Common Applications

A quick guide to which ropes are commonly used across a range applications.

Please note that this is a general guide only. You should base your choice of rope on the specific requirements of its intended use.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS RECOMMENDED ALSO SUITABLE AVOID
STRENGTH HIGH LOAD BEARING NYLON

POLYESTER; POLYSTEEL

(Both strong and durable, but without the elasticity of Nylon)

COTTON, JUTE
TOW ROPE STRENGTH; SHOCK ABSORPTION; ROPE THICKNESS NYLON

POLYESTER; POLYSTEEL

(Both strong and shock absorbent, but without the elasticity of Nylon)

POLYPROPYLENE, NATURAL FIBRE
LIFTING LOAD BEARING STRENGTH; SHOCK ABSORPTION; ABRASION RESISTANCE NYLON COTTON; JUTE; HEMP
WINCHING STRENGTH; SHOCK ABSORPTION; ABRASION RESISTANCE

NYLON &

POLYESTER (Less elasticity)

POLYPROPYLENE; STAPLE SPUN (Cheaper,, not as strong) COTTON; JUTE; HEMP
MOORING LINE STRENGTH, SHOCK ABSORPTION; WATER RESISTANCE

NYLON

(Note: will lose some strength when wet)

POLYESTER; POLYPROPYLENE; STAPLE SPUN; SYNTHETIC HEMP

(For a more traditional colour and look)

COTTON; JUTE; HEMP
ANCHOR LINE STRENGTH, SHOCK ABSORPTION; WATER RESISTANCE; SINKS

NYLON

(Note: will lose some strength when wet)

POLYESTER;

(Not as strong as Nylon but when wet retains strength & is more pleasant to handle)

COTTON; JUTE; HEMP
COMMERCIAL FISHING STRENGTH; DURABILITY; WATER RESISTANT; UV RESISTANT POLYSTEEL POLYETHYLENE; POLYPROPYLENE (Both float) NATURAL FIBRE ROPES
POTTING WATER RESISTANCE; UV STABILITY; DURABILITY; ABRASION RESISTANCE

LEADED

POLYSTEEL / POLYSTEEL

NATURAL FIBRE; POLYPROPYLENE
FLOATING ROPE FLOATS; DOES NOT ABSORB WATER POLYPROPYLENE FLOATY POLYSTEEL; POLYETHYLENE, SYNTHETIC HEMP; STAPLE SPUN NYLON; POLYESTER; NATURAL FIBRE ROPES
WORK AROUND ELECTRIC LINES POOR ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR POLYPROPYLENE NATURAL FIBRE ROPES
TIE DOWNS LOW STRETCH; STRONG; ABRASION RESISTANT POLYESTER

POLYPROPYLENE

(Very low cost, not as strong)

NYLON;

COTTON

GENERAL PURPOSE, EVERY DAY LOW COST, DURABLE, FLEXIBLE; SUPER STRENGTH NOT REQUIRED POLYPROPYLENE

POLYETHYLENE

(Low cost, not as strong as Polypropylene)

COTTON;

NYLON;

HEMP;

POLYESTER

INDOOR DECORATIVE & CRAFT PROJECTS VISUALLY AESTHETIC; EASY HANDLING; SOFT TO TOUCH; CAN BE DYED COTTON JUTE; SISAL (Cheaper than Cotton, pliable, visually aesthetic) POLYESTER; POLYPROPYLENE; POLYETHYLENE
STAIR & BANISTER ROPE VISUALLY AESTHETIC, NICE TO TOUCH SYNTHETIC HEMP HEMP (Has some natural odour); SISAL (Treat to soften) POLYESTER; POLYPROPYLENE; POLYETHYLENE
DECKING ROPE VISUALLY AESTHETIC; ROT, UV & WEATHER RESISTANT SYNTHETIC HEMP

MANILA

(Good natural resistance to UV, looks great. Will rot)

COTTON; JUTE; SISAL
GARDEN ROPE ROT, UV & WEATHER RESISTANT; BIODEGRADABLE SYNTHETIC HEMP

MANILA; SISAL; HEMP

(Good natural resistance to UV, look great, Will rot)

COTTON; POLYESTER; POLYPROPYLENE; POLYETHYLENE
REPLACEMENT ROPE LADDER ROT, UV & WEATHER RESISTANT; EASY HANDLING; SOFT TO TOUCH; AESTHETICALLY PLEASING SYNTHETIC HEMP

STAPLE SPUN

(White textured surface, suitable for outdoor use & slightly cheaper)

COTTON; JUTE
OUTDOOR CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA ROT, UV & WEATHER RESISTANT; EASY HANDLING; SOFT TO TOUCH; AESTHETICALLY PLEASING SYNTHETIC HEMP

STAPLE SPUN

(White textured surface, suitable for outdoor use & slightly cheaper)

COTTON;

JUTE

GYM CLIMBING ROPE EASY HANDLING; GOOD GRIP; ROPE WIDTH SYNTHETIC HEMP

MANILA

(Good grip but harsher on the hands, cheaper option)

COTTON; POLYPROPYLENE
TUG OF WAR EASY HANDLING; GOOD GRIP; ROPE WIDTH SYNTHETIC HEMP

MANILA

(For indoor use)

COTTON; POLYPROPYLENE
BATTLE ROPE EASY HANDLING; GOOD GRIP; ROPE WIDTH MANILA

SYNTHETIC HEMP

(Rot, water resistant for outdoor use)

COTTON; POLYPROPYLENE
SWIMMING LINES FLOATING ROPE; VISIBLE; WATER RESISTANCE COLOURED POLYPROPYLENE NYLON; POLYESTER; NATURAL FIBRE
CRICKET BOUNDARY WHITE; ROT, UV, WATER RESISTANCE 20MM – 32MM WHITE POLYPROPYLENE COLOURED ROPE
CAT SCRATCH TEXTURE; NATURAL; VISUALLY AESTHETIC

6 – 10MM

SISAL ROPE

SYNTHETIC ROPES; MANILA
PET TOYS NATURAL; SOFT; EASY HANDLING COTTON SISAL POLYPROPYLENE; POLYETHYLENE
HORSE HALTERS VERSATILE; SOFT; LIGHTWEIGHT; GOOD KNOT STABILIT COTTON POLYESTER (For those who prefer a stiffer rope)

MANILA;

SISAL