Page 82 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Rope ends can also be sealed with heat-shrink tubing similar to that used for
electrical connections. There are liquid “whipping” solutions into which one dips
a rope end. After they dry, these are quite permanent, but they do not work with
all types of rope. Dipped finishes can also be applied with polyvinyl acetate
(PVA, sold as “white glue” and yellow carpenter’s glue) and latex-based glues
(see above).

A stopper knot tied in the end of a rope will also prevent fraying. This is often
the only practical approach for jute twine or other natural cordage that’s too
small to whip or tape. It’s not a viable permanent solution for good rope, but it
has its place as an expedient.

Preventing Chafe

If a rope will move relative to a hard rough surface—in other words, if it will rub
—it must be protected from abrasion or chafe. Climbers habitually place chafing
gear on top ropes where they pass over sharp rock edges. If specialty gear is not
available, a patch of carpeting or a thick piece of cloth will suffice, but it must be

secured well to prevent shifting and loss.

Where the same, relatively short section of a rope will be subjected to abrasion
repeatedly (as on a dedicated dockline for a boat in its regular berth), then it is

often practical to protect only that section with a piece of plastic tubing or hose
(see right). This can be held in place attractively with heavy whippings on both
ends, or with duct tape if appearance is not a priority. If the rope can’t be pushed
through a tight-fitting piece of tubing, then the tubing can be split lengthwise and
sewn right onto the rope with a heavy-duty sailmaker’s needle and palm. A third
option, usually employed when the rope will remain stationary and something
else will rub against it (usually another rope), is service: a tight wrapping of
heavy whipping thread around the section of rope in question.

If different ropes will be used regularly against a rough edge that would cause
rapid abrasion (as in a canal lock or a gas dock, where different boats are always
tying up), then the edge itself may be protected with a patch of leather, a sheet of
plastic, or a smoothly curved piece of sheet metal fastened permanently in place
(see below).

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