Vent: That cheap rope grab from the online auction cost me a whole day's pay

Bought a 'barely used' rope grab for $40 on that big auction site last month. Figured I was saving a hundred bucks over new. Took it up a big oak in Springfield, and the thing just slipped. Not a total failure, but enough of a slip to scare me and make me come down to check it. The cam was worn smooth, something you couldn't see in the photos. Lost the whole job, about $350, because I had to pack up and go get a proper one. Anyone know a good place to get used gear that's actually been inspected?

2 comments

2 Comments

lindaw2911h ago

Yeah, that's the gamble. I don't touch used life support gear online unless it's from a climber I know personally. Seen too many cams polished like glass from grit. Your local arborist supply shop sometimes has a consignment board where guys sell off gear, and you can actually put hands on it first. Check the teeth with a fingernail.

the_jesse2h ago

Check the teeth with a fingernail? That sounds like a terrifying way to test gear you're betting your life on. I'd be way too scared to trust my nail over a proper inspection. Just the thought of it makes me sweat.