Records need to be a bit more than dates. You need to have check boxes, visual inspections etc.. and as Rob said, if you get into commercial work, then you don't want to be using second hand stuff, but i also agree with Chris, that once you use something, it becomes second hand, but at least you know how it has been used from new.
I think you can use ropes in any scenario, commercial or domestic, as long as its a professional set up, but if you go into commercial work, using ropes, you WILL need up to date records, with daily checks etc of all rope equip.
Common sense is the key here.
