New England Ropes - Safety Rescue Line Care

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New England Ropes takes great pride in manufacturing the highest quality rope available. Below are a few guidelines regarding general care and usage practices which will help to extend the life of the rope while achieving the best possible performance.

Abrasion and Sharp Edges

Abrasion and sharp edges are a ropes worst enemies. Check all equipment prior to use to ensure there are no burrs or sharp edges. Always inspect ropes after climbing in abrasive environments to assess damage related to wear.

Dirt and Cleaning

Dirt on a rope can penetrate the cover strands resulting in abrasion in the core as well as the cover. Water facilitates the introduction of dirt particles into the rope. When climbing in wet conditions, particularly over rock or other areas where dirt is an issue, we recommend using a dry-treated water repellency on the rope.

After a climb, wash rope with fresh water and allow to air dry in direct sunlight. For a more thorough cleaning, soak your rope in warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Add a small amount of fabric softener to soften the rope. When possible, use a front loading washing machine; otherwise, wash your rope in a mesh bag or pillowcase to avoid tangling. Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry in indirect sunlight.

Eliminating Twist

Twist increases the likelihood of kinking and jamming in equipment. Severe twist can cause the rope to get out of round, resulting in higher wear rates and reduced strength. Eliminating twist from a rope will make the rope easier to handle and extend its life. Eliminate twist by either laying the rope straight and coiling it into a figure eight hank, or by feeding it into a bag while the loose end remains free.

Safety

Snapback: An extremely hazardous situation can result if a rope parts under a heavy load. Rope can recoil at a high rate of speed and a person positioned in the path of a parted rope can be seriously injured. It is the responsibility of the user to know and understand the proper techniques for particular application and to take all necessary safety precautions.

Chemicals: Synthetic fibers have good chemical resistance. However, exposure to harsh chemicals such as acids and alkalis should be avoided. Damage: Inspect all ropes frequently for signs of wear or damage. Retire any rope that has been cut or abraded. Sunlight: Over time, all synthetic fibers will undergo degradation when exposed to sunlight. Polypropylene is more susceptible to UV degradation than other fibers.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is the load at which a new rope, tested under laboratory conditions, can be expected to break. Rope strength (as shown in our literature) is the approximate average for new rope tested under ASTM test method D-6268. To estimate the minimum tensile strength of a new rope, reduce the approximate average by 20%. Age, usage and the type of termination used will significantly lower tensile strengths.

Working Loads

The Cordage Institute specifies that the safe working load of a rope is determined by dividing the minimum tensile strength by the ropes safety factor. Safety factors range from 5 to 12 for non-critical uses. The working load is a guideline for rope in good condition used in non-critical applications and should be reduced where life, limb or valuable property are involved, or where exceptional shock, sustained loading, severe vibration, etc. may be experienced.