Page 25 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Climbing ropes have details permanently marked with end labels

Many ropes—including all modern climbing ropes—are constructed in two
(occasionally three) layers, with a central strength member or core composed of
(usually) twisted strands, covered by a braided mantle (also known as a sheath or
cover) that protects the core from abrasion and provides a good gripping surface.
The core of a climbing rope may be weakened or damaged due to arresting a fall,

while the mantle remains intact.

Because this kind of damage can’t be readily detected by visual inspection, it is

essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on when to retire a climbing
rope. To abide by these guidelines, it’s important to record rope use in a
logbook, noting the date of manufacture, the date first put into use, the type of
use, the duration of each use, the cumulative amount of time used, the number of
climbs, the height of any falls arrested, and any known damage.

Clothesline is inexpensive but weak. Do not use it in any application where safety is at stake.

If you’ve ever seen a boat airborne over a highway, chances are it was “secured”
to the vehicle with either clothesline or bungee cords. Clothesline is cheap and
ubiquitous, but it is not adequate for any application involving safety. Don’t use

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