How should you store and transport climbing hardware to avoid damage?

• A. Dry gear completely
• B. Store away from direct sunlight and chemicals
• C. Keep in damp areas
• D. Crush or drop gear

Answer: (B)

Prolonged sun exposure and contact with chemicals can degrade climbing hardware. Ultraviolet light breaks down plastics and coatings and can cause rubber parts to harden or crack, while chemicals—solvents, cleaners, fuels—can corrode metal and degrade polymers. Storing away from direct sunlight and away from chemicals minimizes these aging processes during storage and transport, helping hardware maintain strength and reliability. A cool, dry, dark place and a padded container for transport further reduce moisture, heat, and impact risks. While drying gear completely after use is good practice, it doesn’t fully protect against UV and chemical exposure that occur during storage; keeping gear damp invites rust and mold, and rough handling or dropping damages items.