Page 30 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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ALL ABOUT ROPES AND TWINE

FIGURE 2-3: Structure of a solid braid rope

A Variety of Options
The patterns for braided and plaited rope are endless. Some
use strands of different colors, and large plaited dock ropes are
sometimes even made of strands twisted in opposing directions to
make the final product less susceptible to kinks. Some, like
polypropylene ski ropes, consist of just a sheath with no core,
giving it an easy-to-splice structure similar to finger cuffs. You can
even make a braided rope yourself with a pattern like the Three-
Strand Braid (described in Chapter 10).
The pattern of weave alone does not determine all the prop-
erties the rope will have. Sometimes the fibers are cut into short
lengths to give the rope a fuzzy surface for an easier handhold.
How tightly the weave is laid affects the flexibility and stretch the
rope will have, and of course the material used will determine
many of the rope’s properties.

Natural Fiber Ropes

Ropes have been made out of natural fibers since before recorded
history, and they still have a place in modern production. Fibers of
natural rope are partly plant cellulose, and their stiffness and lim-
ited length give natural rope its somewhat harsh and fuzzy look
and feel. Because of their plant origins, natural fiber ropes are sus-
ceptible to rot from mold and mildew, and should be stored in a
dry location. They can also be damaged by oils, acids, and other
solvents. Some ropes are conditioned with chemical additives to
make them less susceptible to these agents.

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