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I work at a University climbing gym (a 20ft wall, nothing special) and my boss gave me a climbing rope that he said to get rid of because it had been behind the wall and he didn't know where it came from and how long it had been there. He seems to think that this rope has been there for at least 4 years, because that's how long he has worked at the Rec center, but he doesn't know how long before that it has been there.

Upon my further inspection, the rope doesn't seem "stiff" or in any sort of bad condition. It's not dirty and (I'm pretty sure) it hasn't been used outside because there are no abrasions or "rough" spots on the sheath. (so I would also assume that it hasn't had too many falls) It's a Black Diamond 60m rope, that appears to be in fairly good condtion. The only bad thing I can think of is it's age and not being used. (I'd hate to think it went to 'waste')

So my question is: should I just retire the rope, cut it up and throw it in the trash? Or do you think it could be a possible rope that I could use for my own personal climbing use outside? I'm a poor college student, but I know this rope isn't worth my life - but from an outside perspective - would it be a bad idea to take it as my own?
I didn't know if there was anything bad about using a rope that appears to be unused but just has an old shelf life..? and I'm almost certain also that it has NEVER been exposed to any battery acid, bleach etc.

Well the rule I go by nowadays is that if you have aNY question about your gear retire it. I mean people will probably climb (or have climbed) on ropes in worse shape than the one you are describing. But as you said its not worth your life. From my own personal experience when I was newbie leader I took massive falls in my BD harness and this was after 2 years of hang doggin and just abusing the shit out of it...one day I finished this route in the Red and yelled take!....well as I sat back in the harness a few stitches popped...around the tie in point.. .I heard 'em....they freaked me out (i was fine)....when I got down I noticed the tie in points were frayed a bit and sure enough there were those few stiches... but anyway I retired the ol' gal after 3 and half years of abuse...was the harness still usuable? Of course...Do my friends use it occaisonally on TR? yes....even though I tell them my concerns. So the moral of the story is its a personal decision but IMO....get rid of it. Get your self a new Sterling or Mammut rope...those things are almost insdestructable! Well at least against my fat ass fallin on em!

pfft.

Just feel the rope and if there are no soft spots in the core, it's good. If it was from a climbing gym, though, it may be a static rope and you definitely don't want to be using it for anything other than top roping.

don't trash it - make a nice rope mat out of it - or donate it to Muir so Liz can fence off more wild lillies there are plenty of useful things for an old rope to do - no sense to throw it in a landfill.

If you don't know , don't do it. thats the short of it.
but you could use it as a gear rope , hual rope, tie furniture down to the truck bed
even make a lamp out of it.

Yeah i guess I should have clarified....you don't have to "throw it an landfill" but I would not climb on it. The donation idea is a great one!

Give it to me for a rigorous testing and approval. This is the only way to peace of mind.

I agree with Pru, if it were a gym rope it may be static and not suitable for leading even if it were new. For top roping and rapping it's probably still bomber. I've retired a few ropes, belay devices, and harnesses. One set is in my bedroom closet and is my "fire escape" that I hope never to use.

alright, thanks guys. I will just go ahead and probably retire the rope (although I'm still going to ponder using it, because it's so tempting)
but I will most likely retire it, I really like your ideas on some things to do with it. Does anyone know of a good website with some creative tips and etc?

are you into bondage?