Category: Ropes

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?

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

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

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. 

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

If you’re working with synthetic rope, you can use a heat source (e.g. a 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

Whipping is the 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. 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 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

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

How to heat seal a rope

Heat sealing is a great binding technique for synthetic fibres, 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. Again, this method shouldn’t be used for natural fibre ropes, otherwise you’ll singe the ends. Keep a rope from fraying through heat sealing. 

How to hot knife a rope

A hot knife works by cutting through your synthetic rope, 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. 

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. 

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!

If you’re looking for more information about flax twine, you’ve come to the right place. This nifty type of twine has many uses, which we discuss further in this blog post. Learn what flax twine is, as well as some clever ways to use flax twine around the home and garden.

What is flax twine?

Flax twine is a strong thread-like material that’s made from a plant called flax. Flax has been cultivated for thousands of years for the use of its versatile fibres. To create flax twine, the fibres are first extracted from the flax plant’s stem. These fibres are then spun together to create flax twine, creating a twine that’s thin, strong, and resistant to breaking and stretching.

Flax twine is a natural twine, therefore it is light brown in colour and has a slightly rough texture. Due to these qualities, flax twine gives a perfectly rustic look to any craft or project. If this aesthetic is your cup of tea, take a look at these five rustic design ideas for your home.

What is polished flax twine?

Polished flax twine refers to flax twine that has undergone a finishing process to enhance its appearance and smoothness. The twine will undergo either chemical or mechanical processes which leave the twine feeling smoother. Polished flax twine is most often used for upholstery and stitching, since its smooth texture won’t irritate the skin as much as untreated flax twine might.

What is the difference between rope and twine?

There are a few main differences between rope and twine, such as:

Thickness

Rope is much thicker than twine, with diameters typically ranging between 6mm and 28mm. On the flip side, twine can be as thin as 1mm in diameter, ranging up to approximately 3mm thick. As you can see, twines are much thinner than ropes. 

Material

Both rope and twine can be made from many different materials, including both natural and synthetic fibres. The material used will usually depend on the intended application. Since twines are normally used for decorative or light-duty purposes, they are more likely to be made from natural fibres such as flax, natural cotton, jute or sisal.

Strength

Whilst both ropes and twines provide strength and durability for their intended purposes, ropes are a lot stronger than twine. This is due to a combination of the materials and thickness of the rope, meaning it is capable of holding large loads. 

Uses

Rope is commonly used in activities such as climbing, sailing, construction, agriculture, and other heavy-duty applications. It is also utilised for making nets, rigging, and in industrial settings. Twine, with its lighter and more flexible nature, is often used in packaging, arts and crafts, gardening, and smaller-scale applications where less strength is required.

What is flax twine used for?

Flax twine can be used for many different purposes, which we will outline below.

1. Gardening

Flax twine is commonly used for tying plants to stakes, trellises, or other plants. The strong natural fibres ensure your plants will remain in place despite adverse weather conditions such as wind. Because flax twine is made from plants, it is eco-friendly and will biodegrade without leaving waste in your garden. You can also use flax twine to bundle together herbs, flowers and other plants that you pick from your garden.

What kind of twine should I use for gardening?

Flax twine is perfect for gardening due to its natural fibres and strong, durable characteristics. This twine can be used for tying plants to all kinds of surfaces without damaging them, and is also biodegradable. However, if you don’t have flax twine on hand, another strong natural fibre will do the trick. Consider using natural jute twine, sisal twine or any other garden twines.

2. Crafting

Like any kind of twine, flax twine is perfect for a multitude of crafts and DIY projects. If you like the look of these jute twine craft ideas, you can simply substitute flax twine for jute twine. Or, take a look at some more craft twine ideas to get stuck into with your flax twine.

3. Tying parcels

One of the most common uses of flax twine is for tying parcels together. Whether this is for practical parcels to send in the post, or beautiful gift wrapping, flax twine is a strong yet attractive way to hold parcels together. What makes flax twine a great option is its biodegradability, which allows you to do eco-friendly gift wrapping on a budget. For more gift wrapping ideas that will bring smiles to faces, why not take a look at our inspirational guide?

4. Bookbinding

Flax twine is suitable for use in bookbinding. It can be used to sew pages together, creating a strong and flexible binding. Because flax twine is so flexible, it ensures that the pages will be good to last for a long time and many uses. Flax stitching twine is well suited for creating strong stitches that still look attractive.

