Rope Construction - Ropes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Rope constructions have evolved over the years to become more task specific, with higher levels of safety incorporated into the construction. Improvements in fiber and rope-making processes have allowed rope manufacturers greater flexibility in rope design. Below are a few types of commonly found rope constructions. By no means is this a complete list or exhaustive in nature, but it is a sampling of some ropes found on the market today.
3-strand rope: This twisted or laid rope construction uses three strands of twisted filaments and lays them into a spiral, creating a single rope. "3-strand" rope is used for everything from generic utility rope to high strength marine line. Climbers might remember Goldline (tm) Rope, common in the 60's and 70's which was a three-strand climbing rope.
Double Braid Ropes: Double Braid rope has a braided core surrounded by a braided sheath. It was the predominant construction used for dynamic ropes before the benefits of kernmantle rope making techniques were discovered. Current applications for double braid still include Cordelette Cord, Accessory Cord, Utility Rope and Marine and Industrial Applications.
Eight Strand or Plaited Rope: Eight strand ropes consists of four strands twisted to the right and four strands twisted to the left which are then braided together, alternating the pairs over one another. If braided while maintaining the original twist in each strand, it is called a plaited rope. Both types of ropes are most commonly utilized for heavy marine and arborist applications.
Kernmantle Rope: The type of rope most commonly used for recreational climbing and rescue. Kernmantle ropes have a tightly braided sheath (mantle) around twisted parallel cord (Kern). Kernmantle constructions are very suitable for applications where a high level of safety is demanded. The core provides the majority of the strength, while the sheath protects the core from abrasion. Sterling Rope utilized Better Braid Technology (tm) to produce a supple smooth running kernmantle rope.
Until next time, be safe and always dress your knots!
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