Page 12 - Cliff Jacobson - Knots for the Outdoors
P. 12
FIGURE 1
Floatability. Polypropylene and polyethylene (which float) are the logical choices for
water-ski ropes and throwing lines.
Effects of chemicals. Spill insect repellent on polypropylene rope and you’ll have a
handful of mushy fiber. All ropes are affected to some degree by harsh solvents.
Types of Rope
Nylon. The most popular rope fiber, nylon is strong, light, immune to rot, and shock absorbent.
The most popular weaves are three strand twisted and braided or sheathed (figure 1).
Twisted rope strands unravel when heated and are therefore difficult to flame-whip when cut.
They are best whipped with waxed string, plastic whipping compound, or heatshrunk plastic
tubing.
