Reserve ripcord cable bent by RSL

[VTmotoMike08 0]

Is this reserve ripcord cable that was activated by an RSL too bent/ kinked to use or not? If you are a rigger, would you pack it? I would say only riggers can vote, but this is the internet...

[obelixtim 149]

Quite common to find that kink on a cable where an RSL has done its work.

No damage to the cable, no problem to use again.

My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing....

[VTmotoMike08 0]

That's what I was thinking also but my rigger disagreed and refused to pack it. I respect his opinion and I know he does good work (already saved me once) but I'm thinking he is a little too conservative here. Those things are like $80 and it looks fine to me.

[JerryBaumchen 1,318]

Hi Mike,

IMO it can easily be straightened out. However, I am not seeing it in person.

Just take your time & slowly straighten it, I doubt that your rigger will even know that it is the same item.

JerryBaumchen

[likestojump 3]

It is indicative of RSL ring pull, but most riggers don't have a problem packing it as long as it's undamaged.

If in doubt- send it to the manufacturer for an assessment.

[captain1976 0]

This is aircraft cable, with no broken strands its way too strong to be a problem

You live more in the few minutes of skydiving than many people live in their lifetime

[AndyMan 7]

In the rigging course I studied under, they taught that any bend from an RSL activation could not be repaired, the ripcord has to be replaced.

Personally, I've never seen this standard applied in the field. I've seen plenty of bent ripcords straightened back into shape and installed without any sign of issue - ever.

Is this rigger new? I'm all for high standards, but this standard seems a bit too high for me.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[JohnSherman 1]

As the manufacturer of the ripcord and probably the rig. It's OK to use it as most everyone says.
However, As a purest rigger I would change it. It's just the way we riggers are.

Send me the ripcord and I will replace the cable and pin for shipping cost and return it to you.
E-mail me your info so I can make it happen.

John

[VTmotoMike08 0]

Thanks for the generous offer but it is a Mirage cable. Does jumpshack make most of the pins out there? And can you open another manufacturers pillow reserve handle and modify it?

[VTmotoMike08 0]

Quote

Is this rigger new? I'm all for high standards, but this standard seems a bit too high for me.
_Am

Nope, highly experienced with thousands of packs and many saves. Like I said, he's a pretty picky guy and I think thats a good thing but I don't really think I need to drop $80 on a new one, the chop was already expensive enough with the loss of my main

[skydiverek 61]

Quote

Is this reserve ripcord cable that was activated by an RSL too bent/ kinked to use or not? If you are a rigger, would you pack it? I would say only riggers can vote, but this is the internet...

In FAA Riggers Handbook it says: is there are no broken strands, the cable can be straightened-out and put back into service.

[phoenixlpr 0]

It's a flexible cable right? Is there a damage on the cable?
Than what is the problem here?

[councilman24 37]

Rigging by committee. It'll never work.

I'm not going to offer an opinion because it's not in my hands. Rather than ask here take it to another rigger in person.

But having a conservative rigger is a good thing. Coming here for a different answer based on $80 doesn't show much trust in your rigger.

I've found two kinds of skydivers. Those who don't care who does their rigging and/or shop for the lowest cost (six pack) and those that choose the rigger they want to work on their LAST CHANCE TO LIVE, pay what they ask (often less) and do what they recommend.

Not that there aren't reasonable differences of opinion between riggers. I never heard rigging described as a science, only an art.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE