Mountain Project Logo

Draws

Original Post
Jenny Beck · · West Penn · Joined Oct 2020 · Points: 0

Do you retire your draws? When?

Julian R · · Hillsboro, OR · Joined Nov 2025 · Points: 101

10 years for the dogbone/sling is the manufacturers usual line, though some folks do plenty more or less often. Note that you probably don’t need to retire the carabiners unless they are visibly damaged, deeply worn, or sharp. You can buy replacement dogbones for much cheaper than full draws

phylp phylp · · Upland · Joined May 2015 · Points: 1,142

I retire the carabiners when they get deep enough grooves that they are sharp. For regular draws (meaning not anchor draws) that can take a very long time. 

David Gibbs · · Ottawa, ON · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 2

I have retired draws, or more specifically, dog-bones.  I don't have a specific rule, but a combination of age and wear.  Thin (dyneema) ones seem to get fuzzy and worrisome faster than the nice thick nylon ones.

Nigel Barry · · England · Joined Nov 2022 · Points: 5,321

The carabiners can last forever. I still have one c1977 snap on a QD. What kills them for me is deep nicks (bolts/wires), which polishing out would leave a big groove. 

The dog-bones, 10 years (or when they get badly fuzzy/cut) , they are cheap compared to 2 carabiners.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Beginning Climbers
Post a Reply to "Draws"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.