Author: Rope Source

When it comes to outdoor sports, activities and adventures, having the right rope can make all the difference – not only to your enjoyment, but also to your safety. Synthetic ropes have become the go-to choice for activities like rock climbing, boating, camping, and even survival situations. From tough nylon to resilient polyester and buoyant polypropylene, each type has its strengths and best uses. 

Whether you’re scaling cliffs, sailing the seas, or setting up camp, understanding which rope suits your needs best can elevate your outdoor experience. Let’s explore how to choose the perfect rope for your next adventure.

Understanding rope materials for outdoor use

Different rope materials and their strengths are better for some purposes than others, including for outdoor sports and activity use. Whilst there are 2 different categories of ropes, natural ropes and synthetic ropes, it is found that synthetic rope is far more ideal for outdoor sports and activities.

These synthetic ropes include:

Nylon rope

Nylon rope is a synthetic rope made from nylon, a type of polymer known for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear. The characteristics of nylon rope include:

• High strength: Nylon rope is incredibly strong and can handle significant loads, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Elasticity: Nylon has a high degree of stretch, which allows it to absorb shock loads effectively. This makes it ideal for dynamic uses.
• Durability: It is highly durable and resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV light, ensuring a long lifespan even in harsh conditions.
• Water resistance: Nylon rope resists rot and mildew, as it does not absorb water. It retains strength and flexibility even when wet.
• Smooth texture: Nylon rope has a smooth texture, which is gentle on the hands and easy to handle.

Polyester rope

Polyester rope is a synthetic rope made from polyester fibres, known for its strength, durability, and resistance to various environmental factors. The characteristics of polyester rope include:

• High strength: Polyester rope is strong and capable of handling substantial loads, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Low stretch: Unlike nylon, polyester has minimal stretch, which provides stability and maintains its shape under load.
• Durability: It is highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV light, ensuring a long lifespan even with prolonged outdoor exposure.
• Water resistance: Polyester rope is highly resistant to water, does not absorb moisture, and maintains its strength and flexibility when wet.
• Smooth texture: Polyester rope has a smooth surface, which makes it easy to handle and gentle on the hands.

Polypropylene rope

Polypropylene rope is a synthetic rope made from polypropylene fibres. It is known for being lightweight, buoyant, and resistant to various environmental factors. The characteristics polypropylene rope include:

• Lightweight: Polypropylene rope is very lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport.
• Buoyancy: It floats on water, which is a significant advantage for many marine applications.
• Water resistance: It does not absorb water, ensuring it remains strong and durable even when wet.
• Chemical resistance: Polypropylene rope is resistant to many chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
• UV resistance: While it offers some resistance to UV light, prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the fibres over time.
• Low cost: It is generally more affordable compared to other synthetic ropes like nylon or polyester.

Polyethylene rope

Polyethylene rope is a synthetic rope made from polyethylene fibres, known for its buoyancy, chemical resistance, and affordability. The characteristics of polyethylene rope include:

• Buoyancy: Polyethylene rope floats on water, making it suitable for many marine and aquatic applications.
• Chemical resistance: It is highly resistant to chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it ideal for industrial use.
• Water resistance: It does not absorb water, maintaining its strength and durability even when wet.
• UV resistance: Polyethylene rope has good resistance to UV light, though prolonged exposure can still cause some degradation over time.
• Low stretch: It has minimal stretch, which provides stability and maintains its shape under load.
• Affordability: It is generally cost-effective compared to other synthetic ropes, making it a popular choice for various applications.
• Smooth texture: Polyethylene rope typically has a smooth texture, which is gentle on the hands and easy to handle.

Choosing the right rope for specific activities

When using rope outdoors for different sports and activities, no two ropes will perform the same. Therefore it is important, not only for function but also for safety, that you choose the correct rope material for your intended activity. 

1. Best rope for rock and tree climbing

For rock and tree climbing, you need a rope that can stretch, but is also shock absorbent. Nylon is considered to be the best rope material for rock climbing, due to its high strength, elasticity, durability, and smooth texture on your hands. 

A 10mm 3 strand nylon rope is the best rope to purchase for rock and tree climbing, as whilst it is still lightweight, the 10mm diameter will be more durable and suitable for heavy use. 

60 to 70 metres of rope is an ideal amount for rock climbing, as this is generally suitable for most climbing routes and will support multi-pitch climbing. For single pitch, generally 30 to 40 metres is sufficient. For tree climbing, this will depend on the tree’s height, though many find 15 to 20 metres enough for ascending and securing yourself onto tree trunks. 

We do not, however, recommend using any rope that is not a certified arborist or climbing rope for climbing. All break strains stated are for use as a guide only.

2. Best rope for fishing, boating and sailing

For fishing, boating and sailing, most people opt for polypropylene rope, due to its water resistance, buoyancy and UV stability. It is incredibly lightweight and low-cost, also making it one of the most accessible ropes to handle and purchase. 

A 10mm marine polypropylene braid rope is the best rope to purchase for fishing, boating and sailing, as the 10mm diameter will provide a more versatile use for the rope, including for tow lines, dinghy painters, marker buoys and floats, and light utility lines. Usually, 10 to 20 metres of rope should be enough in these circumstances. 

You may also benefit from purchasing polyester mooring rope (around 2 times the length of your boat) to safely moor your boat, and nylon anchor lines (3 to 5 times the depth of the water you are in) for safe anchoring. 

3. Best rope for camping and hiking

For camping and hiking, you need a versatile rope that is easy to handle and knot, as well as being strong, durable and all-weather resistant. For this, polyester rope is found to be the best material of rope, credited for its high strength, low stretch, durability, water resistance and smooth texture on the hands.

A 6mm braided polyester rope is the best rope to buy for camping and hiking, as the 6mm diameter is still lightweight and easy to knot, but is more versatile across a variety of uses, including gear securing, tent guy lines, bear bagging and light-duty tasks.

Generally speaking, 10 to 20 metres of rope should cover all your camping and hiking needs, but you may only need as little as 2 to 3 metres of rope to secure your tent. 

4. Best rope for rescue operations and survival situations 

For rescue operations and survival operations, nylon is considered to be the best type of rope, due to its durability, performance under high loads, weather-resistance and smooth texture on the hands. It is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry. 

A 12mm 3 strand nylon rope is the best rope to buy for rescue operations and survival situations, as the larger diameter will support general utility, rappelling and lowering, and load bearing – alongside other camping and hiking uses you may need it for. 

It is recommended to have a variety of rope lengths available to you in these situations, depending on your locations. 20 to 30 metres is often the minimum length of rope needed, but this could go up for rappelling and lowering.

You may also benefit from paracords in rescue operations and survival situations. Whilst these are cords, not ropes, their versatile nature makes them an essential in outdoor survival kits. Their strength to weight ratio makes them perfect for carrying, without the extra weight or bulk, and their seven strand nylon inner core actually makes it eight cords wrapped into one. Explore ways you can use paracord for survival, including paracord survival knots. 

Maintenance and care of outdoor ropes

Maintaining and caring for your outdoor ropes is paramount to keeping them in the best condition for your outdoor sports and activities. Not only will this make them last longer, but it will also ensure that they keep you safe by retaining rope strength. 

Cleaning your outdoor rope

When cleaning your outdoor ropes, all you need is a mild soap, water, a soft bristled brush and a rag or cloth. Simply wash your ropes with mild soap and water, using the soft bristled brush to remove any dirt and debris away gently, and then rinse before drying with a rag or cloth. 

Avoid using any harsh chemicals on synthetic ropes, as this could damage the fibres within and deteriorate the rope. 

Storing your outdoor rope

Synthetic ropes should be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated area – avoiding any external factors that could cause the rope to deteriorate. Whilst synthetic ropes are far more adapted to weather conditions and moisture, prolonged exposure can lead them to deteriorate. 

Inspecting your outdoor rope 

Before using your synthetic rope again, you should first inspect it for any signs of wear, damage or weakening. This includes:

• Feeling the rope with your hands for any irregularities
• Looking for fraying rope, unravelling and discolouration 
• Searching for any melted spots 
• Bending and flexing the rope to see if it feels stiff (indicative of internal damage)
• Measuring the diameter for signs of overstretching 

For minor wear and damage, you may be able to repair the rope yourself, such as by using a hot knife rope cutter to repair frayed ends. However, for significant damage, we recommend retiring and replacing the rope. 

