Page 69 - Duane Raleigh - Knots Ropes for Climbers

Electrician's Braid.

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suspect that the previous load contained rope-eating bleach (always the case at a

Laundromat), run the machine through a rinse cycle before washing the rope. Set the

machine to delicate cycle and cold water (hot water will shrink the rope). Add a gentle soap, such as
Ivory Snow. Do not use a detergent, which will strip the rope of its

necessary oils (detergents always say "detergent" on the label). Let the rope run through a wash and
rinse cycle. Then undo the braid and let the rope dry in a cool, shady place.

Drying can take several days to a week, so plan ahead.

Those of you without access to a washing machine can simply pile the loose rope in a tub, add soap,

and then get in and stomp the rope with your bare feet. Pretend you're crushing grapes for a hearty
Bordeaux. Change the dirty water and repeat without soap until the water is clear and doesn't foam.

You may find that your aging rope is beginning to feel stiff and dry. That's because the factory
treatment has worn or washed off. To restore that original supple feel, add fabric softener to the rinse
when you wash your rope.

Rope Life

The rope manufacturer Blue Water suggests retiring an unused climbing rope after five years. In
practice, your rope, if you climb only on weekends, will likely need replacing every couple years.
Active climbers may need a new rope every six months. Then again, a brand new rope may last only a

day if it's been rent across a sharp edge.

How do you know when your rope is ready for the trash? The fact that you are thinking about it may
be reason enough. A badly abraded sheath is another obvious clue. If the sheath is so worn that you
can see the core, it's time for a new rope. Flat or mushy spots in your rope are other signs of fatal
damage. Inconsistent rope diameter is another; if your rope has thick or thin places or feels lumpy, get
a new one. Any chemical contact dooms a rope, as does a severe fall or melted spots, the
consequence of reckless rappeling.

Cutting Rope, Cord, and Webbing

To cut a climbing rope, wrap the spot where you plan to cut with a band of masking or duct tape, then
use a sharp knife (scissors saw and fray the rope) to cut through the tape and rope. The tape will
prevent the rope from unraveling and make for a clean cut. Seal the rope end with a lighter. Heat the
end until it's gummy, and form it into a nice,