Marking hardware?

[TGB]

I had thought but now think I'm incorrect in my belief, that the laser etching was purely to identify the batch. So if something were to fail, the manufacturer could look into that particular batch. And or if they'd had a few from the same batch, with the same reported problem, that things could move apace.

[Marc]

I had thought but now think I'm incorrect in my belief, that the laser etching was purely to identify the batch. So if something were to fail, the manufacturer could look into that particular batch. And or if they'd had a few from the same batch, with the same reported problem, that things could move apace.

 

It is both the batch and a unique indentity of each individual item in most not all kit produced today.

[Logjam]

Where did you get this from? Recently on a loler I did a few carabiners that I have done in the past where there unique id's were beginning to wear off as the laser etching is not that durable, a light engraving with a Dremel vibro tool (only about £15) on the lower portion of gate is suitable as a way of keeping equipment identifiable and good practice in my opinion. Otherwise we get into the frankly ridiculous situation of failing perfectly good kit on the basis of no unique indentity.

 

From manufacturers - CE standards were updated some years ago, any items requiring unique ID must now be marked by the manufacturer & end users should no longer engrave hardware as was the case prior to the CE changes. If you need additional marks these should be done with tape, paint or varnish as some have suggested.

 

Extract from DMM user instructions:

"16.1. For the product to remain in service it must pass a visual and tactile inspection when considering the following criteria: fall arrest, general wear, chemical contamination, corrosion, mechanical malfunction/ deformation, cracks, loose rivets etc ............... clear and readable marking (e.g. marking, batch reference, individual serial numbers etc)."

 

If the original markings are no longer legible the item should be retired from service.

 

I also have emails from manufacturers confirming the above.

 

There may be agreement off the record that engraving the gate will not affect strength but the CE standards do not permit hardware to be engraved by users. This would require yet another standard to detail exactly how items should be engraved. If users stop purchasing karabiners with markings that wear off too quickly I'm sure manufacturers will soon get the message.

 

If as a LOLER inspector you choose to pass items that have been engraved you need to understand you will be operating outside of the manufacturers recommendations. Unless of course you can get something in writing that sanctions engraving.

[treequip]

From manufacturers - CE standards were updated some years ago, any items requiring unique ID must now be marked by the manufacturer & end users should no longer engrave hardware as was the case prior to the CE changes. If you need additional marks these should be done with tape, paint or varnish as some have suggested.

 

Extract from DMM user instructions:

"16.1. For the product to remain in service it must pass a visual and tactile inspection when considering the following criteria: fall arrest, general wear, chemical contamination, corrosion, mechanical malfunction/ deformation, cracks, loose rivets etc ............... clear and readable marking (e.g. marking, batch reference, individual serial numbers etc)."

 

If the original markings are no longer legible the item should be retired from service.

 

I also have emails from manufacturers confirming the above.

 

There may be agreement off the record that engraving the gate will not affect strength but the CE standards do not permit hardware to be engraved by users. This would require yet another standard to detail exactly how items should be engraved. If users stop purchasing karabiners with markings that wear off too quickly I'm sure manufacturers will soon get the message.

 

If as a LOLER inspector you choose to pass items that have been engraved you need to understand you will be operating outside of the manufacturers recommendations. Unless of course you can get something in writing that sanctions engraving.

 

That may be true BUT if the marking is done properly you wont be outside LOLER

[Marc]

That may be true BUT if the marking is done properly you wont be outside LOLER

 

I think it clearly states you will be that's how it reads to me at any rate!

 

I'll have to check although I do know the Petzl carabiners I use hold their marking well usually into retirement, I stopped using DMM's carabiners a few years ago due to poor build quality, including markings wearing off as I do not like to etch my own hard wear unless absoloutly needed.

[Daythe trees]

Thanks all, he says scribbling down the serial numbers of all my new shiny hardware. Next job bright pink insulating tape to make sure they remain mine!

[Mark Bolam]

a few nicks with the 9'' angle grinder and no one will try taking your gear

 

You're a goddam genius Johnson!

I've used a 10" on mine so our gear doesn't get mixed up.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

[treequip]

You're a goddam genius Johnson!

I've used a 10" on mine so our gear doesn't get mixed up.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

 

You can laugh but I did an inspection for a LA once and one of their guys had used a round file to put three notches down the spine of several brand new biners:confused1:

[Mark Bolam]

Andy, shut it, me and Craig are trying to clean the gene pool....

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

[Mark Bolam]

Seriously, the stuff I have seen people trying to Loler is frightening.

Tape slings 3/4 cut through that would kill your groundie?

They cost £4 ffs!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk