By learning how to maintain different types of rope, you can use this device for many years. Each type of rope such as climbing rope, hemp rope, manila rope, sea rope and plastic rope must be taken care of according to certain principles. Especially if you use your rope regularly, you need to know how to maintain and care for it. Especially for climbers who use their rope a lot, it is important and necessary to maintain basic maintenance conditions. In this review, we will talk fully about how to maintain the rope.
Why is the way to maintain the rope important?
Care depends on the type of rope you have and what you use it for. For everyday use ropes like building a tarp shelter, tying equipment to a truck or hanging clothes to dry, you won’t have to worry too much about rope maintenance. If you use the rope for something like pulling an object or exerting a lot of pressure, you need to know about proper maintenance.
When you feel that the rope is no longer suitable for daily activities, you just need to buy a newer model. But if you want your rope to last a lifetime, it needs to be well cared for. Especially in the case of expensive ropes such as climbing, rappelling, rafting and rescue ropes, proper maintenance prevents repeated costs.
How to take care of the rope?
Keep your rope off the ground. Keep your rope up so dirt, grease, chemicals, and other debris can’t touch it. These materials can damage the rope fibers and weaken it. For climbing rope, when using it outdoors, it is best to place the rope on a tarp to keep it off the ground. Keeping the rope off the ground when not in use also prevents people from stepping on it, which can prevent damage and shredding of the fibers.
Sunlight and heat
Keep the rope away from sunlight and excessive heat. While most modern and advanced ropes are designed to prevent UV damage, it is best to store your rope out of direct sunlight when not in use. Excessive heat can weaken the rope, so don’t store it in a very hot place.
Cleaning the rope
Clean your rope if needed. If your rope gets dirty, wash it in cold water with mild soap. Then put the rope in a corner to dry. Do not expose the rope to dry in the sun or use a heater to speed up the drying process. Make sure the rope is completely dry before using or storing it. Ropes made from natural materials are usually resistant to UV light and heat. But, to keep them in their original condition, you should store them in a dark, cool and dry place (with a humidity level below 65%).
Check the quality of the rope
Inspect the rope from time to time for signs of damage. After using the rope, do a quick inspection for damage. It is better to look for the following defects:
- Do you see a cut on the rope?
- Has the tug of war come?
- Is the rope tight?
- Can you see the core of the rope?
- Has the rope been discolored by exposure to sunlight or chemicals?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should probably throw the rope away. If the fray is at the end of the rope, cut that part and use the rest of the rope. To get the most out of your rope, you must remember to store it properly. Creases should be avoided as much as possible. If you store the rope for a long time, the natural fibers may become knotted, creased and intertwined, making the rope more difficult to work with in the future. The best way is to wrap the rope around a large spool.
How to maintain a climbing rope?
As a climber, the rope is usually the first thing to stop you falling to your death. As a result, you want your rope to always be healthy and flawless. So maintain your rope regularly. Climbing rope manufacturers have developed programs that help you dispose of your rope at a specified time. This program includes:
- Applying heavy loads or damage: change immediately
- Frequent use (weekly): 1 year or earlier
- Regular use (several times a month): 1 to 3 years
- Occasional use (once a month): 4 to 5 years
- Rare use (1-2 times a year): 7 years
To understand how often you use a climbing rope, it is recommended to label the rope on one side (for example rope A) and then record the date of use in a notebook. Damaged rope can be used for everyday tasks on camping trips, such as pitching a tent or clothesline.
last word
The useful life of the rope is directly related to how it is maintained. The more diligent you are about taking care of your rope, the longer it will last. So try to use different ways to maintain your rope. Most ropes need to be cleaned after use and stored in a dark, dry place. Also, the quality of the rope is effective during its life. So, in the first step, it is better to look for high-quality products and reliable brands when buying rope.