Page 18 - Maria Constantino "The Knot Handbook"
P. 18
A nylon braid over an
C limbing ropes are a special class of inner core provides both
strength and elasticity.
cordage and are often referred to as kernman-
tel. Kernmantels consist of a core (or kern) and
a braided outer sheath (or mantel). Climbers
use static ropes to take the full weight of the z
-t
climber that are designed for wear-and-tear ::a
0
and the occasional short fall of a rock face. c
c
Dynam.ic ropes are safety ropes. These are not n
-t
generally for carrying the climber's weight, but,
0
because they are designed with extra elasticity z
and strength, dynamic ropes are used in case of
particularly dangerous falls and the uncon-
trolled spinning of a climber who has fallen.
Due to the heat generated by friction dur-
ing rappelling (abseiling) and belaying, climb-
ing ropes need high melting points. Obtain
specialist advice on the different properties of
climbing ropes from climbing associations and
specialist suppliers, and look for the label of
approval from the UIAA (Union Internationale
des Associatio11s d'Alpi11is111e)
R ope-makers' product information will
give specification tables listing average breaking
loads for each type and size of cordage. If you
intend to climb, pothole, sail, dive or glide - in
short, take part in any activity where your life
may depend on the properties of the rope that
you use - you will need to 'learn the ropes'!
For knot-tyers, a more generalised knowledge
that will help you to select your rope on the
basis of fun ction, appearance and price is all
that is needed.