Even among rope manufacturers, there is not a definitive set of rules to be used in determining when a rope should be removed from service. However, the following is a list of generally agreed upon guidelines. When in doubt, it is always best to be conservative and replace the rope in question or downgrade it to a non-critical application.

Visual Inspection of the rope may reveal many signs that the rope has been weakened and should be retired. These include:

  • Evidence of broken fibers or significant abrasion – Minor abrasion to the skin of the rope may not affect its performance. However, if the core of the rope is exposed or the diameter of the rope has been reduced anywhere due to damaged or cut fibers it is absolutely essential that the rope be replaced.
  • Evidence of burns or melting – This may be caused by either abrasion or exposure to heat. Signs of melting suggest the rope has been compromised, and should be retired.
  • Evidence of dirt – Kernmantle ropes are designed to protect the load bearing fibers from dirt and grit. However, excessive dirt may indicate that the rope has been weakened by the dirt particles abrading the individual fibers in the rope. This is of particular concern if the dirt cannot easily be cleaned off the rope, or if it seems as though the dirt has penetrated through to the core of the rope.
  • Evidence of oil or grease – If the exposure is recent and minor, it may be possible to wash the rope using a mild detergent. However, extreme caution should be exercised, as oil often contains other contaminants, which may chemically damage the fibers in the rope.