Carabiner wear

[Lancstree]

What do you think to the chip on the load bearing part of this biner? Retire or downgrade maybe?

[Tom D]

I'm not an inspector but I'd use that.

By the way as far as loler is concerned when an item is retired it must be completely removed from service, not downgraded.

[Lancstree]

Oh right, so would I. But if I were to do it by the book?

[Tom D]

I don't think an inspector would fail that, but they are fussy about gates not locking properly, i've had a few fail for that.

[Khriss]

Hmmmm, to be 'onest mate, that krab looks hammered-the trouble with aluminium is it work hardens ie gets brittle with use, that chip is a fracture point ( Also obscures the CE marking:blushing: -) and a few more knocks ( that you may not be aware of happening ) could lead to failure-though obviously your weight wouldn't do it on it's own. Sorry-I'd bin it -risky enough job as we all kno'

 

K

[Lancstree]

I expected a contrast of opinions which is why I posted it. Those chips were there when the crab was provided to me and its been passed by our zurich loler inspector a number of times now. In my opinion those chips have been caused by some considerable impact. Could such impact lead to weaknesses such as internal fracture that we cannot see? I'm not going to use this for climbing and I agree that there is enough risk for us to manage already.

[Khriss]

Yes, absolutely, it is about risk and your health, just a £15 Krab-thats wot I spend on fags in a week ...........hmmm:blushing:

[Mike Hill]

Chop it in half with the axe mate.Its just not worth taking chances with stuff like that imho

[benedmonds]

Have any of you been to go ape? I got given a go for a birthday pressie as if I don't get enough swinging about in trees...

 

Any way my point is, that for most of the course you are attached to a petzel tandem speed with a two way locking krab with a second krab which just gets clipped on and dragged around for backup. These secondary krabs were massively worn as they slide along steel core all day. I asked if they passed LOLER and the lad told me they get retired at 7mm. I just measured one of my old krabs and its 12mm. I wish I'd got some photo's as it made that nick look like nothing. I guess the damage is caused i a different way but I bet go ape have done some serious testing..?

[skyhuck]

Give it to me Sean, I'll bin it for you