mark middle of rope

[drl]

I made a black mark on the middle of my rope with a black magic marker. That will not weaken the rope, will it?

[kurthicks]

According to the tests, it will reduce the number of falls held by up to 50%. The real danger comes from loading that exact spot over an edge or biner...read more about it here.

http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/services/safety/Marking%20of%20Ropes.doc

 

my recommendation is to weave dental floss or heavy thread through the sheath very carefully at the middle of the rope.

[Phil K]

You Didn't! Hmmm, best thing would be if you just send me the rope. Is it new?

 

Actually, the magic marker is OK per manufacturers.

[kurthicks]

which manufacturers? I'd like to see that information if you've got it.

[Blake]

I think you'll be ok, but you might want to have one side of the rope a little longer than the other when rapping, so your pen mark isn't at the rope's bend. I know this is an anecdotal bit of information, but who has ever heard of a rope failing due to a felt pen? (real life not lab tests)

[cluck]

This discussion has been tossed around before:

 

http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/threadz/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/390510/page//fpart/1/vc/1

 

Personally, I won't risk it with my ropes. The rope is just too important. But then again, maybe I just haven't done enough research to put my mind at ease.

[Phil K]

OK, "per manufacturers" is a bit of a broad claim. I bought a Maxim a few years ago, and the hang tag with the rope recommended marking the middle with a sharpie. (I think that was the recommended brand, sharpie, marks-a-lot, whatever. They're probably all about the same.) So, yeah, I'm a bit surprised with the edge test failures. I learned something new, whaddya know. I think I'll try the dental floss trick next time, or spring for a new Mamut; always really liked their ropes. Thanks.

[Nick]

I have used tape to mark middles, but who knows, maybe the tape goo is bad too. . . .