When it comes to ropes, we know a thing or two. Whether you’re camping in the wild, crafting at home and doing some garden DIYs, we have exactly what you need. Head over to our handy Rope Source blog for more information and inspiration, or contact our friendly team today for some advice!

Did you know that polypropylene rope is one of the most versatile and widely used rope materials across a wide range of industries? However, as popular as it may be, many people don’t exactly know what it is or where they can use it. 

Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know about polypropylene rope, including the different types, its pros and cons, and where it is most commonly used. 

What is polypropylene rope?

Polypropylene rope is a type of synthetic rope, made from thermoplastic polymer – the second-most produced commodity plastic. Polypropylene rope is similar to polyester rope but cheaper, and as such, is often preferred for its affordability. 

Types of polypropylene rope

There are three main types of polypropylene rope: braided, coated and three stands. But how can you tell the difference between the three?

Braided polypropylene rope

Braided polypropylene rope is produced by assembling multiple strands of yarn and then braiding them together, usually in an 8 or 16 plait construction, to form the entirety of the compact rope. The number of strands and thickness of such determines the overall rope diameter, meaning that the various combinations can generate an unlimited range of diameters. The ‘diamond’ braiding pattern used to form the rope also allows for a variety of different colour combinations, by utilising different coloured yarn in the construction.  

Three strand polypropylene rope 

Three strand polypropylene ropes are made of only 3 strands; twisted together into a rope. These are often sold and identifiable as split film blue polypropylene rope, though are available in white and various other colours also, and are much cheaper and more accessible than other polypropylene rope styles. Three strand polypropylene rope is available in a wide variety of diameters, made depending on how thick each strand is before being twisted into the rope. 

Staple spun polypropylene rope

Staple spun polypropylene rope is a variation of three strand polypropylene rope. This type of rope has the appearance and construction of a traditional, natural rope, with the strength, abrasion and wear-resistance of a synthetic rope.

In contrast to split film three strand polypropylene rope, the polypropylene fibres are first spun into yarns before being twisted to form the finished 3-strand rope – using the same production method as natural ropes. This gives a softer but more hairy finish; giving it a stronger breaking point and making it easy to handle or grip when wet or dry. 

Key characteristics and benefits of polypropylene rope

Polypropylene rope has a wide range of key characteristics and benefits, making it one of the most popular rope materials. These include:

1. Lightweight and buoyant 

Polypropylene rope is incredibly lightweight, buoyant and easy to use. Made of low-density textile fibres, this material is light enough to float on the water – yet does not shrink, swell or change shape. With its smooth finish (which doesn’t splinter) and lightweight, polypropylene rope is incredibly user-friendly, easy to knot and effortless to handle. 

2. Durable and versatile

This type of rope is also very strong and durable. Made from a robust commodity plastic and available in a wide variety of diameters (impacting its strength), polypropylene rope successfully withstands wear and tear for years on end, in various, high-stamina industries, and is incredibly versatile in use. 

3. Cost-effective

As they’re made with the second-most mass-produced commodity plastic, polypropylene ropes are incredibly cheap and affordable – especially compared to other synthetic and natural ropes. This makes them more accessible across various industries, and easy to replace. 

4. High visibility 

Made in a wide variety of colourways, polypropylene rope is highly visible – perfect for use in water, low light conditions and harsh weather. Though more commonly sold in blue, black and beige, you can find a wide selection of bright and visible coloured three stand polypropylene ropes and braided ropes at specialist rope stores. 

5. Ultra-resistant 

Polypropylene rope is extremely resistant to a wide range of environmental and chemical factors, including acids, alkalis, oils, organic solvents, alcohol, animal sweat, moisture, mildew, and mould. This adds to its strength and durability, preventing bacterial growth, decay and breakage, as well as making the rope relatively low maintenance. 

Limitations of polypropylene rope 

However, as with anything, there are limitations to polypropylene rope. These include: 

1. Temperature sensitivity 

Polypropylene rope is sensitive to temperature and UV rays. This is because it has a lower melting point compared to other synthetic and natural ropes, making it more susceptible to UV damage, breakage and setting alight. 

2. Limited load bearing

Whilst polypropylene rope is strong and durable, it does have limitations in high-load applications compared to other rope materials – especially dependent on the type of rope and its diameter. 

3. Environmental impact 

As polypropylene ropes are made from a thermoplastic polymer, they can be easily recycled. However, mass-producing this commodity plastic can have a drastic impact on the environment. Therefore, it is worth considering whether the recyclability of this rope outweighs the disadvantages of the environmental impact. 

Common uses of polypropylene rope

Polypropylene rope is used across a wide range of industries and applications. With such a vast range of use, it is no wonder that polypropylene, including polypropylene rope, is one of the most mass-produced commodity plastics. 

1. Agriculture

Polypropylene rope is widely used in the agricultural industry. Often found on farms, polypropylene is used for supporting crop growth, as well as packing and shipping harvested produce. The agricultural industry is one of the most prevalent users of polypropylene rope, due to its lightweight material, affordability, durability and reusability season after season. 

2. Marine, fisheries and boating

Up there with the agricultural industry, the marine, fishing and boating industry is also one of the most prevalent users of polypropylene rope. Often used for anchor lines, winches, mooring, life ropes and fishing nets, polypropylene rope is preferred for its buoyancy, resistance to water and rot, durability, and high visibility in water and low light conditions. Polypropylene rope does not easily tangle with propellers and motors and is lightweight to move by hand, making it the perfect rope in high-impact, wet conditions.  

3. Construction and engineering

Polypropylene rope is often found to be the standard rope material for construction and engineering; it’s used as a safety barrier on scaffolding, to create large nets to carry heavy construction materials, as pulleys along a worksite, and in the soil of construction sites to increase the foundation’s strength. This is because polypropylene rope is durable, affordable and easily accessible for large-scale construction and projects. 

4. Military and defence 

Did you know that the military and defence industry also use polypropylene rope? Often found on training courses to tow gunnery targets, as rappelling and climbing ropes, and as safety nets, the military uses polypropylene rope for its durability, accessibility, affordability and reusable nature. Whether it’s used as an obstacle or as a resource, polypropylene rope is used widely to improve the overall fitness and fine motor skills of military recruits and servicepeople. 

5. Water sports

With such popular use in the marine industry, it is no surprise that polypropylene rope is also used in water sports. With their buoyant behaviours and soft material, polypropylene ropes are perfect for use as pool dividers, wakeboarding and waterskiing tows, and most importantly, as life ropes. 

6. Outdoor camping, rock climbing and hiking

Due to their durability and resistant nature, you will often find polypropylene ropes in the kits of campers, climbers, hikers and mountaineers. Soft and strong for rappelling and climbing, or for hanging hammocks and tents, polypropylene ropes are one of the most ideal and safest ropes to use in these circumstances. 

7. Home and garden use

Unsurprisingly, with their wide range of benefits and industrial uses, you can also find polypropylene rope in homes and gardens. From outdoor rugs, washing lines and DIY rope decor, to chairs, treehouses and railings, polypropylene rope can be used everywhere. Many people also choose to purchase pet leads made from polypropylene ropes due to their strength and resistance. 

Frequently asked questions about polypropylene rope 

Is polypropylene rope safe for pets?

Polypropylene rope is often used for pet leads and harnesses, as it is strong and weather-resistant. However, we do not recommend giving pets toys made from polypropylene, as they could swallow the fibres if torn, which can get trapped in their digestive tract. 

Can you dye polypropylene rope?

Whilst you can purchase pre-coloured polypropylene rope, the composition of the rope makes it impossible to dye once produced, as the pigment cannot get into the compact fibres. 

Which is stronger, nylon or polypropylene rope?

Nylon rope is considered to be stronger than polypropylene. However, this is often dependent on the type of polypropylene rope (braided vs coated) and the diameter of the rope. 

Can polypropylene rope get wet?

Yes, polypropylene rope can get wet. Polypropylene rope is water and moisture-resistant, making it buoyant and resistant to mould and mildew, as well as resistant to shrinking or swelling. 

Is polypropylene rope good for outdoor use?

Generally speaking, polypropylene rope is an ideal rope material for outdoor use due to its strength, durability and overall resistance. However, polypropylene rope should be kept out of direct sunlight due to its vulnerability to UV rays and heat.

How do you seal polypropylene rope?

To cut and seal polypropylene rope, we recommend using a hot knife rope cutter. The heated mechanism will smoothly cut and seal the synthetic fibres in the rope – preventing unravelling and fraying. 

Is polypropylene rope expensive?

No, polypropylene rope is one of the most cost-effective, affordable ropes on the market. This is because it is mass-produced and costs very little to manufacture. 

At Rope Source, we’re considered quite the expert when it comes to everything rope-related. Head over to our handy Rope Source blog to learn more about different rope materials and what you can do with them, or contact our friendly team for further expert advice!

The UK energy market has experienced quite the volatility over the last couple of years. With its impact spanning the globe, businesses and homeowners are turning to more sustainable means of harnessing energy for daily operations. There’s the added (and significant) benefit of engaging in sustainable practices to lower carbon emissions—and this is why we have an exciting announcement to share with our loyal customers and readers…That’s why we have recently invested in a new battery storage system at the James Lever factory in Bolton where our Everlasto products are produced, to harness the full power of solar energy. With the help of Clique Energy and their cutting-edge battery storage technology, we can control our industrial energy usage, allowing electricity to be stored on-site for use throughout business operating hours.

Why is this exciting news you might ask? We’re now in a position where we can reduce our carbon footprint and save costs!After all, sustainability is important to us. For generations, we’ve been passionate about both man-made and natural ropes and twines. We have a range of both natural and synthetic clotheslines which are an energy-saving way to dry laundry and our natural garden twines are an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to poly twines and garden wire for tying up plants in the garden and are also used in floristry, packaging and crafts. 

We’ve also extended our sustainability efforts into our very own car park. Clique has also installed EV chargers for our employees who own electric vehicles, in efforts to reduce CO2 emissions – one of the many dangers that threatens the quality of the air we breathe. Circling back to our exciting battery storage installation, Clique’s energy solution allows us to monitor our energy consumption in real-time and maximise savings from solar power. This is excellent news as we can also determine where else we can sustainably maximise our usage.

Inspired to make a (sustainable) change too?

With spring just around the corner, now could be a great time to think about how to incorporate more sustainable and energy-efficient ways of working. One of the best changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time is ditching the tumble drier for one of our high-quality Everlasto clotheslines. Not only is this far better for the environment but you also get the line dried freshness you can only get from natural drying outdoors. We have recently introduced a new Non-Stretch clothesline, which is 100% natural for our increasingly eco-conscious customers, and is fully biodegradable but still incredibly strong. Other ideas include opting for natural twines such as our flax twines, jute twines and sisal twines instead of plastic packaging materials and going for a natural rope over a synthetic one for your garden decking and barriers. You could even use our recycled paper bags that are a bi-product from our production for your grocery, shopping, storage and rubbish collecting or create arts, crafts and storage solutions out of natural and/or upcycled materials such as these empty yarn cones. 

There are absolutely tons of resources out there on how you can live more sustainably, but we hope this has inspired you to consider it for 2024 and beyond! If you’d like to learn more, check out our coverage in The Bolton News, and be sure to bookmark the Rope Source blog to find out more about craft projects, sustainable ropes, twines and much more.

It’s only natural that your ropes will begin to fray over time as a result of normal wear and tear, which occurs when the small woven fibres they’re made up of begin to slowly unravel. Whilst this is incredibly irritating, this doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your rope. They’ve still got plenty of life left in them yet, and their longevity can be enhanced through a number of easy methods. 
So if you have frayed rope (whether that’s natural or poly rope) that you want to recover, we’ve listed out all the best ways to stop rope from fraying, so you can use it for longer! Discover which is the most appropriate for you, as we list the best ways to stop a rope from fraying.

What is your rope made of?

Before you decide on the best anti-fraying method to use, you must start by determining your rope’s fibre – for example, is it a natural fibre, or is it man-made? Using the wrong method could be potentially dangerous, and it could end up destroying your rope all together, which you definitely don’t want. 

If you have a natural rope, for example: jute, cotton, or hemp, it’s important to be careful when using these techniques as they could burn up entirely. With this in mind, always act with caution before attempting any of the following methods. 

What is the best thing to cut rope with?

A sharp knife is the best tool we recommend to cut rope with, as this is suitable for both natural rope and synthetic rope. We recommend using a sharp knife over scissors, however, we also always advise safety first. If you only have scissors to hand or feel uneasy about cutting rope with a knife, then always stick with the safest option.

How to splice the end of a rope to stop it from fraying

We consider splicing to be the best way to stop a rope from fraying, suitable for both natural and synthetic ropes.

Splicing is a way to secure the end of a rope, without having to knot anything in place. Although knotting is a method used to prevent fraying, it affects the appearance of the rope, alongside reducing overall strength. In contrast, splicing only decreases the rope’s strength by around 10% (or less), ensuring that the original properties of the rope are maintained. 

You can choose whether to create a soft or hard splice (the latter being done with a galvanised metal thimble), both of which use the same method of the rope being looped back on itself, with the loose ends being interwoven neatly into the standing rope. Splicing will stop the end of a rope from fraying, and it won’t impact on its appearance. 

Here are the steps you can take to splice the end of a rope:

1. Unravel the end

Firstly, you’ll need to unravel the end of the rope that’s already showing signs of fraying or damage. After this, trim off the unravelled ends with a sharp knife or some scissors to give it a nice, clean-cut edge.

2. Tape the end

We cover how to tape the end of a rope in a little more detail later on. But essentially, you’ll want to wrap some tape around the rope’s end. You can usually stop at this point if there’s not much excess, however, follow the next few steps to give your rope a better chance of longevity.

3. Measure out how many splices you’ll need

You’ll need to tuck back some of the rope to create a splice, but the length will depend on what you’ll use it for.   Use your own measurements to figure the exact amount out for yourself.

4. Unravel the required amount of rope

Unravel the three strands of the rope to the desired splice length. Make sure to keep the strands separate and avoid tangling them together – which can be troublesome if the rope material is especially thin.

5. Tuck the strands in

After measuring your splice length, tuck back each of the three strands of rope. Typically, this will follow the path of the rope’s weave. Read more about how rope is made in our comprehensive guide to find out all about the different types of rope.

6. Tighten the splice

Once all three strands are tucked back into your rope, tighten the splice by pulling on the rope to remove any slack and ensure a secure fit. Do this gently to ensure you don’t cause any unnecessary damage.

7. Trim off the excess rope from the splice

Trim the excess rope ends as close as possible to the splice, being careful not to cut into the splice itself – this is the last thing you want after your hard work!

8. Heat-seal the ends (optional)

If you’re working with natural rope, miss this step. Heat sealing natural fibres does not work and will burn the rope, potentially causing a fire, and definitely result in damage to your rope (and your hard work splicing)!

If you’re working with synthetic rope, you can use a heat source (e.g. a hot knife rope cutter, lighter or heat gun) to melt and seal the ends of the rope strands. This prevents fraying and provides extra security. Be careful when handling any sort of fire!

How to whip the end of a rope to stop it fraying

Whipping is the most traditional method used to stop a rope from fraying, and the technique is just as easy as it is effective – particularly where natural ropes are concerned, though also suitable for synthetic ropes too. 

For this, you’ll need to snip off the part of the rope that’s fraying, then arm yourself with a strong piece of cotton string or whipping twine, using this to loop around the rope. Secure this in place by wrapping the string tightly around the rope several times until the whipping is as wide as the rope is thick. Once you’ve reached this point, slip the end of the string through the loop, pulling everything tightly, and snip off any excess. This will stop a rope from fraying.

If you’re wanting to use a synthetic rope for this method, just remember to fuse the strands together with heat. However, this shouldn’t be done for natural rope, otherwise you’ll end up burning the ends.

How to attach a rope end cap to stop rope fraying

A more modern method for stopping natural rope from fraying is using plastic rope end caps. Plastic end caps can be used to stop a three-strand natural rope from fraying, being a durable method that’s most commonly used for heavy duty applications. 

