Keep an Eye Out | Closing-Pin Nicks
A freefall photographer caught this damage to his closing loop, which was relatively new, while packing during a busy weekend of jumping. To discover what caused the premature wear, a rigger ran a fingernail across the surface of the closing pin, revealing a small gouge. Each time the pin slid through the closing loop, the nick caused damage. Eventually, the continuing damage would have caused the closing loop to break. If this had happened during a jump, the result would have been a premature opening of the main container and likely a horseshoe malfunction. Fortunately, this jumper checked his gear closely during every pack job.