Climber shank and sleeves should be inspected for ?

• A. Rust only
• B. Discoloration
• C. Cracks, cuts and/or marks
• D. Dents

Answer: (C)

When inspecting a climber’s shank and sleeves, you’re checking for signs that the metal’s strength has been compromised. Cracks reveal fracture lines that can grow under load, making failure possible even if the rest of the surface looks fine. Cuts and/or gouges remove material or create sharp edges that concentrate stress and can propagate into a failure. Marks may indicate prior deformation or wear patterns that signal ongoing damage. Because these signs directly indicate degraded structural integrity, they’re the most important indicators to assess. Rust, discoloration, or dents can accompany wear but don’t, on their own, demonstrate the same clear risk of immediate failure as cracks, cuts, or marks.