Once heated up, these caps begin to shrink, moulding themselves around the frayed end of a rope to bind the loose fibres back together. This will secure the ends and keep the rope from fraying. 

Be sure to keep the heat that you apply to the cap as far away from the natural rope as much as possible, as this rope can burn under heat, causing damage and potentially a fire. Avoid this method if you’re worried about heat damage to your natural rope.

How to heat seal a rope

Heat sealing is a great binding technique for synthetic fibres, if you don’t have a hot knife rope cutter, so for those dealing with polypropylene or polyethylene ropes, you’re in luck! 

All you’ll need for this method is the frayed end of your rope, protective gloves, and something to generate heat with  – blow torches, candles or cigarette lighters are all possibilities. 

Holding the rope around 5-6 inches above the flame, begin to lower it down slowly until you start to see the ends melt. Stop once all your frayed ends are melted away and the end appears sealed. Once cooled, assess the rope to ensure it has sealed. Never touch the melted ends of synthetic rope, for risk of burning yourself.
Again, this method shouldn’t be used for natural fibre ropes, otherwise you’ll singe the ends and damage the rope, along with potentially causing a fire.

How to hot knife a rope

A hot knife rope cutter is the best method to use when sealing the ends of fraying synthetic ropes. Hot knives works by cutting through your synthetic rope with a heated blade, melting the ends and binding everything together in the process. After placing on a heat resistant surface, slowly cut through the rope using controlled movements to move the blade black and forth. In doing this, the once frayed section of your rope will be nowhere to be seen. 

Never use a hot knife rope cutter on natural fibre ropes, such as cotton or jute, as this will burn the rope – not only resulting in damage, but potentially causing a fire in the process too!

How to tape the end of a rope

Taping the ends is an alternative to applying heat directly onto a natural rope (which should never be done). Using electrical tape as a barrier, wrap this several times around the end of your frayed rope until the area is completely covered. Then, grab a lighter and begin to carefully melt the edge of the tape, binding it to the rope for a permanent bond. Now your rope won’t fray. 

Be careful to keep the heat and flame away from the natural fibres – focusing solely on the electrical tape – to prevent burning and damaging the rope, and the risk of starting a fire.

With so many different anti-fraying methods to use, you can ensure that your rope – regardless of the fibre – will last you for years to come. Why not explore our range of ropes and twines today to add to your collection? Get in touch with a friendly member of our team to discover the right materials for you.

Rope has been an indispensable tool for humanity since ancient times. From rope magic to DIY home decor ideas, ropes serve a multitude of purposes. But have you ever wondered how rope is made? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating process of rope manufacturing, exploring the materials used, the different types of ropes, and the step-by-step production methods.

Types of rope

Before we dive into the process of how rope is made, we need to understand what types of rope are available. To make it simple, we’ve covered the two main types of ropes; natural and synthetic. Of course, there are many different types of both natural and synthetic ropes, however, the way that they are made will largely differ due to their basic material, i.e., natural or synthetic.

1. Natural rope

Natural rope is made from natural plant fibres sourced from plants. This type of rope is the most traditional and will be closest to the very first instances of rope making thousands of years ago. These ropes have a rustic feel to them, making them popular for DIY projects and crafting due to their traditional finish. Plus, natural ropes are strong, flexible and durable. Some examples of natural rope are:

• Manila rope
• Sisal rope
• Cotton rope
• Twisted jute rope

2. Synthetic rope

Synthetic rope is made by braiding together synthetic materials, producing a stronger, more durable alternative to natural ropes. They’re often used around ships and water, for example, to moor a boat, or for lifting and securing heavy loads. Synthetic rope can even be made to look like natural rope, which is often the case with decking ropes. Some examples of synthetic ropes are:

• Polyethylene ropes
• Marine and yacht ropes
• Certain decorative braids
• Polypropylene ropes

How is rope made? The full rope-making process

Ready to find out how rope is made? Continue reading for the full, step-by-step construction of both natural and synthetic ropes in the modern day.

