Webbings tested with 16 different contaminants

Duane Burkhart contaminated and donated all these webbings. Joao Portales edited this complex video. Please tell us if you like 50 samples in one video if we can squeeze it into 10 minutes. Hint: nothing we tested besides formic acid affected webbing.
Check out contaminated ropes video • Contaminated climbing ...
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[@HowNOT2]

Check out our new store! hownot2.store/

[@heli400]

I like this format of video: Spewing data, with the data graphs, & video of things snapping while doing it

[@valesyde]

Agreed. I liked this format.

[@BLubb-ol6jq]

Oh there is so much: - as a fellow cat roommate: kitty litter (the clumping grey one! Should be acidic), I got the cat litter box in the basement not too far from ropes and stuff..and there's the dust - as a speleologist: nail paint (we use that for painting survey stations) - petrol: the garage scenario - machine grease, WD40/silicone oil, silicone grease, all the stuff you need to keep things moving - dirt! Most interesting clay from caves ;-) - frozen rope - loading a motorcycle battery near rope or webbing: does possible outgassing cause problems? - what about cat scratches on new rope still on a coil? (Looks exactly like a scratch tree^^)

[@jakubj9448]

I'd be interested to see if laundry detergent and fabric softener does something nasty to a rope/sling. Great video btw. Love your channel!

[@nathanielglavurdic4214]

If it's good enough for your own skin then it's generally Fine for rope

[@MrEh5]

Avoid wool-lite. Friends rope sheath broke in a fall after he washed it several times.

[@rachelhasbruises]

@@MrEh5 here I have always seen that people SHOULD use WoolLite on ropes because it's gentle.

[@MrEh5]

@@rachelhasbruises his rope didn't last that long. I fell in an overhang and it blew out just above me and was not near anything sharp.

[@moneymaken9232]

Anything people might use to mark or wash ropes would be great to test on ropes! Thanks for all you do!

[@RS-ec5bx]

You live in CA -- how bout a long term sun light exposure test? Lay out some key things like a section of 9.8, slings, softshackles, etc over the course of 3-6 months or even a year in a place that can get direct sun (not through a window) all day every day. Maybe even lay out multiple samples of each type that you take out and test every 1-3 months so it's an ongoing series and we might find out how long it takes for sunlight to do real damage.

[@JustViewerson]

I would love to see different ways of marking the center of your climbing rope and if that does anything! I'd happily donate to help make that happen 😄 I think like permanent markers, nailpolish and the like. Perhaps let it sit for a couple of days?

[@rachelhasbruises]

....who is using anything other than a rope marker? 😬 That said, the sheath isn't the strength and hopefully no one is soaking their ropes in nail polish.

[@justindunlap1235]

I go old-school and just whip a piece of florescent string around the midpoint.

[@sqreon9401]

Sea water (salt water) soaked climbing ropes loaded to close to their mbs a few times then break tested. See if the whole theory of salt crystals cutting the inside of ropes actually has any substance

[@TheKUBAGTA4]

I would like to see the effect of salt on harnesses, as some sailors use climbing harnesses on tall ships, because they are much more comfortable (and probably safer) than those cheap harnesses they have, at least on 3 polish tall ships on which I sailed they were rubbish

[@rachelhasbruises]

Agreed, since unlike sand and grit the salt could be soaked into the core then reform the crystals from the inside.

[@jordanrobinson9535]

You can Google "Chemical Chart for (Nylon/Polyester/etc)" and get a good idea of what is harmful to each material. It might help you pinpoint a household item that contains one of the chemicals known to damage the material. That should help reduce the number of break tests needed.

[@Petrosilius]

urine, salt water, gasoline would be interesting! Thank you for this video, I like the new style of some breaking while talking. I love data, don't worry about it getting boring. Great work, thank you

[@maldonadorodrigo]

1)how long did the webbing remain submerged in the solution? 2)how long between submersion and testing? I am a big big fan, nice work man Tankyou

[@devilaces]

That's a great question. It's one thing if it's soaked for 5 mins, or 1 hr but it's another thing if it had a bit of the solution on it while it was stored over the winter and had an exposure time of 6 months (4320hrs). Maybe if it lowered the strength by 1% after 1 hr (not significant) but after 6 months it would be a problem.

[@brianatwell8969]

That’s what I was wondering too. If the solution sits for long time does it affect it.

[@mars_experience]

You should try leaving the chemicals for a few days... they normally don't affect materials very fast...but thanks for the work and for the interesting tests in your channel

[@Conceptualizethis]

I appreciate the controls and the more scientific method approach to the tests

[@MrJoebass702]

As expected, this style of video where you just spit data at us was also excellent! Keep up the good work!!

