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.
Polypropylene rope vs polyethylene rope?
Crabbing from the docks with conical hoop nets and if a guy is dropping them straight down any type of rope works fine. Polyester rope is softer and easier on the hands while hauling up a wet rope over and over during the tide swing, but it also costs a few more dollars. I prefer polypro for shore based crabbing because it floats if accidentally loose in the water, and a guy gets strong rope for relatively low cost. If you have a small float secured to the rope just above the hoop, which you probably were planning to do, you can frisbee the hoop nets away from the docks to get more space between you and the other guys rigs; and the float will keep the hoop net upright as it sinks. Floating rope like polypro helps even more with keeping the net upright as it sinks. I frisbee hoop nets off the jetty's. There floating rope is more important because it helps keep the rope from settling into snags and tangling around rocks. When a hoop net snags the bottom and a guy is on the dock or jetty there aren't many options to change the angle of the pull, so you just pull harder. I have had better success unsnagging hoop nets when working from shore and using floating rope. If brute force does not work I give it lots of slack and let it float up from the bottom for a minute, then haul as hard and fast as possible to try to get more vertical lift and less horizontal pull. It takes a few tries sometimes, but it works pretty well. My theory is that when pulling in a hoop net horizontally from shore the more vertical vs horizontal the initial pull of the the rope, the fewer crabs are able to slide to the side and get away when they feel things under them starting to move. It is just a theory. I have never tried to disprove it. I do catch a few crabs.
Custom Netting, Slings, & Industrial Products - US Netting
Rope Selection Guide & Information
Searching for the right rope for your job can be overwhelming. Over the years, manufacturers have produced a variety of ropes for a variety of jobs. Each rope has unique strengths and weaknesses. Particular ropes are well suited for certain jobs and not others. Some ropes have a wide range of capabilities, but there is no “one size fits all” rope. Don’t let the variety scare you. You need the right rope for your job. Here is a guide to some of the most common ropes including their strengths, weaknesses, and which one will be right for your situation.
If you happen to be looking for rope to build a net, we have an excellent guide to netting. The guide includes rope, webbing, and all purpose netting.
Table of Contents
Rope Material Properties and Use Cases
Polypropylene Rope
Polypropylene ropes are synthetic and possess a variety of unique qualities. Polypropylene rope is particularly suited for use around water and will not rot due to water and is resistant to mildew. This rope is also produced in a variety of colors making it a common choice for barriers at golf courses, parks or even power plants. Because polypropylene floats, it is used to designate swimming lanes in pools. Commercial fishermen commonly utilize this rope, especially in crab and lobster lines. It can also be used for buoy moorings, aquaculture, and net lines.
PROS
Dielectric/insulator, floats, water resistant, lightweight, low-cost, UV resistant, color variety.
CONS
Stretches (although this could be a positive), susceptible to friction.
Most common use:
Work around electric lines, marine applications, swimming-lane barriers.
Shop Polypropylene Rope
EXTRAORDINARY QUALITIES
Dielectric ability is an important quality of polypropylene rope. Should this rope touch a live electrical wire it will not conduct the electric current. Because polypropylene rope acts as an insulator, electricians and tree workers who work around live electrical wires use polypropylene rope. When using this rope for hauling or hoisting, attention should be given to any abrasions against the rope as it can melt from friction. Polypropylene also lacks stretch memory. When stretched, it will not return to its normal size.
This rope has wide capabilities. If you need a strong rope to be used in or around water, or if you anticipate possible exposure to electricity, then polypropylene rope will be your best choice.
Manila Rope
The natural strength and all around utility of manila rope has made it the standard for quality rope. Manila rope consists of all-natural hemp fibers. This creates aesthetic appeal commonly used for decorative fences or other landscaping purposes.
Because of susceptibility to liquid absorption and UV decay, the user should be careful of sustained tension on the rope especially when exposed to the elements. Manila’s absorbing quality makes it the first choice for many physical activities that require direct handling of the rope. For purposes such as tug of war, climbing, obstacle courses, or stage rigging, manila rope absorbs perspiration providing better grip. This rope will not hazardously snap back when broken as other synthetic ropes may. For a quality natural rope that is aesthetically appealing and safe for active handling, manila rope is an excellent choice.
PROS
Visually appealing, snap-resistant, low-cost.
CONS
Not UV or water resistant, may harden or rot over long periods of time.
Most Common Use:
Pulling, decoration, landscaping, rigging.
Shop Manila Rope
Nylon Rope
For superior strength and remarkable stretching capabilities, nylon is the rope of choice. Stronger than both manila and polypropylene, nylon commonly finds itself pulling the heaviest loads and bearing the most weight.