1. Processing the fibres

For natural ropes, the raw natural fibres are lubricated with natural oil before passing through a series of machines. These machines remove dirt and straighten the fibres, passing them through a series of steel-toothed combs. This forms what’s called a sliver – multiple fibres are aligned to create a cohesive sort of ribbon. 

A similar process is followed for synthetic ropes, with the synthetic fibres grouped together by machines. Synthetic fibres are easier to work with since they tend to align more easily than natural fibres.

2. Forming yarn

After the first step is complete, we are left with slivers of synthetic or natural fibres. These slivers are twisted together to form yarn, which is then wound onto a spool or bobbin. 

3. Dyeing

Once the yarn has been collected, there is the option to dye it different colours. This process is done before the rope is formed, as it allows the opportunity to have multiple strand colours in a rope. Marine safety ropes often use this technique, mimicking the colourways of a life jacket in order to keep people safe on and around the water.

4. Forming the rope

With the yarn ready for use, it’s time to form the ropes. There are two main types of rope in terms of how each strand of yarn is interlocked with the others. 

Twisted rope

To make twisted rope, the bobbins are placed onto a frame called a creel inside a rope-making machine. Twisted rope is commonly formed of three strands of yarn, however, there are twisted ropes that consist of four or more strands. The strands of yarn are fed into the machine, where they’re compressed and twisted. 

When making the rope, yarn strands are twisted in the opposite direction to how the yarn itself was formed. For example, if strands of yarn were made from slivers that were twisted to the left (S twist), then the yarn will be twisted to the right (Z twist) when forming the rope. This is to ensure that the rope is incredibly strong and sturdy. 

Braided rope

Braided ropes tend to be made from synthetic materials, such as this pre-spliced dock line, in order to create a very strong and stretchy rope. A braided rope requires many more strands of yarn than a twisted rope – normally around 9-18 strands. The bobbins are placed in a braiding machine which weaves the yarn into an incredibly tight braid. 

5. Finishing touches

Once the rope has been formed, it will go through other processes to create the final product. The ends of each rope will be sealed – natural ropes are taped and synthetic ropes are melted. This is to stop the rope from fraying and ensure it stays strong throughout its intended use. Protective coatings may also be applied, depending on the type of rope.

6. Quality control

Quality control is taken very seriously by rope manufacturers. The standards and checks will vary depending on the intended use of the rope. For example, ropes intended for general use are tested by their ability to hold loads. Ropes for more high-risk applications such as rappelling and climbing are very closely inspected in these final stages, looking out for any defects or faults in the rope’s properties.

FAQs about how rope is made

How was rope made in ancient times?

In ancient times, ropes were made by twisting natural fibres obtained from plants like hemp, sisal, or jute. The fibres were dried and cleaned, then twisted together by hand to form long strands. Although not as advanced as modern rope-making techniques, the core methods of making rope haven’t changed significantly since ancient times. Strong, flexible ropes have long been a staple of human life, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

For more information on the history of rope making, head over to our other blog post.

What natural material is rope made of?

Natural ropes are commonly made from natural fibres such as cotton, jute, hemp, sisal and manila. These fibres can be combined to create mixed fibre natural rope. 

Why are ropes twisted?

Ropes are twisted to increase their strength, durability, and stability. Twisting rope distributes the load across multiple fibres, making the rope stronger and more resistant to breaking or stretching. Ropes aren’t always twisted, however, as braided ropes are another common form of rope that’s incredibly flexible and strong. 

What is the strongest rope made of?

Although all types of rope are very strong for general use, those looking for heavy-duty applications should opt for synthetic rope. Specifically, polyethylene rope has been praised as the strongest rope, with an incredibly high breaking strength.

How does rope not unravel?

There are a few ways to seal the end of a rope to prevent fraying or unravelling. When working with synthetic rope, a hot knife rope cutter melts the end of the rope, keeping each braid or twist nice and tight. For natural ropes, techniques like whipping and splicing use tape or even metal to secure the ends of the rope. The way you secure your rope will depend on its material and intended usage. 

Now that you know how rope is made, how do you plan to use it? Visit our Blog for countless rope ideas, including how to make a rope headband, a gorgeous rope picture frame hack, and even different types of paracord survival knots. Ready to get started? Contact us today!