ROPE CONSTRUCTION SELECTION GUIDE

 

 CHARACTERISTICS

 SOLID BRAID

 HOLLOW BRAID

 DOUBLE BRAID

 DIAMOND BRAID

 TWISTED

 Number of Strands or Carriers

 9, 12 or 18

 8, 12 or 16

 16, 24 or 32

 8 or 16

3

Spliceable

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Strength to Weight

5

2

1

4

3

Flexibility

3

1

2

4

5

Flattens Under Load

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Rotates Under Load

No

No

No

No

Yes

Mechanical Elongation

1

4

5

3

2

Cost Per Size

2

4

1

3

5

Working Load (as a % of TensileL)

15-20%

15-20%

15-20%

15-20%

8-14%

Abrasion Resistance

1

5

2

3

4

*WARNING: This guide is designed for general reference only. The construction comparisons assume using the same rope fiber and size. Expert advice should be sought when choosing a rope where protection of life or property is involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROPE FIBER SELECTION GUIDE: Fiber Properties- Typical Values

 

 Manila

 Sisal

Cotton

Nylon

Polyester

Poly-
propylene

 Poly-
ethylene

Kevlar(1)

Spectra (2)

STRENGTH:
Breaking Tenacity- Dry (grams/ denier)
Wet Strength vs. Dry Strength
Shock-load Absorption Ability

 
5.0-6.0
Up to 120%

Poor

 
4.0-5.0
Up to 120%

Poor


2.0-3.0
Up to 120 %

Very Poor


7.0-9.5
85-90%

Excellent


7.0-9.5
100%

Good


6.5
100%

Very Good


6.0
100%

Fair


18-26.5
95%

Poor


30.0
100%

Fair

WEIGHT:
Specific Gravity
Floats


 1.38
No

  
1.38
No

 
 1.54
No


  1.14
No

 
 1.38
No

 
 0.91
No

  
0.95
No

  
1.44
No

 
 0.97
No

ELONGATION:
Percent at Break
Creep (extension under
sustained load)

 
10-12%

Very Low

 
10-12%

Very Low

 
5-12%

Very Low

 
18-25%

Moderate


12-15%

Low

 
15-25%

High

 
15-25%

High

 
1.5-3.6%

Very Low


 3.5%

Moderate

EFFECTS OF MOISTURE:
Water Absorp. of Indiv. Fibers
Dielectric Properties


 
Up to 100%

Very Poor

 

Up to 100%

Very Poor

 

Up to 100%

Very Poor

 

2.8%

Poor


 
<1%

Good

 

None

Excellent



None

Excellent

 

3.5-7.0%

Poor



None

Excellent

DEGRADATION:
Resistance to UV in Sunlight

Resistance to Rot and Mildew
Storage Requirements


Good


Poor

Dry Only


Good


Poor

Dry Only


Good


Poor

Dry Only


Good


Excellent

Wet or Dry


Excellent


Excellent

Wet or Dry


Poor
(black is best)

Excellent

Wet or Dry


Fair
(black is best)
Excellent

Wet or Dry


Fair


Excellent

Wet or Dry


Fair


Excellent
Wet or Dry

ROPE ABRASION RESISTANCE:
Surface
Internal

 

Good
Fair



Fair
Fair



Poor
Fair



Very Good
Excellent



Excellent
Excellent



Good
Good



Good
Good



Fair
Fair



V. Good
Excellent

THERMAL PROPERTIES:
Melts at

Does not melt
Chars at 350°

Does not melt
Chars at 350°

Does not melt
Chars at 300°

420°-480°

490°-500°

330°

275°

800°- Begins to Decompose

297°

RESISTANCE:
Resistance to Acids
Resistance to Alkalis
Resistance to Oils and Gas

Poor
Poor
Poor

Poor
Poor
Fair

Poor
Fair
Poor

Fair
Very Good
Very Good

Good
Fair
Very Good

Excellent
Excellent
Very Good

Excellent
Excellent
Very Good

Fair
Fair
Very Good


Excellent
Excellent
Very Good