Rope Inspection Guide

Rope Storage and Care
To ensure safety and performance, the inspection and maintenance of climbing and lifting lines should be among every arborist's primary concerns. By following a few simple steps, tree care experts can extend rope life, and maintain on the job safety.

  1. Inspect your ropes for breaks, cuts, abrasions and melted or fused fibres before each use.

  2. Wash ropes periodically to remove dirt and grit. Simply rinse lines with a garden hose, and allow them to air dry. DO NOT use solvents, bleach or harsh detergents when washing lines, and never apply a heat source to speed drying.

  3. Coil ropes loosely, for storage, being sure to remove any excess twists. To maximize rope life, always store each line in a dark dry place.

Before using any rope, refer to the following guide. If the rope is damaged, remove it from service immediately, and replace it with undamaged line.

 Excessive wear - Retire this rope
Broken or cut strands reduce the rope's strength throughout its length - not just in the area of damage. As a general rule, retire your 12 or 16 strand rope when more than 3 broken or cut strands are visible, or if two adjacent strands are compromised.

 Normal Wear
When small surface fibers break on a rope, they create a fuzzy texture. Known as "mild abrasion", this is considered good wear, and will not affect the performance of the rope. The nubby surface actually protects the underlying fiber from further wear.

Excessive wear - Retire this rope
When fibers are melted or fused, it is generally the result of rope abuse. Melted or fused polyester fibers result from bringing the rope's surface to a temperature in excess of 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Caused by excessive load weights or rapid descents, these damaged fibers can compromise strength, and should signal the rope's retirement.  
Chemical Attack - Retire this rope (NOT ILLUSTRATED)
Localized discolorations could potentially represent chemical attack by anything from gear oil  to battery acid. When doubt exists, retire the line. Guard against chemical attack by storing your rope in a protective bag.

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Acknowledgments: National Arborists Association - "The Treeworker", and Donald F. Blair, "Arborist Equipent - A guide to the tools and equipment of tree maintenance and removal."

Kramer Equipment Company, Inc.
7835 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22306
Phone: 703 - 360 - 4777
FAX: 703 - 360 - 1065
Toll Free: 800 - 500 - 7835
e-mail: info@kramerequipment.com