Rope Terminology

Types of Materials

Polypropylene

Because of its light weight, polypropylene (poly) is the only rope which floats, and for this reason is very popular for use as pool markers and water sports. Poly is affected by sunlight deterioration (more so than any other synthetic or natural fiber rope), but its life can be extended by storing it away from direct sunlight. Poly begins to weaken and melt at 150 F, the lowest melting point of all synthetic ropes. It is not as strong as nylon or polyester, but is two to three times stronger than manila. Because poly is less expensive than other fibers, it is the most popular all-purpose rope for the average consumer.

Polyester

Polyester is very close to nylon in strength when a steady force is applied. Polyester, however, stretches very little (unlike nylon) and therefore cannot absorb shock loads as well as nylon. It is equally resistant to moisture and chemicals, and is superior to nylon in resistance to abrasion and sunlight. Polyester is the most popular general purpose rope in the boating industry.

Nylon

Nylon is the strongest of all ropes. When stretched, it has a “memory” enabling it to return to its original length. For this reason it is best for absorbing shock loads, as is the case when lifting or towing. Nylon lasts four to five times longer than natural fibers because it has good abrasion resistance and is not damaged by oil or most chemicals. Like Manila, Nylon has excelent resistance to ultraviolet deterioration from sunlight (uv stability).

Manila

A hard natural fiber, Manila is especially resistant to sunlight. It is very popular for public utility construction and repair because it does not melt on contact with hot wires or equipment as synthetics do. It will burn, however, if the temperature is very high or if the rope is in contact with the wires or equipment for an extended period of time. Manila holds knots firmly and stretches very little. It must be stored dry to avoid mildew. Chemicals will cause it to deteriorate.

Jute

Economical, Jute is a 100% biodegradable all natural fiber. It resists sunlight but will rot when exposed to moisture. Jute is popular for gardening, crafting, and package wrapping.

Sisal

Sisal, like manila, is a hard natural fiber, but its strength is about 20% less. It, too, has excellent resistance to sunlight, little stretch and good knot-holding ability. Sisal must be stored dry to avoid mildew. Chemicals will cause it to deteriorate. Common uses include gardening, bundling, shipping and tie downs where strength is not a critical requirement.

Sisal

Sisal, like manila, is a hard natural fiber, but its strength is about 20% less. It, too, has excellent resistance to sunlight, little stretch and good knot-holding ability. Sisal must be stored dry to avoid mildew. Chemicals will cause it to deteriorate. Common uses include gardening, bundling, shipping and tie downs where strength is not a critical requirement.

Cotton

Cotton is a soft natural fiber which has only half the strength of manila. It is popular for household twine because of its softness to the hand and firm knotholding ability. Must be stored dry.

Types Of Construction

Hollow Braid

If no core exists, the rope is called “hollow braid.” The outstanding feature of hollow braid is the ability to splice it in seconds.

Braid on Braid (Double Braid)

When the rope and core are braided the construction is known as “braid on braid” or “double braid.” This is the strongest and most expensive of all ropes.

Diamond Braid

Diamond braid is manufactured by weaving ends of yarn over and under. If there is a core around which the rope is braided, it cannot be spliced. It does not rotate or flatten under load. It has the best service life of all braided ropes.

Solid Braid

Solid braid is very firm, round, and tightly woven with a special lockstitch construction which prevents unraveling when cut or torn. Solid braided rope stands up especially well to chafing of blocks and pulleys. This construction cannot be spliced. The lockstitch construction of solid braid is a more expensive manufacturing process and requires more material than the diamond braid construction. This results in a better quality, more durable product, and is therefore higher priced.

Twisted Braid

Twisted rope is formed by coiling three strands together in the same direction. The fibers within each of the three strands must twist in the opposite direction of the strands in order to produce a balanced rope (one which hangs straight and resists kinking). Twisted rope must be fused and taped on each end to prevent unraveling.

Types of Materials

Polypropylene

Because of its light weight, polypropylene (poly) is the only rope which floats, and for this reason is very popular for use as pool markers and water sports. Poly is affected by sunlight deterioration (more so than any other synthetic or natural fiber rope), but its life can be extended by storing it away from direct sunlight. Poly begins to weaken and melt at 150 F, the lowest melting point of all synthetic ropes. It is not as strong as nylon or polyester, but is two to three times stronger than manila. Because poly is less expensive than other fibers, it is the most popular all-purpose rope for the average consumer.

Polyester

Polyester is very close to nylon in strength when a steady force is applied. Polyester, however, stretches very little (unlike nylon) and therefore cannot absorb shock loads as well as nylon. It is equally resistant to moisture and chemicals, and is superior to nylon in resistance to abrasion and sunlight. Polyester is the most popular general purpose rope in the boating industry.

Nylon

Nylon is the strongest of all ropes. When stretched, it has a “memory” enabling it to return to its original length. For this reason it is best for absorbing shock loads, as is the case when lifting or towing. Nylon lasts four to five times longer than natural fibers because it has good abrasion resistance and is not damaged by oil or most chemicals. Like Manila, Nylon has excelent resistance to ultraviolet deterioration from sunlight (uv stability).

Manila

A hard natural fiber, Manila is especially resistant to sunlight. It is very popular for public utility construction and repair because it does not melt on contact with hot wires or equipment as synthetics do. It will burn, however, if the temperature is very high or if the rope is in contact with the wires or equipment for an extended period of time. Manila holds knots firmly and stretches very little. It must be stored dry to avoid mildew. Chemicals will cause it to deteriorate.

Jute

Economical, Jute is a 100% biodegradable all natural fiber. It resists sunlight but will rot when exposed to moisture. Jute is popular for gardening, crafting, and package wrapping.

Sisal

Sisal, like manila, is a hard natural fiber, but its strength is about 20% less. It, too, has excellent resistance to sunlight, little stretch and good knot-holding ability. Sisal must be stored dry to avoid mildew. Chemicals will cause it to deteriorate. Common uses include gardening, bundling, shipping and tie downs where strength is not a critical requirement.

Cotton

Cotton is a soft natural fiber which has only half the strength of manila. It is popular for household twine because of its softness to the hand and firm knotholding ability. Must be stored dry.

Types of Construction

Hollow Braid

If no core exists, the rope is called “hollow braid.” The outstanding feature of hollow braid is the ability to splice it in seconds.

Braid on Braid (Double Braid)

When the rope and core are braided the construction is known as “braid on braid” or “double braid.” This is the strongest and most expensive of all ropes.

Diamond Braid

Diamond braid is manufactured by weaving ends of yarn over and under. If there is a core around which the rope is braided, it cannot be spliced. It does not rotate or flatten under load. It has the best service life of all braided ropes.

Solid Braid

Solid braid is very firm, round, and tightly woven with a special lockstitch construction which prevents unraveling when cut or torn. Solid braided rope stands up especially well to chafing of blocks and pulleys. This construction cannot be spliced. The lockstitch construction of solid braid is a more expensive manufacturing process and requires more material than the diamond braid construction. This results in a better quality, more durable product, and is therefore higher priced.

Twisted

Twisted rope is formed by coiling three strands together in the same direction. The fibers within each of the three strands must twist in the opposite direction of the strands in order to produce a balanced rope (one which hangs straight and resists kinking). Twisted rope must be fused and taped on each end to prevent unraveling.