Having superior strength, nylon also maintains a smooth surface and its resistance to abrasion makes it ideal for pulley systems or winches. Also, different fall protection systems or rescue line assemblies are constructed from nylon rope. Within these applications, the strength and elasticity of nylon will be most beneficial.
PROS
Strong, smooth, abrasion resistant, UV resistant.
CONS
Absorbs water, weakens in water.
Most common use:
Towing lines, anchor lines, pulleys, winches, tie-downs, fall-protection systems.
Shop Nylon Rope
EXTRAORDINARY QUALITIES
While both manila and polypropylene are susceptible to UV damage, nylon rope is resistant to UV, chemical exposure or any other form of rot. Despite the fact that water can weaken the strength of nylon, this effect is so slight that nylon is still commonly used for mooring lines and anchor lines. In fact, nylon rope is a great choice for any tie-down because of its strength, stretch, and sustenance in any environment. The all-around durability of nylon rope makes it useful for any job in any situation.
Polyester Rope
Polyester is considered by some to be the best general purpose rope. It’s also one of the more popular choices when a tough heavy duty rope is needed.
Polyester rope is a great rope for general industrial applications as well as rigging applications. It does great in the outdoors and tough elements of nature. Can be seen being used for lines to tie down or hold back boats in marine applications.
A few uses for this rope may include: winches, dock rigging, blocking, or simple household applications. It can also be mistaken many times as Nylon with many fine details in differences. Largest difference being its resistance to chemicals.
PROS
Rot and UV resistant, retains strength when wet or dry and abrasion resistance.
CONS
Bright white color can become discolored and brown/green in marine applications.
Most common use:
Rigging, winches, general household uses. Shop Polyester Rope
Shop Polyester Rope
Kevlar™ Rope
Few innovations in the past century have been as remarkable and useful as Kevlar™, invented in 1965 and produced by DuPont™. Among its many uses, Kevlar™ materials have been used for bullet-proof armor and flame resistant material. Kevlar™ rope is no less remarkable. Pound for pound, Kevlar™ rope is far stronger than steel and it will not rust. For this reason, Kevlar™ rope is used as mooring lines on oil rigs and ships. While nylon rope has certain elastic abilities, Kevlar™ rope has very low stretch, making it an excellent choice when complete stability is needed.
PROS
Strongest rope, freeze resistant, flame resistant, chemical resistant, water resistant, stretch resistant, cut resistant, UV Resistant Coating.
CONS
Not immune to damage.
Most common use:
Winch lines, mooring lines, helicopter slings[2], temperature extreme situations.
EXTRAORDINARY QUALITIES
Because of its polymeric properties, Kevlar™ material is susceptible to UV light and should not be permanently exposed to UV rays. Unlike any other rope, Kevlar™ rope is flame resistant. This rope can resist temperatures 500° F before it begins to weaken, and Kevlar™ will only strengthen when exposed to subzero temperatures.[1]
One should be aware of any signs of wear on Kevlar™ rope, as the integrity of the rope can be more seriously compromised than the damage makes it appear. Kevlar’s qualities are best demonstrated in extreme temperature conditions, or any time sheer strength is required.
View Material Specification Table
Strength Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Breaking Tenacity(grams/denier) 5.0-6.0 7.0-9.5 7.0-9.5 6.5 6.0 18-26.5 Wet Strength vs Dry Up to 120% 85-90% 100% 100% 100% 95% Shock-load Absorption Ability Poor Excellent Good Very Good Fair Poor Weight Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Specific Gravity 1.38 1.14 1.38 0.91 .95 1.44 Floats No No No Yes Yes No Elongation Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Percent at Break 10-12% 18-25% 12-15% 15-25% 15-25% 1.5-3.6% Creep(extension under sustained load) Very Low Moderate Low High High Very Low Effects of Moisture Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Water Absorption of Individual Fibers Up to 100% 2-8% < 1% None None 3.5-7.0% Dielectric Properties Very Poor Poor Good Excellent Excellent Poor Degradation Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Resistance to UV in Sunlight Good Good Excellent Poor(black is best) Fair(black is best) Fair Resistance to Rot and Mildew Poor Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Storage Requirements Dry Only Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Rope Abrasion Resistance Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Surface Fair Very Good Very Good Good Good Fair Internal Fair Excellent Excellent Good Good Poor Thermal Properties Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Melts at Does not melt, Chars at 350º 420-480º 490-500º 330º 275º 800º begins to decompose Resistance 3* Manila Nylon Polyester Polypropylene Polyethylene Kevlar™ 1* Resistance to Acids Poor Fair Good Good Excellent Fair Resistance to Akalis Poor Very Good Poor Good Excellent Fair Resistance to Oils and Gas Poor Very Good Good Good Very Good Very Good
STYLES OF ROPE
Ropes are not only made with a variety of materials (manila, polypropylene, nylon, Kevlar™, etc.), but any given rope can have different styles of braid or twist. Twisted rope appear in the form of a spiral and are created by twisting at least three strands of yarn in alternate directions. This alternation prevents the rope from unwinding, while also making it easy to splice. Because of the speed of their manufacturing, twisted ropes tend to be less expensive.
