What is the most likely outcome of taking a dynamic fall on a toothed device?

Taking a dynamic fall on a toothed device primarily causes damage to the rope, which is the correct answer. When a toothed device, like a rope grab or ascender, is subjected to the sudden force of a fall, the teeth of the device bite into the rope to arrest the fall. However, this gripping action can result in severe abrasion or cutting of the rope fibers, especially if the fall is significant.

The mechanism of a dynamic fall creates high impact forces that the device must manage. While the teeth are designed to grip effectively, the aggressive nature of this grip can compromise the integrity of the rope. Over time, repeated falls can lead to wear and tear, making the rope less reliable and potentially unsafe for future use.

In contrast, while the rope may experience some stretch during a fall, this does not directly imply that it will remain unharmed. The ability of the rope to stretch doesn’t negate the potential damage from the friction induced by the toothed device. Therefore, a dynamic fall on such a device is more likely to lead to compromise of the rope's structure, confirming that the outcome involves damage to the rope.