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Gear Question
what is the recommended life for a 'D' type carabine...
By 7na2482100
Ranked #661 - Carabiners, Quickdraws, and Belay Devices
October 15, 2008
what is the recommended life for a 'D' type carabiner
View Details: Petzl Am'D Locking Carabiner
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By Annie Naylor
June 30, 2011
The rule of thumb is 1 mm of wear. That's the point when wear starts to compromise the strength of the piece . Once they're worn down 1mm in any area it's recommended that you retire them. Check this article out: http://backcountrybeacon.com/2010/10/climbing-gear-inspection-hardgoods/
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By Angus Bohanon
Ranked #31 - Carabiners, Quickdraws, and Belay Devices
October 15, 2008
There really is no shelf life for a carabiner. One major indicator is how much it is worn through. Tests have shown biners pulling to full strength even after being 60% worn, but you would obviously stop using it way before that. Probably retire it at around 20-25%. Also, the aluminum used in carabiners doesn't microfracture like it used to, so there is no such thing as invisible damage. If you can see a hairline crack in it or the sleeve itself is cracked or won't close, retire it. If the gate closes smoothly and there are no burrs across the working surfaces, then your carabiner is just fine. My dad still uses carabiners that are a good 25 years old.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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