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When To Replace Carabiners, Quickdraws and Other Climbing Hardware

Is it time for new climbing hardware?

Signs of wear to look for

Signs of wear to look for

Signs of wear to look for

Signs of wear to look for

Climbing hardware picks

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Is it time for new climbing hardware?

From carabiners and belay devices to cams, nuts and slings, climbing hardware is designed to withstand years of regular use. Your climbing hardware needs routine inspections to ensure it’s performing as intended.

In this guide, we’ll explain what to look for when inspecting your climbing hardware, when it might be time to retire a piece of equipment and how to help maximise its lifespan.

This guide was written in collaboration with the expert instructors at Plas y Brenin.

How long does climbing hardware last?

Climber in gear, kneeling on a grassy mountain, adjusting ropes and equipment, wearing a helmet and windproof jacket.

Signs it's time to replace your climbing hardware

Repeated use, exposure to the elements and everyday wear can all affect your equipment over time.

Carabiners & belay devices

A hand holding a grey climbing carabiner with a red locking mechanism against a plain white background.

Signs of wear to look for

Image of Corrosion or rust

Corrosion or rust

This can weaken the structural strength and jam the spring gate or lock

Image of Sharp edges or nicks

Sharp edges or nicks

These could damage your rope

Image of Smooth gate operation

Smooth gate operation

This ensures fast, one-handed clipping and unclipping

Image of Excessive sideways movement in locking gates

Excessive sideways movement in locking gates

This is dangerous because it prevents proper nose-to-gate alignment and can cause locking sleeves to jam or fail to engage completely

Nuts

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Signs of wear to look for

Image of Broken wire strands & fraying

Broken wire strands & fraying

This can drastically reduce its strength and ability to safely catch a fall

Image of Damage where the cable meets the metal head

Damage where the cable meets the metal head

This creates a weak spot; the cable can snap during a heavy fall.

Slings & quickdraws

hand holding worn quickdraw

Signs of wear to look for

Image of Faded colour

Faded colour

Colour loss is a primary visual indicator of UV degradation, causing the material to lose significant structural strength

Image of Furry or fuzzy fibres

Furry or fuzzy fibres

Indicates surface abrasion and broken load-bearing filaments, which leaves it vulnerable to sudden failure during a fall

Image of Cuts, abrasion or damaged stitching

Cuts, abrasion or damaged stitching

Any structural damage compromises the core load-bearing capacity

Cams

A hand holding a climbing cam with a red webbing sling and a silver carabiner against a plain background.

Signs of wear to look for

Image of That the trigger mechanism operates without sticking

That the trigger mechanism operates without sticking

Vital because it allows for fast, one-handed placements, prevents the gear from jamming incorrectly, and maintains reliable safety performance

Image of The condition of the trigger sling or webbing

The condition of the trigger sling or webbing

Can lose significant tensile strength, risking a complete break during a fall

Image of For any signs of corrosion or damage

For any signs of corrosion or damage

Can cause mechanical failure, jam the moving lobes, and weaken critical structural parts like steel axles or cables

How to make your climbing hardware last longer

Climber wearing a harness with colourful carabiners and gear attached, scaling a rocky surface.

Final thoughts

Regular inspections will help you identify wear before it becomes a safety concern. If you spot damage, notice that a moving part no longer functions correctly or simply aren’t confident in a piece of equipment, replacing it is always the safest decision. Head in-store, and our experienced team can help you find the perfect replacement.

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