Whats the best rope???

[RossA]

I have been meaning to start a thread on rope, cord, string, twine, etc., so I may as well post this here.
Like it was said above, you have to decide what you are going to use the rope for. All ropes are not created equal, and some are better for some jobs than others. I try to have an assortment of all kinds of stuff on hand like:
Climbing rope
Para Cord
Cotton Clothesline
Kite string
Fishing line
Dental Floss (yes, dental floss!)
Each of those things will do a different job. Remember, not all rope needs to be high quality. If I am rapelling off of a cliff, I want good rope. If I am just securing a tent for the night, most cheap ropes will do just fine.
As a matter of fact, I often see 50' lengths of cheap nylon rope in the dollar store. I buy several of them when I see them. They won't last forever or under a lot of hard use, but they are fine for most things. Also, I don't mind cutting them if I have to. I don't like cutting more expensive rope.

[CJD]

http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm

Lots of rope, lots of info. The Amsteel Blue is great for winch lines on trucks and ATVs.

[mdogspot]

I don't know how many of us members work outside, but there's a rope/cord that phone companies use, this stuff is awesome. It's used to pull fiber optic cable through the plastic sleeve that protects it. This stuff is light, braided, and SUPER STRONG! It says on it "Bull Line". If you ever find any, pick it up. It's stronger than para-cord. I find it quite often around utility jobs, just wadded up on the side of the road.

Thats is mainly what I use for rope. Since Im a phone guy. We call it Mule Tape. Its is very very strong. When Im out in the sticks 300' will easily fit in my pack taking up little room. When I get my camera back I'll get some pics.

[FWM]

Whatever is sturdy enough to hang the bastards when the cowards start sending their flying monkeys. My sources say even piano wire will work

[Xolar]

I don't know how many of us members work outside, but there's a rope/cord that phone companies use, this stuff is awesome. It's used to pull fiber optic cable through the plastic sleeve that protects it. This stuff is light, braided, and SUPER STRONG! It says on it "Bull Line". If you ever find any, pick it up. It's stronger than para-cord. I find it quite often around utility jobs, just wadded up on the side of the road.

I have a lot of this as I am sometimes a electrician and this rope is great, they make it in all different tensions and you can use it for quite a bit of things, the only real negative is it freys easy if it snags on something and the cut ends need some attention I will try and dig some up for a demo after the rain quits which is hopefully in about a week.

[methusaleh]

Hey Meth,
May I be so forward as to suggest an edit of your copy, "like choosing a specific tool for a specific job".
Twisted rope, kernmantle rope, nylon, polyester, diameter, etc. all of these things make ropes suitable for certain tasks.
I did some rock climbing back when I was young and dumb(pre-ignernt?). I would be glad to add my opinion and experience for you in the research.

Ha ha ha, yes you know what I meant! I wrote that under the influence of melatonin as I was getting ready for bed (night shift)!

[David M.]

I don't know how many of us members work outside, but there's a rope/cord that phone companies use, this stuff is awesome. It's used to pull fiber optic cable through the plastic sleeve that protects it. This stuff is light, braided, and SUPER STRONG! It says on it "Bull Line". If you ever find any, pick it up. It's stronger than para-cord. I find it quite often around utility jobs, just wadded up on the side of the road.

[Vicious Ignernt]

I am by no means an expert, but my point of view was always that choosing rope is like choosing a work truck-- there's different reasons for choosing different ones based on the needs of the job at hand.

Hey Meth,
May I be so forward as to suggest an edit of your copy, "like choosing a specific tool for a specific job".
Twisted rope, kernmantle rope, nylon, polyester, diameter, etc. all of these things make ropes suitable for certain tasks.
I did some rock climbing back when I was young and dumb(pre-ignernt?). I would be glad to add my opinion and experience for you in the research.

[methusaleh]

I am by no means an expert, but my point of view was always that choosing rope is like choosing a work truck-- there's different reasons for choosing different ones based on the needs of the job at hand.

For instance, take nylon rope. It has a little extra flex, which may be handy sometimes, but it burns easily (even from friction), and can get weakening abrasions easily. It has its pros and cons, but I do not have any nylon rope in my stash because I just do not think too highly of it in general.

Hmm someone out there could probably make a rope FAQ that we could use as a sticky. I would volunteer to do the necessary research if nobody else knows a lot about rope.

[mdogspot]

Another thread got me thinking.:rolleyes: I have always heard hemp has all these uses. Rope is the one I am curious about. To my knowledge I have never used or saw a hemp rope. I will be honest "I dont know $**t about ropes. Are they as good as I have heard. I would assume they are illegal I dont know why up here in MT I should be able to get my medical card and get one if they are that good.:D