ROPE KNOW-HOW
(Page 4 of 5)
APPLICATION
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When you're trying to decide which rope to use for a
particular job, it's important to consider both the working
load and the breaking strength of the cord in question.
While all natural fiber lines are rated for regular working
loads of about 20% of their breaking strength, nylon is
usually rated for a working load that is 11 % of its
breaking strength . . . because of its tendency to stretch.
Hence, nylon might be perfect for a towing application
where the rope needs to flex and the load will vary
considerably. But in a situation where an object needs to
be held in position-such as when a rope is used to
temporarily guy a tower-a low-stretch manila might be a
good choice.
Furthermore, there are a few basic rules for the use of any
rope. When you're bending a rope around pulley blocks, for
example, the diameter of the pulley should be at least
eight times that of the rope. And in any application where
a line is permanently affixed to either another line or to
some object, use a splice rather than a knot . . . since it
places less stress on the fibers. Of course, there are
times when a knot is the only practical choice. In such
cases, find out what the right "tie" for the job is and use
it (see "How to Tie the Ten Most Useful Knots", on page 80
of issue 57). You'll insure your own safety, and your rope
will last longer as a result.
Even under the best of conditions, all fibers—either
natural or synthetic—will wear out. You should learn
to recognize the symptoms, and put a deteriorating line out
of service before an accident happens. Most natural ropes
tend to become quite limp when they're nearing the end of
their useful career. The surface will become soft and
fuzzy, the color will turn to a dull gray, and the inner
filaments will have crumbled to dust. Synthetic fibers,
however, don't offer such clear warnings. Generally, they
will become limp and soft—and, in the case of the
ropes affected by ultraviolet light, the color may
change—but the interior fibers may, to the eye,
appear unaffected. To inspect such a rope, bend the
material and study the condition of the surface fibers . .
. if they're excessively frayed, it's time to retire the
line.
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