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• QC Lab: Weakness of Nose-hooked Carabiners

  I've seen and/or heard of only a handful of carabiners that have broken in the field, and most have broken in the same way: nose hooked. The nose of the carabiner gets hung up on something. Read more >

• QC Lab: What is the strongest rappel knot?

  Rappel knot choice (Double Fisherman's, Ring Bend or Euro Death/Overhand) has always been up for a large amount of debate. Read more >

• QC Lab: Worn Anchors

  Over time cold shuts, leaver biners and chain links wear from countless lowers. Will these grooved-out anchors hold? Will the sharp edges trash your rope? Read more >

• QC Lab—Re-slinging Camalots and C3s

  One of the most common questions we get at Black Diamond is regarding reslinging our Camalots, Camalot C3s and Camalot X4s. Gear doesn't last forever and eventually your cams will need to be reslung. Read more >

• QC Lab: How Ice Screws Are Made

  Check out this QC Lab with KP and the crew as they tour you through our factory floor and show you firsthand how we manufacture ice screws. Read more >

• QC Lab: How strong is the Spinner Leash?

  In this post KP weighs in on the intended use and risks of using the Spinner Leash. Read below for more knowledge and insight from our Director of Global Quality. Read more >

• QC LAB: OFF-AXIS AND TRI/QUAD-AXIAL LOADING

  Recently, Kelly Cordes emailed KP and the QC crew, posing a lengthy question about the dangers of off-axis loading while at the belay. Our lab answered the question and got inspired to do a few more tests along the way. Read more >

• QC LAB: Remounting previously drilled skis

  Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. This month, KP and the crew tackle the issue of mounting a pair of skis that have been previously drilled. Read more >

• QC Lab: Retiring Old Ropes

  Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. This month, KP and the crew look at retiring ropes. Read more >

• QC Lab: Sling Strength in 3 Anchor Configurations

  A few weeks ago a crew of super badass climbers rolled through the QA lab and one question came up more than just a few times: "What is the strongest way to rig an anchor at a belay?" Read more >

• QC Lab: To Screamer or not to Screamer?

  This post comes direct from QA Manager Corey LaForge, who returned from a recent ascent of the Eiger Norwand with some questions about Yates Screamers that he promptly put to the test here in our lab. Read more >

• QC LAB: Via Ferrata

  This month, KP and the crew discuss a via ferrata accident (NOT involving Black Diamond gear) that happened in Europe this summer, along with the ins and outs and proper use of via ferrata equipment. Read more >

• QC Lab: Ulimate Strength Testing of the Gear You've Always Wondered About

  KP and the QC Lab crew field the most common questions they get about gear and do what they do best—break it! Check out the fascinating results in the latest QC Lab. Read more >

• QC LAB: Gear Doesn't Last Forever—Crampons

  Our QA engineers take a look at the realistic life span of a crampon. Read more >

• QC LAB: Gear Doesn't Last Forever - SLINGS and QUICKDRAWS

  This month, KP and the crew present Part III of their Gear Doesn't Last Forever series (check out Part I and Part II), where they investigate the complex world of slings and quickdraws. Enjoy. Read more >

• QC LAB: Gear Doesn't Last Forever—Ice Tool Picks

  This month is first part of a series the QA engineers are doing on gear lifespan. Gear, no matter how well designed and constructed, doesn't last forever. First off, they'll focus on ice tool picks. Read more >