Which rope is right for you?

FIBER

 

CHARACTERISTICS

 

USES

 

  Nylon

Strong, high tensile strength

Superior shock absorbency

Abrasion resistant

Mildew resistant

Excellent wet/dry strength retention

POLYPROPYLENE

1.75 times stronger than Manila

Lightest weight rope; floats

Minimum stretch

Highly flexible

Loading resistance

Good abrasion

Chemical resistance

Boating Ropes: Mooring, Buoy,

& Tow Lines

Restraining Line

Ski-Tow Rope

Farm & Camp Trailer Winch

Decoration and Hobbies

  POLYDACRON

2 times stronger than Manila

Light weight; floats (1” & up)

Moderate stretch

Highly flexible

Good abrasion

Chemical resistance

Mooring & Docking Lines

Buoy Line

Ski-Tow Rope

Stringing & Hand Line

Utility & Tree Rope

        NYLON

2.5 X stronger than Manila

Superior shock absorbency

Excellent rope

Good abrasion

Mildew resistant

Stern-to-Bow Towing,

Mooring & Anchor Line Carrier Rope

Slings

Climbing & Safety

     POLYESTER

2.5 X stronger than Manila

Lowest elongation

Good handling

Close control

Good rot, mildew, &

 ultra-violet ray resistance

Halyards & Sheets

Running Rigging

Docking Lines

Tent Rope

Hoisting Rope

Lock Lines

Antenna Guy Lines

 MANILA

      Manila is a hard natural fiber, with moderate tensile strength and very easy to handle.  Manila stretches very little and holds a knot well.  It is specially waterproofed, rot and mildew resistant, but will be damaged over time if not stored dry.  Chemicals will also cause it to deteriorate.

      Manila is very popular for public utility construction and repair because it will not melt on contact with hot wires or equipment like synthetics do.  It will burn, however, if the temperature is very high or if the rope is in contact with the wires and/or equipment for an extended period of time.

  POLYPROPYLENE

      Polypropylene rope is the most popular all-purpose rope for the average consumer.  It is economically priced and has a wide range of functionality.  It is highly flexible and has minimum stretch.  Polypropylene has great loading resistance, and is about twice as strong as Manila.

    Polypropylene rope is functional because it has good abrasion qualities as well a chemical resistant.  It is the light weight and floats, and is very popular for pool markers and water sports.  A type of polypropylene is Hollow Braid, which is very popular because it can easily be spliced.

    Poly can be affected by sunlight deterioration, more than any other synthetic or natural fiber rope, but its life can be extended by storing it away from direct sunlight.  Polypropylene begins to weaken and melt at 150°F, the lowest melting point of all synthetic ropes.

 NYLON

     Nylon rope is the strongest of all common use ropes.  It is carries excellent working qualities and has superior shock absorbency.  When stretched it has a "memory" for returning to its original length.

     Nylon last 4-5 times longer than natural fibers because it has good abrasion resistance and is not damaged by oil or most chemicals.  Nylon rope has good resistance to deterioration from sunlight, and is mildew resistant.

 POLYESTER

     Polyester rope is very close to nylon in strength when a steady force is applied.  However, polyester stretches very little and therefore cannot absorb shock loads as well.  It is also as equally resistant to moisture and chemicals as nylon, but is superior in resistance to abrasion and sunlight.  Polyester rope is the most popular general purpose rope in the boating industry.