[@RS-ec5bx]

Gotta say I like the story type better. BUT I think you should combine the two for larger datasets. Record story-like sessions for a select few of the samples, then data-spew the rest (I say that in a positive light; I like this style but I just liked the story style better is all). Win/win. Either way, love this channel and love what ya do. Keep it up man

[@drew5334]

These kinds of videos are great every once in a while, they are great knowledge, but they're less bang for your buck in terms of how much effort you have to put in. It's really cool seeing *how* stuff breaks too. I think one of the coolest and practical things you could test at this point that you haven't done yet is a climbing rope's breaking strength as it goes over an edge, you could test breaking strength sliding along the rope's axis, static, rolling horizontally, etc. I think a concrete paver or just a giant boulder with a sharp edge would work well as an edge. Another idea would be to test common climbing dogma, to what degree they're true and what consequences are if you ignore them.

[@benjaminbiras3662]

Could you break a frozen slackline ? To simulate conditions in very high altitude...

[@keepcalmproductions]

As a Canadian who just got into slacklining in August, I am also curious. I have the SI Baseline; I'm curious about winter rigging (semi-premanent between trees), especially with the freeze/thaw cycle we get here early winter in Ontario.

[@mountainmandoug]

I liked this video, although it was not quite as fun as a lot of your videos of doing stuff live, the nerd in me rejoiced at how much info I just received. Personally I see no need to duplicate this research with rope, I think just the fiber type matters. The chemicals I would like to see tested are more cleaners/disinfectant chemicals. Ammonia, some common household cleaners, etc. Also, I second the vote to test permanent markers.

[@qweasdy1666]

Personally I'd like to see a test with petrol and a few tests with salt water, 1 while still wet, 1 after its dried and another after it's been dried and washed with fresh water. These are both things I've heard people warn about, the salt water when it dries is supposed to create sharp salt crystals which can damage the rope/webbing

[@timmytim1982]

How long were the lines in the contaminants and how long between being soaked and broken? (I'd be very interested to see a few months from soaking to breaking!)

[@patob3363]

do you have a guesstimate as to how long between when they were contaminated and broken?

[@MrTheomossop]

Gasoline/diesel might not play nice with nylon. It could easily contaminate webbing in a long trip where you bring emergency fuel and it leaks.

[@windriver2363]

the white gas is essentially automotive gasoline without the additives like corrosion inhibitors and metal deactivators.

[@MrTheomossop]

@@windriver2363 oh cool I thought it was naphtha/camping gas

[@shLSS]

Lemon juice on climbing rope, harness and via ferrata sets would be very interesting to me 🙈

[@MeshiMeshi-vu2hs]

I like this format too. Great info.

[@joaocamarajmc]

Saweet! 50 samples in one video is FUN.

[@jasonzevenbergen6338]

Your videos are so valuable, thank you! I'd love to see how alkaline battery acid affects soft goods (like leakage from a headlamp).

[@cooperspace90]

Thanks Joal

[@coalbuster]

One test you can try doing is accelerated aging. I used to do it when I worked in a testing lab. Bury a plastic line in a bucket of activated charcoal. That will absorb in weeks all the volatile chemicals that normally take years to evaporate. Some lines will lose a lot of strength as they age.

[@foihdzas]

Curious how long these contaminants were on the samples. 1 week, 1 month?? Great vid. Thanks!

[@jameslochhead5950]

I think both formats are really good it just depends on the topic I really enjoy the videos when you dive and deep into a Pacific test and have lots of high speed video I also really enjoyed this video where you did a lot of experiment exploring A large range of parameters They are boat good 👍👍👍

[@Benijermin]

Not sure if it's been done already. But would love to see "sun dried" lines being broke. Understandably a little tricky to get a good control, haha.

[@eyescreamcake]

put them under a UV sterilization lamp

[@PowerrPundit]

I'd definitely be curious in doing something similar for climbing rope!

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

There's this $40 (new) set of 3 cams on eBay called "vento". They look like trango flex cams. I wonder about them and other Russian climbing equipment.

[@jacob8565]

Have you tryed different types of prusiks

[@lukaxbd2384]

Could you maybe try with sunlight, leave it out on the sun and the elements for few days/week.

[@colossalfart]

I believe that's been done. Not just days. Over a year, if I recall correctly.

[@professorsogol5824]

He could use some of the tat that he recovered from the anchors on the Arrow Tip. Some of that stuff had been out there for years in all kinds of weather.

[@AndreS_-df2nw]

Brake fluid, transmission fluid, diesel, kerosene... Great info

[@kap8495]

love this channel very interesting anecdotes

[@bitcoredotorg]

DATA! Love it, very fascinating.

[@shLSS]

Thanks for another awesome video. As serious as the topic is, I had so many hard laughs while watching it :-)

[@permapunter]

Why you no test sulphuric acid ? Isn't it the only commonly attributed agent in reported chemical contamination-softgoods failures in the wild ? Love the vids, keep it up.

