Vent: Talked to an old school climber about rope care and now I'm doubting everything

Was swapping stories with a guy who's been climbing since the 80s over at the local supply shop in Raleigh last Thursday. He told me he never uses a rope washer because the friction and detergent break down the sheath over time, which goes against every YouTube video I've watched. Anyone else hear conflicting advice from old timers that made you question your whole routine?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_hayden7d ago

That friction and detergent break down the sheath" line got me. Reminds me of when I bought my first rope from an old guy selling used gear out of his van at the crag. He swore by soaking ropes in cold water with a splash of white vinegar to "reset the fibers." Tried it once, whole rope smelled like a salad for two months. Still don't know if it helped or hurt.

the_emery7d ago

Tried vinegar once too, my rope just attracted every bee at the crag for a week.