Twisted Rope
When talking about rope construction, there are two general categories, twisted and braided. 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 as the corresponding strands. This results to produce a balanced rope, which means it hangs straight and resists kinking. Twisted rope must be fused and taped on each end to prevent unraveling.
Braided Rope
The other type of rope construction is braided. There are three different kinds of braided construction though, diamond braid with a core, diamond braid without a core (also known as hollow braid) and solid braid.
Diamond braid is produced by weaving ends of yarn over and under. If there is a core around which the rope is braided, it cannot be spliced. If a core does not exist, the rope is called "hollow braid". The leading feature of hollow braided rope is its ability to splice easily.
Solid braid is tightly woven which produces a very firm and rounded construction. The unique lock-stitch construction prevents unraveling when cut or torn. Solid braided rope is especially useful when abrasion is a factor, for instance when working with pulleys. Although solid braid cannot be spliced. When the rope, as well as the core, are braided, it is know as "braid-on-braid" or "double braid" construction. This is the strongest, and therefore the most expensive of all rope. |
