What should climber shank and sleeves be inspected for?

Climber shank and sleeves are critical components of climbing equipment and must be thoroughly inspected to ensure safety and reliability. The emphasis on checking for cracks, cuts, and/or marks is crucial because these defects can significantly compromise the integrity of the equipment. Cracks can indicate material fatigue or damage that could lead to failure during use, while cuts can weaken the structural integrity and pose risks of failure under load. Marks may also indicate wear or stress that could affect performance.

Regular inspections for these issues help identify potential hazards before they lead to accidents. Ensuring that the climber's gear is free from these defects means that it is better equipped to handle the forces and stresses experienced during climbing activities.

In contrast, while pitting and corrosion can be serious concerns, cracks and structural damage are more immediate threats to safety, as they directly impact the functionality of the gear. Similarly, assessing weight capacity and color differences are less relevant to direct safety inspections; they do not provide immediate indicators of the structural viability of the climber shank and sleeves.