within their rated strength parameters.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need additional specifications or test data.

Thank you,

******

So, after I did some research on ISC (International Safety Components), determined them to be a reputable company and saw that each ring is proof loaded to 16kn, I feel confident continuing to use this product and even to pass it on to someone else knowing that, even though it's not CE or UIAA certified, it's most likely "super good enough".

Anyone else have thoughts on the matter?  Or any gear that you've had similar experience with that wasn't UIAA or CE stamped but, you used it anyway?  Any opinions of Rock-N-Rescue or ISC?

Rock n arbor & rock n rescue (rna and rnr) are both legit and the same company. They recently acquired omega Pacific and now OP manufacturing is their in house brand. I wouldn't be worried to see rna or rnr stamped gear with the appropriate load markings even though they're not uiaa certified.

For hard goods, if it meets the function and strength I need, and has a reputable source, it's fine even if it's not a "climbing" brand.

Generic, hardware store gear does not meet this standard.

I’ve definitely rapped off cheapo hardware store quick links a couple times. I don’t feel bad about it. 

I’ve posted this info on another thread… just be aware of a possible failure mode that was revealed not too long ago in a fatal accident (I’ll try to find the link): Imagine you girth hitch the ring but you do it a bit loosely, you are freezing cold, it’s getting dark, and you’re in a hurry… then instead of properly clipping in to the bottom of the ring, you clip the top and clove in (or thread the rope for a rap), then lean back on it. Try it and see what happens.

I’m not necessarily against this type of anchor but just wanted to point out a potential failure mode to be aware of. Using a locking carabiner instead of a ring could reduce the chances of making this mistake.

EDIT: Looks like it was (thankfully) a non-fatal accident that I was remembering. See the “Cutthroat Peak rappel accident” thread here on MP. 

Daniel Joderwrote:

I’ve posted this info on another thread… just be aware of a possible failure mode that was revealed not too long ago in a fatal accident (I’ll try to find the link): Imagine you girth hitch the ring but you do it a bit loosely, you are freezing cold, it’s getting dark, and you’re in a hurry… then instead of properly clipping in to the bottom of the ring, you clip the top and clove in (or thread the rope for a rap), then lean back on it. Try it and see what happens.

I’m not necessarily against this type of anchor but just wanted to point out a potential failure mode to be aware of. Using a locking carabiner instead of a ring could reduce the chances of making this mistake.

EDIT: Looks like it was (thankfully) a non-fatal accident that I was remembering. See the “Cutthroat Peak rappel accident” thread here on MP. 

I've read that accident report.  One of the reasons I went with the larger ring (easier to ensure the girth hitch is properly situated).  Thanks

I work in the Arb industry and have used ISC gear. It's very solidly made in my experience, and I have no concerns about trusting any of it with my life. 

Pretty much none of the arb rings are CE certified as far as I know, they often have EN certification instead