SWLCAT Climbing 4-6 Practice Test

When storing climbing hardware, why should you avoid direct sunlight?

It can degrade materials It helps dry gear It makes gear stronger It improves color

Correct Answer:

It can degrade materials

Explanation:

Direct sunlight exposes climbing hardware to UV light and heat, which break down the polymers and coatings used in gear like slings, plastic housings, rubbers, and lubricants. UV rays cause photo-oxidation, making materials weaker, brittle, or cracked over time, while heat from the sun speeds up aging and degradation. Because of this, storing gear in direct sun can shorten its lifespan and compromise safety. Sunlight might dry gear, but the long-term damage to materials is the real risk, and it can also fade colors or wear finishes. So the best answer is that direct sunlight can degrade materials.

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