[@fdect]

Different kinds of inks and paints... Spray paint, wood paint wall paint, oil ink, nail polish etc... As people sometimes make markings in their gear in order to not loose them when sharing

[@evanlovleymeyers4781]

How long did you have the webbing in the chemical and how long after taken out of chemical did you put into machine?

[@georgioskarakassopoulos9818]

Contaminants that might be worth trying: Sharpie (or any form of permanent marker), household washing detergent, turps, paints.

[@dharmaslack7382]

Cool stuff ! Nice to know What about paint ? Spray and liquid types

[@jonathanandrade176]

Such an awesome video.

[@Howwhen_IQof9]

I can't even get on a regular line, but super stoked that I got on a highline on Saddle Peak Santa Monica and feel free falling without worrying about hitting anything. Honestly much safer setup than climbing, definitely something I will do after I destroy my fingers

[@Ferrari353]

Urine! Can you test the effect of urine on breaking strength?

[@dobby490]

I've heard before urea is the most degrading chemical to fabrics

[@The_Ballo]

@@dobby490 I'd test blood. It's acidic

[@bmeyer2011]

Normal blood should have a pH of about 7.3

[@georgioskarakassopoulos9818]

Ooh, I have another suggestion: it’s not necessarily contamination, but exposure. I guess UV has been covered by testing webbing that’s been a fixture in somebody’s backyard for a few years. But how about heat? I.e. leaving your gear in a hot car over longer periods of time?

[@maxbowen6482]

I was just listening to the 5.7r podcast where they said they were gonna ask you to do this on ropes haha

[@Benlucky13]

Would be curious to see some more automotive and home improvement related things that might be stored in a trunk at some point wd-40, brake cleaner, starter fluid, penetrating fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, copper antisieze, dry graphite spray, white lithium grease, diesel, pvc cement, drain cleaner, wasp spray

[@nn2s2u]

You need to do sulfuric acid at 30%, AKA battery acid. Most autos use wet lead acid batteries, and they can leak if damaged or tipped. They are also present on many vehicle solar systems, which may be poorly built or maintained. Another common chemical that I transport to my house in a vehicle is would be hydrochloric acid, AKA muriatic or pool acid, at 15%. I believe both of these would degrade nylon, but I am unsure about polyester.

[@chrissonnenschein6634]

no mention on webisode of how long they were contaminated for? All of those contaminants affects natural fibers... I really doubt you would see much without long term contamination and/or UV light.

[@xXBismuthXx]

Thick layer of sharpie and other dyes to mark rope center

[@tek4]

Also Happy Thanksgiving bro!!

[@roshaw87]

Liked the data style

[@johannessporer]

I would consider that things like motor oil could weaken the webbing in long term...but that's just specualtion Btw: Edelrid did some similar tests which is also very interesting to watch :)

[@reidstoppe562]

It would be cool to see urine , I was always told to make sure to never get any pee on my harness because it weakens it.

[@maximeclement8635]

Try with salt, really common up north if you put your winter boots with your gear.!

[@BigToinE976]

What I would be interested in is study effect of washing repeteadly a climbing rope (respecting the washing rules :

[@Pscribbled]

You should put the contaminants on webbing one the weblock next. That way you can actually see strength reduction since they all broke in the weblock.

[@Superape94]

I am really sorry to ask this but I heard that you must not wear your climbing harness while using the bathroom, so could you maybe try uric acid? Should be possible to use ad-blue if it is available in the US.

[@dragan3290]

I would love to see construction adhesives; sikaflex, liquid nails, silicone. Pva glue! Sikaflex has some strong chemicals!

[@NicklePiefy]

I've heard rumors that piss weakens climbing ropes. Forseeably, a dog might piss on your gear, so I wonder if that's actually something to be concerned about.

[@kyleoak8875]

Not as worried about the stick of butter I forgot in my car this summer in my gear bin which proceeded to melt over the period of 3 days and grease up some draws and cam slings.

[@tek4]

Food morning, and what a awesome surprise.

[@JisforJenkem]

Fiberglass insulation ground into webbing. I would like to store some gear in my unfinished basement but am concerned about the exposed fiberglass! Also, try liquid tide.

[@BenjaminLovelady]

Battery Acid? Acetone? Brake Cleaner? At this point it's just a desperate attempt to justify the concern of chemical contamination. I do remember some manufacturer of dual-braid ropes claiming that the mark in the middle reduces strength. Maybe test heavily applied Sharpie?

[@FallLineJP]

How about some experiments with UV light? Stick it under a UV light and/or magnifying glass to focus the light (without burning the rope obviously)... to see if you can speed up the UV aging by 100x or something, and see if that does anything?

