cap n chris
Well-known member
Carabiners, if well looked after and inspected routinely, can last 10, 15 or more years. If you're using them in a work setting some manufacturers stipulate retiring them at three years ("they would say that, wouldn't they?"). Mark Wright will doubtless be a reliable source to provide further details if required.I've been using the same two Petzl Locker carabiners on my cowstails for over ten years now, and they're still doing fine. I use a notchless snapgate on my central short loop for passing rebelays and traverse lines, as it's so short it's almost impossible to unload it accidentally.
Other items of caving kit will benefit from retiring far sooner, e.g. helmets and textiles, with manufacturers stating a ten year upper expectancy.
Remember that BCA equipment and techniques dept published advice to untie and retie your safety connectors' rope between caving trips in order to "reset" its dynamic shock load absorbing characteristic.