ROPE CARE

  • AVOID ABRASION AND SHARP EDGES: Make sure that you have no burrs or sharp edges. Abrasion and sharp edges will quickly deteriorate your rope.
  • STORAGE: Ropes should be stored in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures. Most synthetic ropes deteriorate when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays over long periods of time. Do not store ropes on dirty floors or drag over rough ground – dirt and grit can work between the fibers and cause abrasion damage. In cases of long term storage, hose ropes down with fresh water to reduce dirt and salt that can affect their life and efficiency.
  • KEEP ROPES CLEAN: Clean ropes often and keep them dirt free. Frequently wash them with fresh water. Warm water and a mild detergent work well. Rinse and hang to dry.
  • AVOID CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS: Synthetic fibers have good chemical resistance. However, exposure to harsh chemicals, such as acids and alkalis, should be avoided. Ropes affected by exposure to chemicals will often loose its strength and life. If a rope has been exposed to a chemical that may have caused damage it should be retired from use. Chemical damage can appear as discolored or powdery/dusty yarns, and the rope can be severely weakened with no visible effects.
  • PROPERLY UNCOIL ROPE: Uncoiling rope is important since 3-strand ropes can be damaged if they are removed from a coil the wrong way. If this happens, turn the coil over and withdraw the rope from the centre; the rope should unspool correctly without kinking. Incorrect handling can cause braided ropes to have excessive twist. Ideally these ropes should be "hanked" in a figure 8 fashion to avoid twisting and this will ensure free running when deployed. If rope is supplied on a reel, the reel must be allowed to rotate freely on a central pin so that it may be drawn off from the top layer. Never take the rope from a reel lying on its side unless placed onto a turntable.
  • PROPER HANDLING OF ROPE ON SHEAVES: If sheaves are used, the diameter of the sheave should be at least eight to ten times the diameter of the rope. For example, for a 3/8" rope, use at least a 3" sheave. Some types of rope require a sheave size of 20 times the rope diameter. When any rope is used around a sheave there will be a reduction in its strength and life. Use a gentle curve sheave, not a V groove sheave, since they compress the rope and have points of local friction reducing the life of the rope. The groove should be at least 10% wider than the rope. Sheaves should be maintained so that they rotate freely in use.
  • PROPER HANDLING OF ROPE WINCHES AND CAPSTANS: When a rope is wound onto a winch, it is important that the wraps are neat and tightly wound. The best way to do this is to wind the rope on under slight tension.
  • AVOID EXPOSURE TO HEAT: Exposure to high temperatures can change the properties of a rope. In most cases, heat will reduce the strength and damage the rope. It is important to avoid exposing rope to heat sources, including the sun, whether using the rope or storing it.
  • AVOID FRICTION-GENERATED HEAT: When a rope is used on a winch or capstan it can generate enough heat through friction to melt or fuse the fibers of the rope, which results in a weakened rope. Care should be taken to avoid excessive slipping or surging.
  • AVOID ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION: Most materials used in the construction of synthetic fiber ropes are to a greater or lesser extent affected by exposure to UV radiation. Wherever possible, try to limit the exposure of the rope to sunlight. Smaller ropes are affected more than large ropes since they have more exposed surface area in proportion to their volume.