GLOSSARY OF ROPE TERMINOLOGY

Braider Splice
The continuation of a single interrupted strand with another identical strand which is braided from the same carrier. The previous and replacement strands may be knotted together or the ends may be left separate and tucked into the braid so as to secure them within the braid.

Break-In
A period of use in which the filaments of a rope settle in together; thus the rope lengthens somewhat.

Breaking Length
A term used for comparing the strength-to-weight ratio of textile structures from one product to another. The calculated length of a specimen whose weight is equal to the breaking load.

Breaking Load
The maximum force which the rope is able to support prior to rupture in a tensile test.

Breaking Strength
The measured load required to break a rope in tension; also called tensile strength.

Breaking Strength Minimum
Cordage Institute standard. A value based on a statistically significant number of breaking
load tests and the standard deviation used to establish the minimum value.

Breast Line
A line that leads to a right angle to the centerline of the ship and controls the distance from the pier.

Broken Filaments
Filaments of a yarn which have broken, normally due to abrasion of a rope in contact with a rough surface.

Cable Laid Rope
Consists of three small ropes twisted together to form a single rope.

Cam Cleat
A rope holding device made with one or more cams which grab the rope when a load is applied. All cam cleats have a quick release feature which is most functional for lines used on sailboats.

Capstan
A rotating cylinder used in winding a rope or cable; also used in spinning and twisting yarn, twine or rope.

Carabiner
An oval, pear or D-shaped piece of aluminum, steel or titanium stock that has a spring loaded gate which allows rapid attachment to the rope or other gear. Also referred to as Karabiner.

Carrier
Part of a cordage braiding machine that carries the group of yarns or the single yarn like a single strand through the braid as it is made. May also refer to that yarn or group of yarns.

Catline
A heavy line used for general hoisting in oil well drilling; also called cathead line.

Caulking Cotton
A cotton sliver material used for caulking the seams of wooden boats.

Chafe Protection
A material or substance placed on or around a rope to protect it from wear from chaffing.

Chaffing
Wear on the surface of a rope from scuffing, scraping, or abrading against a rough surface.

Chafing Gear
Any device - leather, rope, plastic, etc... used to prevent lines, sails, decks or spars from wear.

Chalk and Mason Line
Small cords of various fibers, braided or twisted, used in construction for marking straight lines, the cord must have a rough texture to hold chalk.

Cleat
A fitting, normally on a boat, ship or dock designed to secure a rope to.

Co-efficient of Friction
Gripping ability important for rope use on winches and in situations where slipperiness can be dangerous or cause problems. Gripping depends upon the friction or texture of the rope itself, its elasticity, creep (or taffy effect, as in monofilament polypropylene), the area of contact and the ratio of rope size to bitt size.

Co-Polymer
A naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of two or more different repeated simple monomers.

CO² Inflatable Lifejacket
Used to keep individual afloat. Carried in a pouch and fastened around the waist, inflated by CO² cartridge or mouth.

Combo or Combination
Blend of two or more rope materials into one cord.

Composite Rope
A combination of polypropylene/polyester or other combinations of fiber types. A rope manufactured from 2 or more types of fiber.

Cordage
String, line, rope, twisted or braided, generally refers to small sizes one inch diameter and under. A collective term for rope, cord and twine manufactured from textile fibers