Ropes are indispensable, from quick DIY home fixes to helping to safely moor a boat. However, their wide versatility comes from the materials and fibres used in their construction, which broadly fall into two categories: natural and synthetic. Understanding the differences between these materials is crucial – especially when it comes to handling and cutting ropes.
Whether you’re cutting natural or poly rope, explore the best ways to cut and retain good rope strength, along with answers to answers to frequently asked questions about rope cutting, with our easy-to-follow, helpful guide. Keep reading to discover the best techniques to cut different types of rope material like a pro!
What are the different types of rope materials?
Ropes are categorised into two different types of materials – natural rope and synthetic rope – depending on what fibres are used in their construction. It is important that, when cutting a rope, you first consider whether it is made from natural fibres or synthetic, man-made fibres.
Natural rope
Natural ropes are made with fibres made from plants, and include:
You can also get mixed fibre natural rope, which is usually made with a blend of jute and cotton.
Synthetic rope
Synthetic ropes, on the other hand, are made with man-made fibres, including:
- Synthetic hemp or polyhemp rope
- Polyester rope
- Nylon rope
- Polypropylene rope
- Polyethylene rope
You may also come across polysteel rope, which is made with a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene rope – known for its superior strength. Polysteel, despite how it sounds, does not actually have a steel core, like steel core washing lines.
The best way to cut natural ropes
Cutting natural rope is very different to cutting synthetic fibres. As the natural fibres in these types of rope are susceptible to burning and setting alight, heated methods are not recommended.
Instead, there is an easy, manual method that you can use with all types of natural fibres, to cut and stop rope from fraying.
What do you need to cut natural rope?
Before you cut your natural rope, you will need:
- Safety gloves
- A sturdy surface
- A sharp knife
- PVC tape
These tools will allow you to make a safe, clean cut through your rope – preventing accidental harm to yourself, as well as limiting the amount of damage or fraying to your rope.
The easiest way to cut natural rope
Cutting natural rope is incredibly simple.
- Wrap your PVC tape around the rope, where you want to cut. Wrap around 3 to 4 times, to ensure the tape stays in place.
- Put on your safety gloves and lay your rope down on a sturdy surface, away from children and pets.
- Using your sharp knife, press down in the centre of the PVC tape. Holding the rope down with one hand, use the other to saw forwards and backward in a smooth motion until the rope is cut.
Simple method to stop natural rope from fraying
Whilst using PVC tape will reduce the amount of fraying once your natural rope is cut, you may still want to clean it up – before the fraying becomes unmanageable. The easiest way to do this, especially for a novice, is to use a rope end cap.
Place the plastic end cap onto the end of the natural rope that you’ve just cut. Heat the cap with a heat gun or lighter, staying away from the natural fibres, and hold it there whilst the cap shrinks and moulds itself around the rope.
The best way to cut synthetic ropes
Cutting synthetic rope, on the other hand, can be done much easier with the help of a hot knife rope cutter. Hot knife rope cutters not only cut your synthetic rope with ease, but they also seal the rope ends at the same time – preventing it from fraying.
What do you need to cut synthetic rope?
Before you cut your synthetic rope, make sure you have:
- Heat-resistant safety gloves
- Protective eyewear
- A sturdy, heat-resistant surface
- A hot knife rope cutter
Some people also like to use masking tape to mark where they intend to cut the rope. All these tools will allow you to smoothly, and safely, cut your synthetic rope.
The easiest way to cut synthetic rope
To cut your synthetic rope, follow these simple steps:
- Put on your protective eyewear and heat-resistant gloves, before heating up the hot knife rope cutter.
- Place the synthetic rope down on a heat-resistant surface – away from children, pets and any flammable objects.
- Once the hot knife has heated up, slowly press it down, moving forwards and backwards on the rope as you cut through the fibres, until the rope splits into two.
Once the synthetic rope has been cut, there are no additional steps needed to prevent the ends from fraying, as the hot knife rope cutter has done this for you.
Frequently asked questions about cutting rope
What rope is hardest to cut?
Synthetic ropes are often far harder to cut, compared to natural ropes. This is because the fibres are usually far stronger and more durable. That is why we recommend using a hot knife cutter to cut synthetic ropes, rather than using a knife or scissors.
Can you cut rope with scissors?
Yes, you can cut rope with scissors. However, depending on the rope material and type of rope, you may find it more difficult to do so, or break your scissors. That is why we recommend using a sharp knife or hot knife rope cutter instead (depending on whether your rope is made of natural or synthetic fibres).
Can you cut cord the same way as rope?
Yes, cord is cut the same way as rope.
For cords made from natural fibres, such as jute sash window cords, we recommend cutting with a sharp knife. However, scissors could also be effective, as cords are often thinner than rope.
On the other hand, for synthetic cords, such as bungee cords and paracords, we suggest using a hot knife rope cutter, to both cut and seal the fibres.
Looking to learn more about all the things rope? Head over to our handy Rope Source blog to explore articles such as the different ropes and their strengths, or contact our friendly team for some expert advice!