C.S.I. - Climbing Scene Investigation

What caused a year-old Black Diamond climbing harness to fall apart? According to the owner, it had only been used about 70 times indoors and had been stored carefully. So when the threads holding the buckle fell apart, it was quite a mystery.

The harness had abnormally pinkish threads. The QC crew at Black Diamond set out to find which chemicals change the color of nylon threads.

Here are some of the products they tested to see which ones affect nylon. Most of these have little if any effect on nylon. Which is reassuring. They determined it was some sort of acid. So if you have any pink on your nylon climbing gear, it's probably a sign of exposure to acid.

To find out what they learned, go here.