Page 17 - Des Pawson "Knots The Complete Visual Guide"

ROPE MAINTENANCE 15

Rope care
Ropes should be kept free from wear and tear, such as
chafing caused by constant rubbing of the fibers against
hard or rough surfaces.

Looking after rope
The following tips will help
you keep your rope in
good condition:
Plastic tubing
To prevent chafing, fix
some plastic tubing (see
right) over parts of the rope If the rope does become
that are in constant contact worn, avoid putting it under
with a rough surface. any strain.
Clean dirty rope with a
scrubbing brush (see left),
using water and liquid soap.
Afterward, coil the rope
(see pp.16–17) and hang it
up to dry.

Rope made from natural
fibers should never be stored
when it is wet because it will
Brush the
rope quickly decay.

Rope deterioration

Worn or broken yarns or fibers sticking
out from a rope are signs of deterioration.
Untwist the lay of the rope to see if grit
or sand are causing hidden damage.
Rope that shows signs of deterioration
should not be used for any tasks or
activities that may involve risk to a
person or property.

Worn yarns