How to tell if a climbing rope is safe?

If you want the rope to pull your truck out of the mud go ahead. If you want a climbing rope buy from a reputable dealer and start your rope log. If other climbers find out you got it off of craigs list, you likely will not be welcome with them again. If you climbed with me, I'd ask and I'd ask to see your gear log. Your rope would be in 10' chunks if I learned it was of unknown origin and/or history. Even if the rope has never stopped a fall, never been abused its age still HAS to be known. Rope begins to deteriorate the moment it is made. Some ropes need replacing at 6-8 years even without visable damage. All in all, the gear is cheap. If you can not afford it get with a friend or two and share. Like diving, climbing is best done with a buddy anyway.

Bottom line -- you can't tell by physical inspection. You have no idea if it has taken more than a couple of leader falls, has been stored in sunlight or in a trunk with solvent vapors or myriad other forms of abuse that could drastically impact it's strength and integrity. I was an equipment manager for both an outdoor club and for an outfitter. We kept careful records on the ropes we used in climbing schools and once they had reached a certain age or had sustained a number of falls or rough handling, we first retired them to use for "fixed rope" climbs or rappelling practice, and then after a year of that, cut them in 20' lengths for people to use as car tow rope or dog leashes. I would never buy used climbing gear.

Its going to be really hard or impossible to tell. You can do a visual inspection, but most damage can't be seen. It isn't a good idea to buy used load-bearing climbing gear, unless its from someone you know and trust.

I purchased a used climbing rope many years ago when I lived in Alaska and couldn't afford to purchase a new one. I met the previous owner and trusted him. I retired it after some use ice climbing and alpine glacier travel with it. I took a short fall or two on it, and I am still alive, last time I checked! The problem with a used rope is that if the person selling it doesn't want it any more it may be for good reason. If you want to save money find a friend who might want to split the cost and ownership of a rope. There are some good bargains on line too. It would be better for your own safety and that of your friends if you purchased a new rope and took good care of it.

Do U wanna get sum used condoms 2? U don't ever wanna buy used safety gear.

get the rope and hook it to a tree. if you fall when your climbing it then no its not safe