Braided ropes take on a rounded form and are generally smooth. This feature allows them to be used in high-friction situations like winches and pulleys. During the longer and more expensive process of braiding, several fibers pass above, below and around each other. This relatively recent innovation provides a rope that will not twist, but cannot be spliced.
Several different ways of braiding provide different qualities. Solid braid ropes are a complex braid that may have a filler core. They have high elongation but less strength. Diamond braids rotate fibers over and under one another in opposing directions. A filler is usually placed in the center of this rope giving it moderate strength. Double braided rope can actually be understood as a rope within a rope. One braid is formed over another braid to share the load evenly. Double braided rope is a favorite for boaters, but should be used with caution in manufacturing situations.
WORDS OF CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH ROPE
Use of Working Loads
Because of the wide range of rope use, rope condition, and exposure to the various factors affecting the rope, it is impossible to make blanket recommendations as to the correct choice of rope to use. However, we have provided the tensile strength for each diameter and type of rope. These strengths are based on tests of new and unused rope, with appropriate splices. Proper choice, care, and inspection of the rope are essential for reasonably safe use of the rope. Consult your cordage vendor for proper use.
Dynamic Loading Voids Normal Works Loads
Dynamic Loading occurs when rope is subjected to sudden or extreme stress. Figures given as working loads are void if rope has been subjected to dynamic loading, high temperatures, long periods of load, extreme stress, improper use, or storage.
To lash, tie a clove hitch through each mesh.
This will prevent the rope from unraveling if it should become compromised.
The clove hitch is used as a short stay mooring knot. It is quick and easy to tie but holds well only when the strain on the knot at right angles to the fixing. The knot can easily come undone under sideways tension.
Clove hitch around a bollard
A quick method of tying a clove hitch can be used if you are securing a mooring line to a bollard. The line is coiled in the hand, as shown below, and then dropped over the top of the bollard. A half hitch can be added, if required, as an extra safeguard.
Effect of Temperature on Tensile Strength
The tensile strength charts apply to ropes tested at normal room temperature (70°F). Ropes have lower tensile strength at higher temperatures. Continued exposure at elevated temperatures causes permanent damage.
WARNING! MISUSE OF ROPES COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
Rarely can you walk in to your local hardware store and find a full selection of rope types and sizes. Online stores like US Netting not only offer a full selection of all types and diameters of rope, but they will cut to length the rope you need! Matching the right rope to the right job will not only make the job easier, but it will also make the job safer.
KNOT GUIDE
Knots are handy things. For many people, knots play a crucial role in their work or recreation. They may even save a life! For connecting, lifting, securing or towing, you will need to learn the names of different knots, and when to use them
Square Knot (AKA: Reef Knot)
A very quick knot to tie, the square knot is used to join two ropes together in a simple and effective way. However, you should be aware that this knot is not reliable for heavy weights or critical situations. The square knot has been used for centuries to join two ends together for bandages or shoelaces or belts. The Boy Scouts require skill with this knot for general purposes.
common use:
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Lashing
- Boating
- Macrame
- General Use
Bowline Knot
The bowline was originally used in a marine setting (as are many knots), but has proved itself useful in a wide range of situations. The qualities of this knot are its simplicity, strength and resistance to jamming. Because of the intentionally open loop in the completed knot, the bowline can be slung over a post or other object after it has been tied. This knot can also be tied after the rope has been passed through a ring. You should be cautious as the knot can become undone if it is shaken or jostled.
common use:
- Boating
- Safety
Overhand Knot
A simple knot with the most basic tying steps. Used mainly as a stopper in such applications like climbing ropes or to stop the rope from falling out of a pulley system.
common use:
- Basic Stopping
- Lashing rope ends
- Helps prevent fraying
Slip Knot
The slip knot is used to slid and tighten around a post, tree, or hitch. This knot is great due to the fact that it tightens under loads. Many people also consider the slip knot as a noose. In this term it is not due to the way it is tied.
common use:
- Hunting
- Camping
- Temporary stopping or holding
- General use
Sheet Bend (AKA: Weaver's Knot)
The Sheet bend is best used to join two ropes of unequal sizes. This is great for broken splices or just needing a few extra feet to pull down that branch.
common use:
- Hunting
- Camping
- Temporary stopping or holding
- General use