5. Household uses

The uses for flax twine are limitless, especially for odd-jobs around the house. Here are just some examples of how flax twine can be used around the home:

• Hanging picture frames
• Hanging ornaments and decorations
• Tying back curtains
• Bundling herbs
• Repairing broken straps
• Wrapping cords together
• Hanging clothes (use a thick flax twine for this)

Is twine made from flax?

Twine can be made from many different materials, including flax. Flax is a natural fibre derived from the stem of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is known for its strength and durability, and it has been used for centuries to make various products, including twine. Twine can also be made from other materials such as cotton, polyester, jute and sisal. 

Is twine eco friendly?

Flax twine, and other twines made from natural fibres, are incredibly eco friendly. Flax is a biodegradable material, making it perfect for use in the garden since it will break down naturally over time. However, synthetic twines are not biodegradable and have a higher impact on the environment.

Are you ready to get your hands on our multi-purpose flax twines? Whether you want to use it for crafting or out in the garden, flax twine is a reliable tool to have on hand. Contact Rope Source for more information about all things ropes, cords and twines.

What is decking rope?

Decking rope is a type of synthetic or natural rope used to cordon off decking areas. These ropes would usually be attached to posts surrounding a decked area. 

Types of decking rope

There are two types of decking rope to choose from: natural or synthetic. The type of rope chosen depends entirely on preference, but there are different benefits to both.

Natural decking ropes

Natural decking ropes are made from natural materials – given the name – such as plant fibres. The bonus to using a natural rope is that they are biodegradable, and this is due to the plant fibres within the rope. However, they are still incredibly strong despite being made of sustainable materials, and make a perfect choice for decking rope.

Sisal and manila decking ropes are two plant-based options to choose from. With a three strand construction for extra strength, they both look great as a border to a decked area, patio or a garden bridge. Natural ropes are available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, allowing you to choose a rope that meets your aesthetic or practical needs.

When it comes to outdoor use, we recommend pre-soaking your natural ropes as they will shrink when wet. This should be followed by treating sisal or manila ropes with a water repellant spray. In doing this, you’ll prevent any changes after installation and ensure longevity.

Synthetic decking ropes

Synthetic decking ropes are formed of, you guessed it, synthetic materials. Commonly, these types of ropes will contain polypropylene fibres. Synthetic fibres such as these are extremely hard-wearing and sturdy, so there is no chance of damage or breakages. When it comes to appearance, these ropes look and feel just like their plant fibred counterparts.

Polyhemp or hempex ropes are a great synthetic option and will suit any and all of your decking needs. These synthetic ropes come in a range of diameters with the same three strand combo, meaning that they are all equally as strong. They will also not shrink or react to heavy rainfall due to their waterproof properties.

Which rope is best for decking?

Many people prefer a synthetic polyhemp rope to a natural based decking rope; this is because synthetic ropes tend to last longer and are less prone to wear and tear. Synthetic ropes also look very similar to natural ropes, therefore they blend in nicely to outdoor spaces and don’t look tacky. 

However, if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly rope option, natural ropes are still a great choice of decking rope. They may take a bit more care and upkeep than a synthetic rope, but they’re a lot better for the environment.

How to use decking ropes

Decking ropes have a wide variety of uses and not all of them involve decking. So, what else can you use your decking ropes for?

1. Decking areas

A favourite use of decking ropes is for decking areas. Whether you’ve recently added decking to your garden, to house patio furniture or maybe a hot tub, decking rope can also be a great addition to this. Construct a border around your decking with wooden posts and some rope. This will keep your area separate from the rest of the garden.

2. Garden bridges

If you’re lucky enough to have a small pond in your garden,  it’s likely you can also fit a garden bridge. Decking rope can be used to create a handrail along your bridge for added safety, or a few can be used to make a fence either side.

3. Plant in sections

Decking rope can also be used to section off your plants, allowing you to keep your garden uniform and neat. Plus, when it comes to planting a new species, you can keep everything organised.

4. Rope swings

Making rope swings out of decking rope is a popular choice for those looking for a cool DIY project for their garden. Granted you will need quite a bit of space and a tree to get started, but it’s still a great use. We recommend purchasing a sturdy plank of wood to use for the seat and attaching your decking rope to this. However, it is best to look up some thorough instructions before starting.

