Page 75 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Caring for Rope

Every other knot book admonishes the reader to take great care of rope, to
keep it clean, protect it from bad influences, and sing it to sleep at night.

This attitude assumes that all rope is expensive and will be used in safety-
critical ways when, in fact, much of the rope in outdoor use has less lofty
purposes. Rigging a tarp, hanging clothes to dry, securing gear in a canoe,
and lashing up the frame of an emergency shelter do not require expensive,
or even particularly strong, cordage. Some of the cordage you bring into the
backcountry can be considered not merely expendable but downright

consumable, requiring no special care or protection.

That said, rope that is intended for demanding uses—climbing, sailing, and
rescue come quickly to mind—is expensive and does need to be cared for in
order to maintain proper safety margins and protect your investment. So the
following advice does apply, but some of it only to the good stuff.

• Keep rope clean. Keep it out of the dirt. Grains of dirt and sand will damage
fibers in the rope and weaken it. Wash dirty rope.

• Don’t step on rope. It tends to grind dirt into the fibers.

• Keep rope away from solvents, petroleum products, and other chemicals.

• Whip, tape, or seal rope ends to prevent fraying. Take these steps before or

immediately after cutting a length of rope, and before putting it into use.

• Prevent chafing by avoiding sharp or rough surfaces or by using chafing gear.

• Coil rope neatly and securely before storing or transporting it.

• Store rope away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Dry wet rope before
placing it in storage.

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