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When you have to leave a rap anchor... webbing or cord?

Original Post
Angela Limbach · · Milwaukee, WI · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 5

Just looking for an answer to a question that maybe I'm over-thinking, but if one has to leave a rappel anchor, or if an existing anchor looks sketchy, which is a better material to leave behind- 1in webbing or cordellette (say 6mm)?

I'm not so much concerned with which will get me down safely, I have confidence either one would, but for those who come after me, I might as well leave the best thing should someone else need it.

Thus, I'm specifically looking for which one wears better in the long run, which one will visibly show wear better (to help others determine if it's safe-- don't want something to look fine but really it's crap), and if it could be a factor, which one would be better for the environment, though I know leaving anything behind is not exactly good.

Any opinions/insight is appreciated! Thanks!

BobGray · · Salt Lake City, Utah · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 711

I use both. I thread 7mm cord through webbing and combine the two to make an extra strong anchor. It's kinda of difficult sometimes to thread 7mm cord through webbing, but it makes for a great anchor. I always have a few feet of it attached to my harness anytime I climb multi-pitch. The webbing helps shield the cord from sun exposure as well.

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711

If its a commonly used rappel anchor on a popular route? Or, could be? I leave a chain and/or rapide to a rappel ring. All stainless.

Otherwise, 1" or 9/16" webbing or 7mm cord, doesn't matter to me. I've gone fancy before and threaded 7mm cord through 1" webbing and power pointed the whole rig with a rappel ring on it, but, really, stainless chain is going to last forever if you end it with a rapide to ring ('cause you can change the ring out).

7 or 8mm cord is more inspiring than 6mm to be sure. 1" webbing is over kill but works great. Either is super. Leave plenty of tails in a spot they can be easily inspected.

Angela Limbach · · Milwaukee, WI · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 5

Thanks for the replies! Since I've never heard of it before, I'm curious as to how one threads cord through webbing. Any good references you could point me to? or a quick step by step?
Thanks

EricSchmidt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 0
BobGray wrote:I use both. I thread 7mm cord through webbing and combine the two to make an extra strong anchor. It's kinda of difficult sometimes to thread 7mm cord through webbing, but it makes for a great anchor. I always have a few feet of it attached to my harness anytime I climb multi-pitch. The webbing helps shield the cord from sun exposure as well.
I kinda do the same thing, except I put a piece of 11mm static rope inside 3/8ths webbing and then put THAT inside of 1 inch webbing. And then back it up with 7 mil perlon.
Jon Cheifitz · · Superior/Lafayette, Co · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 90

I like to leave cord as I have found it lasts a bit longer in the weather. Webbing gets so crunch quickly. Also, If I need to leave cord, I can cut it off my cordalette instead as I only carry webbing if I have a reason. (Like setting up TR in Ouray)

-Jon

Ian Stewart · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2010 · Points: 155

I wouldn't usually bring webbing up a well traveled climb (where I expect the anchor to be ok), so if I found I needed to make an anchor I'd end up cutting what I need off my cordalette. If it was a climb where I thought the likelihood of needing to make an anchor is high then I'd bring webbing...not because it's better, but because I bought a bunch when I was a noob thinking I'd need it and I never have...

Andrew Mayer · · Driggs, ID · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 131

6 or 7mm cord, since thats what I'm already carrying for anchors.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
EricSchmidt wrote: I kinda do the same thing, except I put a piece of 11mm static rope inside 3/8ths webbing and then put THAT inside of 1 inch webbing. And then back it up with 7 mil perlon.
LOL!!..and then wrap that in and around a heavy chain too.
Brian Hudson · · Jasper, TN · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 95
EricSchmidt wrote: I kinda do the same thing, except I put a piece of 11mm static rope inside 3/8ths webbing and then put THAT inside of 1 inch webbing. And then back it up with 7 mil perlon.
Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974
Woodchuck ATC wrote: LOL!!..and then wrap that in and around a heavy chain too.
Is a stainless steel chain adequate or does it have to be titanium?
Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
Mark E Dixon wrote: Is a stainless steel chain adequate or does it have to be titanium?
Thanks for catching my error Mark,,,titanium links, 1/2 inch thick is the basic minimum. We all want to be safe out there..
john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

Sorry to be the bitch here.. leave a biner or 2

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640
Woodchuck ATC wrote: Thanks for catching my error Mark,,,titanium links, 1/2 inch thick is the basic minimum. We all want to be safe out there..
you are shittin ' me right ??
Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
john strand wrote:Sorry to be the bitch here.. leave a biner or 2
agreed,,but tied to what??.. a cord,chain or web is the debate here....even the overkill anchor humor..
Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974
john strand wrote:Sorry to be the bitch here.. leave a biner or 2
I don't think they make titanium carabiners.
EricSchmidt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 0
Brian Hudson wrote:
Congrats on jumping on the bandwagon and ALSO not being able to take a joke... Are you always so serious?
EricSchmidt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 0
john strand wrote: you are shittin ' me right ??
Yes... obviously he is. Are you always so gullible?
Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Dental Floss...several loops/turns of waxed floss should do it ..save a few bucks too.

clay meier · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 350

Rappeling is for sissies. I only climb it if I can base jump off of it.

Brian Hudson · · Jasper, TN · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 95
Woodchuck ATC wrote: agreed,,but tied to what??.. a cord,chain or web is the debate here....even the overkill anchor humor..
I guess you could place it like a blade...cam it in a horizontal and hope for the best?

Also, Eric, your sense of humor needs some retuning if you think you're telling jokes.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Trad Climbing
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