What should I do if my RAD LINE cord has sheath slippage? - Petzl Netherlands
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What should I do if my RAD LINE cord has sheath slippage?

Your RAD LINE cord has sheath slippage and you still want to use it... Follow the steps below to extend the life of your RAD LINE.

Warnings

  • Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
  • Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
  • We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.

Start by doing a full inspection of your RAD LINE with the help of our PPE inspection form.

PPE inspection form.

If your RAD LINE inspection results are satisfactory and the damage is limited to a small area near the end(s) (fuzzy or soft spots, swelling, cuts, sheath slippage...), you can extend your RAD LINE's life by cutting off the ends.

RAD LINE inspection
RAD LINE inspection

You will need adhesive tape (strapping tape or duct tape) a SPATHA and a lighter.

Materials for cutting your RAD LINE

1. Cut the cord in the damaged area to free the sheath from the core.

Cut the cord in the damaged area.

2. Pull on the sheath.

Pull on the sheath.

3. Locate the area where the core is present.

Locate the area where the core is present.
Locate the area where the core is present.

4. Use tape to mark the place to be cut, at least 5 cm from the damaged area.

Mark the place to be cut.

5. Wrap a piece of tape tightly around your RAD LINE, cut and singe the new end of the RAD LINE to prevent fraying.

Wrap a piece of tape, cut and singe the new end of the RAD LINE.

Attention: if you do this operation multiple times or if you cut off a long piece, your RAD LINE will be shorter than its initial length and the middle mark will no longer be accurate.

Check the accuracy of the middle mark by following the procedure below.

Check the accuracy of the middle mark.
Check the accuracy of the middle mark.

Case 1 - The difference in length between the strands is less than 60 cm: your rope still meets the UIAA standard requirement for a middle mark.

The difference in length between the strands is less than 60 cm.

Case 2 - The difference in length between the strands is more than 60 cm: trim the longer side of your RAD LINE before marking the new RAD LINE length on one end.

The difference in length between the strands is more than 60 cm.
Cut the longer side of your RAD LINE before marking the new length on one end.
Cut the longer side of your RAD LINE before marking the new length on one end.