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Chapter 6

EQUIPMENT

ROPE

Rope, which is the primary tool in technical rigging applications, has a remarkable
ancient history. Evidence of early handmade ropes date back as far as 17,000 BC. Most
of the early ropes were relatively short and hand twisted or braided. The expansion of
shipping and the increase in ship size drove the necessity for longer ropes.
Construction of ropes was done in a “rope walk”, a long alley with fixed spinning wheels
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at the upper end and a wheel and a capstan at the lower end. Although modern
rescue ropes are constructed with advanced materials and precision controlled
manufacturing equipment, it ultimately involves fibers being twisted and braided
together, much like our ancestors constructed.

When rescue ropes are employed in a conventional manner they will reliably handle
rescue rated loads without failure. Important characteristics and properties of rope used
when comparing different rope materials include:
• Strength
• Abrasion resistance and durability
• Flexibility, handling and knotability
• Elongation (rope stretch)
• Shock (energy) absorption
• Melting point

ROPE MATERIALS

NATURAL FIBERS
Hemp, sisal, manila and other natural fibers are no longer used in rescue applications.
These materials will rot, have less energy absorption and are weaker than modern
synthetic fibers.

SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Nylon (Polyamide- Chemical name). Nylon was invented by DuPont in 1938 and nylon
ropes were used in WWII. Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6 are the common ingredients in current

19 Sterling Rope Guide to Rope Engineering, Design, and Use- Volume 1.

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