5. Handrails and fencing

Section off your lawn from the path with a decking rope border. Or add some decking rope handrails to your outside steps. 

Don’t forget to use decking rope fittings for all of your DIY or garden projects. If you need any extra advice on which decking rope to pick, or on how to maintain your natural decking ropes, contact our team today.

Before buying a natural or synthetic rope, there should be a few factors taken into consideration. Think about the job you want your rope to do: are you using them indoor or outdoor, what sort of stress might they be put under, and how long do you need them for. Having a clear idea of their use and properties will help you immensely when selecting the perfect rope. 

What can you use natural and synthetic ropes for?

Ropes can be used for practically anything, from marine use to arts and crafts, they’re very versatile. So, what exactly can each type of rope be used for?

Natural rope

These rustic, rough and ready ropes are perfect for industry or decorative use. Before the creation of synthetic ropes, their natural counterparts were used for everything and anything. From climbing to clothing, and farming to cat-scratching posts – they have a variety of uses. Natural ropes have a better grip for tying knots than synthetic ones  – which are prone to slipping.

Synthetic rope

Strong, lightweight and hard wearing, poly ropes have become a great alternative to other ropes. Polypropylene and polyethylene ropes are great for usage on lorries, for towing and for marine use. As they are water resistant, they’re great for aquatic purposes. 

Material

The composition of a rope is very important as this will ultimately decide how well your rope performs in other areas. 

What are natural ropes made of?

Made up of all natural fibre, these ropes can be formed from plant fibres, such as manila, jute, sisal, cotton and natural hemp. Ranging from 6mm to 28mm, natural ropes have been a consistent favourite long before synthetic ropes were created.

What are synthetic ropes made of?

Poly ropes are made up of synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester – along with many others. The benefit of these polymers is that they make the rope extremely strong.

Strength 

Probably the most important factor to concern yourself with when it comes to ropes is strength. The stronger the rope, the higher the likelihood of it serving the purpose you want it to.

How strong are natural ropes?

In most cases, natural ropes are very strong, but due to their plant fibre composition, they are weaker than poly ropes. Saying this, natural ropes still have plenty of benefits that shouldn’t be ignored.

How strong are synthetic ropes?

With a higher tensile strength and elasticity, poly ropes are generally stronger than natural ropes. These ropes are lightweight, but don’t let that fool you – they are amazing at absorbing high impacts. 

Durability

What can each rope withstand? Synthetic and natural ropes have varying durabilities when faced with water, fire and extreme temperatures. Which one fares the best?

How durable are natural ropes?

One of the main issues when opting for the more natural rope is that when they get wet, they shrink. This occurs as the plant fibres absorb water and increase in size, therefore decreasing the length. Apart from this, a natural rope is pretty great at withstanding high heats and freezing temperatures – but it will burn if exposed to fire. We recommend treating your ropes for the best outdoor use, this can be with decking oil or any other preservatives available at your local DIY store. 

How durable are synthetic ropes?

Water resistant and unshrinkable, poly ropes are amazing for those rainy days. Although, they don’t react as well in freezing or extreme temperatures, as they can experience damage or even melt slightly. So, keep your synthetic ropes away from fires at all costs. 

Lifespan

The lifespan of any rope depends on two things – how well you look after it and what type of rope it is. Not ensuring that your ropes are well maintained will impact on the lifespan. 

How long will a natural rope last?

As natural ropes are made from plant fibres, it’s not uncommon for them to rot if left damp for extended periods. Over time, the molecules within the natural fibres become weaker as they are not held together chemically. 

How long will a synthetic rope last?

Due to the polymer nature of synthetic ropes, they tend to last a lot longer than natural ropes. As they don’t suffer from damp or water damage, there’s no chance of the rope rotting. If you’re looking for a rope that’s easy to look after, and that will stand the test of time, a poly rope is probably your best bet. 

Environmentally friendly?

Looking after the environment is more important than ever, so considering how sustainable your rope is may be a big factor. 

Are natural ropes sustainable?

A bonus to using natural ropes is that they are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly. As they are composed of plant fibres, these ropes are an amazing choice when it comes to protecting the environment. 

Are synthetic ropes environmentally friendly?  

