What is a disadvantage of using old rope compared to new rope?

Using old rope has the disadvantage of having a lower safety factor. Over time, rope materials can degrade due to factors such as exposure to weather, UV rays, abrasion, and chemical exposure. As a rope ages, its strength reduces, making it less reliable for safety-critical applications. This decrease in integrity can lead to an increased risk of failure during use, which is particularly critical in scenarios where safety is paramount, such as in line work.

While it's true that old rope might have anecdotal uses in non-critical applications, the key limitation remains its reduced safety characteristics. Unlike new rope, which is manufactured to meet specific safety standards and performance metrics, old rope can no longer guarantee the same level of reliability and strength. Thus, the safety factor diminishes, highlighting why old rope poses more significant risks compared to new rope in lineman operations.