A rope is defined as a length of fibers all twisted and braided around each other to create a thicker strand which is capable of pulling, tying and connecting. Rope is used for hunting, pulling, fastening, attaching, carrying, lifting and climbing. Twisted rope was still made from natural fibers until the 1950’s when synthetic materials started being used. Today commonly used fibers for making rope include, manila, hemp, linen, cotton, coir, jute, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, Kevlar and polyester. Some ropes are a mixture of these fabrics, while others are constructed out of metal. Metal ropes are used for jobs that require more strength and less give.
Lots of people ask about what to look for in buying a rope. It’s a hard question to answer because there are so many variations both in the properties and features of ropes. Natural materials include cotton and hemp rope. Synthetic materials such as manila climbing rope, polypro (unmanila) and polyplus are very durable but do require proper inspection for safety. Manila materials break down from the inside out and ropes that are exposed to the elements will rot from the inside out.
Finding the right rope for your hobby or business has become ten times easier since the growth of the Internet, which has allowed customers to browse different rope manufacturers at leisure and without pressure. This is vital, as in many circumstances finding the appropriate rope may mean the difference between life and death.