Rope Care and Storage
Whipping
Ropes are made of individual strands twisted or braided together. If the cut ends of rope are not treated, the strands can become separated from each other and can fray. This makes ropes difficult to work with.
Treating the ends of rope is known as whipping. Some people like to use whipping to colour code their ropes by length. Others prefer to have their ropes all whipped the same colour.
- Whipping with Tape
- One option is to use electricians tape.
Advantage: Easy to do
Disadvantage: Eventually the tape falls off, but the ends can be retaped
- Whipping with Twine
- Another option is to use twine. Some methods have the twine running through the individual strands of the rope.
Advantage: More secure than tape
Disadvantage: More difficult to do and suitable twine is more difficult to find
- Whipping with Thread
- Another option is to use thread to keep the end from fraying.
Advantage: Easier than using twine
Disadvantage: Getting the thread through that darn needle eye
- Whipping by Fire
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Some rope is made of nylon or other synthetic material. The ends can be melted to prevent fraying.
Advantage: Easy to do
Disadvantage: Color-coding is not an option
Softening Rope
Ropes made of plant fibers, such as hemp or jute can be course and stiff when they are new. These ropes will soften with use. You can also soften them by pulling them through rough material such as burlap, canvas, or stiff denim.
Cleaning
Rope does get dirty and does need to be cleaned. How often you clean rope depends on how often you use it. The method of cleaning depends on how dirty your rope is and what type of rope you are using
- Hand Cleaning
- For ropes that are merely dusty from being on the floor, it is probably sufficient to use one hand to pull the rope through a dry cloth in the other hand. Doubling over your rope speeds up the process. For thoroughness, pull the rope through a few times.
- Boiling
- Ropes made of hemp or jute should not be washed in a machine. Instead, boil them in a pot of water and then hang them to dry. Do not use soap while washing. Do not boil your plant fiber ropes more than twice a year.
- Machine Washing
- Cotton or nylon ropes can be washed in a washing machine, with detergent, along with the regular wash. However, you should only use cold or warm water. You also need to tie the rope in a pillow case or use a laundry bag. Otherwise, the rope can wrap around the agitator and damage the washing machine.
Storing
Store your rope in a dry area so that it won't mould. If your rope sits around exposed to direct sunlight, it could warp. Ropes do collect perspiration, so ideally you should store your rope by hanging it on a hook. Keeping your rope in a duffle bag or suitcase for more than two weeks could create a musty smell.
Storing your rope in a daisy chain, or a bundle will prevent it from becoming tangled.
| Tying Rope in a Daisy Chain | |||
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| Tying Rope in a Rope Bundle | |||
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