[@FallLineJP]

Acid rain? I know it's less of a problem than it used to be, but wonder if a line left rigged and rained on for a few days would be significantly compromised.

[@treenetweaves]

I think salt water and sand would be two good contaminants to use! Spoiler alert: salt water will not do much... I’ve tested a few harnesses at work contaminated in salt water and nothing much changed in their MBS

[@boody0080]

What about cleaning detergent or shampoo or somthing you might want to wash ur climbing rope with.

[@cooperspace90]

This is also a nice style of video

[@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030]

I would appreciate a long term exposition to represent a worst case storage in a shed with volatile substances. For example, leaving it 1 year in fuel, regular gas, bleach. Also, leave it one year in a pale with pool chlorine pucks. To force degradation, keep the temperature high (leave the webbing + substance in a black pale on the sun). The water base solution was pointless in my opinion. My background is analytical chemistry. We use to do forced degradation.

[@utmtn9971]

My favorite: breaking at 200% of donation capacity 💸 I'm super excited for your new drop tower and TV shows spots 😏

[@bmeyer2011]

I’ve heard that urine is damaging from multiple sources. I’m surprised it wasn’t included in this video. Would also want to see alcohol.... i mean it just makes sense. What do you do after getting drunk

[@libertine5606]

corrosion from a car battery post.

[@jglantz08]

dear god. this is just what i needed to see. i've just spent a year freaking out any time a splash of bear hits a sling or a cam sling... good to know i was making my shit stronger! edit to add: can you test other IPA's please??

[@rachelhasbruises]

He should really test some goses and sours. I need to know if I should be taking extra care drinking my 3.4pH beers around my gear. D:!

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Curious about the effects of something every single rope is exposed to. UV radiation. That’s the main reason ropes and webbing have lifespans, correct?

[@ztt1991]

Try UV-light

[@professorsogol5824]

Good idea. A UV light in the lab could be used to mimic natural outdoor exposure to sunlight and allow the amount of exposure to be accurately quantified. Maybe take the slings, etc. to your local tanning studio for several sessions.

[@mowgliclark4785]

Kerosene test I just watched a video of my friends doing a fire torch staff while slackline. I know that kerosene that gets flicked all over the place when you fire spin.

[@eyescreamcake]

What was the liquid that turned that guy's harness stitching pink and broke it? Woolite or something?

[@KK-up3pq]

How long did the chemicals have to not eat into the webbings?

[@starfilmsanimation]

Loctite / acetone. I know what it does to polycarbonate, wonder what it does to nylon.

[@edofih]

How many whippers can I take before my rope is trash

[@patob3363]

Also is slackmap or slackspot the best place to list new highlines? or is there a better option cause they are both a bit clunky. Thanks

[@jackforman2692]

Hand sanitizers

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

People always say keep your gear a way from DEET. Well this seems to make that a myth. All I know is my daughter got DEET on a SAK and it knocked the shine off the scales. Thanks.

[@danielkeeley4406]

all I heard is that beer will strengthen my webbing

[@Des..Perado]

Hi Ryan, I'm trying to figure out who makes one of the leash protectors you have used in previous videos. It's the one that keeps the leash captive in the perimeter using what looks like paracord but I could be wrong about that. If I'm making sense and you could help me with an answer I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[@jk-vs3yq]

Happy thanksgiving thank you lots for testing i thought at least lacquer thinner woulda done something lmao

[@succulentstomper8882]

Insect repellent with a higher concentration of deet. I have had sunglasses melt from deet.

[@succulentstomper8882]

Also shout out to Juno Coffee! Best instant coffee I've had!

[@10--50]

3:36 U sure that's not used motor oil?

[@XVIIsionsProductions]

I thought for sure you would have done Sulfuric acid (battery acid)... you mentioned it, I got pumped to see it and then... let down 😂 Also does marking rope/ webbing with sharpie hurt it? Also also, does gorilla brand duct tape adhesive harm the ropes/ webbing

[@aaronmohl2475]

death sauce. hot sauce.

[@michaelstearns483]

you should make a shirt that says slackerfice for science. i would buy that

[@justindunlap1235]

I would stay away from organic solvents, and petrochemicals, they have the highest chance of interacting with the synthetic material of the line.

[@neal569]

Put mercury on cams and carabiners and watch them crumble.

[@windriver2363]

The insect repellent with deet was a surprising result. I've personally seen deet melt plastics, maybe nylon and polyester are unaffected. Would be interesting to see urine, as animals don't care much about where they pee. Acid from a lead-acid battery. For those who store their climbing gear next to leaky batteries.

[@morgwai667]

i will dip all my gear in IPA... :D :D :D

[@PraxZimmerman]

Definitely gasoline. Who hasn't spilled a few pints while out camping?