How do I know when to retire a climbing harness?

Question

I've only been climbing a few months. I bought a harness and have been using it. I know they don't last forever.

How do I know when to stop using it and buy a new one?

Look up the fallout from Todd Skinners accident, where his belay loop failed. — user5330, Jul 17, 2017 at 6:46
Manufacturers' websites could be useful here: for instance, this Black Diamond page has a harness inspection checklist, and discussion of the accident @mattnz mentioned. — Pont, Jul 17, 2017 at 7:08

Michael Borgwardt · Accepted Answer · 2017-07-17 21:08:41Z

11

When it's beyond the lifetime recommended by the manufacturer.
When you see abrasion or damage that is more than superficial on any of the load-bearing components. This means you have to inspect your harness regularly.
When it has been in contact with a number of strongly corrosive substances.
When there is discoloration (indicates excessive exposure to sunlight, which can weaken Nylon).

answered Jul 17, 2017 at 8:52

Michael Borgwardt

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Well I've only used it a few times and it's already showing "abrasion". How much is too much?
– endolith
Jul 17, 2017 at 13:28
@endolith Maybe you could add to your post a picture of the "abrasion" in your harness? Most of the times "a few months" (or "a few times") of normal use shouldn't show significant abrasion.
– Roflo
Jul 17, 2017 at 15:57
Well it's not significant now, but I want to know how to identify when it is in the future.
– endolith
Jul 17, 2017 at 17:09
1

Just a nit-pick: Nylon does not corrode, there are some specific chemicals which can dissolve it. Maybe acidic would be more suitable adjective to use.
– imsodin
Jul 17, 2017 at 19:53
@imsodin: if you look at the chart, there are many substances listed with "D-Severe Effect" that are not acids. I'll just add a link to it.
– Michael Borgwardt
Jul 17, 2017 at 21:09

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