Despite their best efforts, poly ropes are not completely eco-friendly. Synthetic polymer fibres and lots of chemicals are used to form this type of rope. As they won’t break down naturally, we suggest keeping your poly ropes in tip top condition and keeping them for as long as you can, and then recycling them properly. 

Which rope is best?

When it comes to officially deciding the winner between a natural and a poly rope, we think we’ll leave that one up to you to decide. If you’re thinking about purchasing some ropes, contact us and we can help you decide which one is right for you.

What is rope making?

Rope making is the process of twisting lots of fibres together to make one strong rope. A rope’s job is to remain wound together, even when contorted or knotted, otherwise it would not have enough tensile strength to pull heavy objects or keep its stability. 

How to make ropes

Nowadays, the rope making process is largely industrialised, with ropes created by machines. But essentially, there are four parts to rope production:

1. Prepare the fibres by twisting. 

2. Spin the fibres, or bunch them, into yarn.

3. These yarns are then twisted – in a process called forming – into strands.

4. Next up is laying – where multiple strands are twisted together, to form a complete rope.

What material is used to make ropes?

Most fibres can be used to make a rope, but depending on the type used to make the strands, and ultimately the rope, some will inevitably be stronger than others. The strongest type of natural rope, for example, is a manila rope, whereas for synthetic rope you should go for nylon or polypropylene. Synthetic ropes such as these are strong, lightweight and are great value for money. 

The different rope making techniques

The material of a rope can differ, and so can the technique of braiding or twisting a rope. We have listed a few types of rope making techniques below:

• Twisted rope: To form a twisted rope, fibres are spun into yarns and then twisted into strands. These separate strands are then twisted together to create a rope.

• Braided rope: This type of rope is created by braiding yarn together to form a tube-like structure. The benefit of this is that they have better flexibility than a twisted rope.

Plaited rope: A plaited rope is relatively simple and is similar to a twisted rope, except the strands are plaited instead.

A brief history of rope making

The history of rope is actually a lot more intricate than you might think. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

When were ropes invented?

Rope making has been an essential part of history, and dates back to prehistoric times around 28,000 years ago. Originally, ropes were made from twisting plant fibres, or anything individuals could source locally, together – and it’s not so different today. Rope making spread to many civilizations, but first became popular with the Egyptians – then moving onto the Chinese dynasties and the rest of the world. 

The ancient Egyptians were the first to create rope making tools, and ropes became essential for moving materials to use for building the pyramids and monuments. Some tombs actually show this process in their wall paintings – these are called reliefs. Other parts of the world realised the usefulness of ropes in industry and daily life, becoming a massive global industry. 

How was traditional rope made?

Rope was traditionally made in a ropewalk – this referred to the rope factories. These buildings were long, low, and often completely outdoors. Later, ropewalks were either roofed or housed inside. Unlike most other industrial factories, ropewalks were placed outside of cities because of the high fire risk they posed. Due to the extremely long lengths of rope that needed to be made, these factories were often around a quarter of a mile long – sometimes even longer. In a ropewalk, long fibres would be laid down and twisted together to make one strong rope. The strength of the rope comes from these fibres being wound together multiple times over. Usually, ropewalks were operated by hand or hand-operated tools, but this later developed. 

Chatham Dockyard in Kent has the only traditional working ropewalk, and rope has been made there for around 400 years. It also contains a ropery museum for people to check out the history of rope making in even more depth.

How rope making has evolved

The industrial revolution pushed for steam-powered machines, progressing into electric use. Some electricity powered ropewalks hung around until the mid 20th century. As a rope making method, the ropewalk was efficient but slow and things began to change.

The desire for stronger, thicker ropes began with the increase in sea trading. The use of ropes on ships was essential and the ropewalks couldn’t keep up with the demand. Natural materials – that were usually used for rope making – could no longer be used due to them shrinking when they got wet. Manila is the material of choice for rope usage on boats – it’s strong and doesn’t stretch. 

This is where we see a move towards rope making as we know it today, and away from slower processes like ropewalks. These days, ropes are mass produced quickly and in large quantities to keep up with the ever growing rope industry. 

Feeling inspired by the rich history of rope making? If you’re interested in buying some ropes, rather than making them yourself, then we can help. Or maybe you’re unsure what type of rope you need, in that case – contact us today to satisfy all of your rope needs.