Hey all,

Just got this in an email, definately worth knowing for anyone heading to the Blue Mountains with a possibility of finding them somewhere else in Aus

You may or may not be aware that there has been some discussion recently on some online forums (see http://www.chockstone.org/Forum/Forum.asp?Action=Display&ForumID=1&MessageID=73218&Replies=1 for some testing results) about lower off carabiners found at the anchors of some climbs. There seem to be quite a few on routes throughout Australia and it has been determined that there are at least two types out there, a cast version and a bent rod version.

The cast version have been forming cracks whilst under normal loading which is a great concern. The one tested in the attachment failed at 169kgs!! and was located on a popular route in the Blue Mountains. If you see any of the cast variety on any anchors please check them thoughally before use and if possible remove them or tell someone else who can remove them for you.