New England Ropes - Line Care

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Abrasion and Sharp Edges
Abrasion and sharp edges are a ropes worst enemies. Regularly check your masthead, exit slots, blocks, windlasses and any other surface with which a rope may come into contact to make sure there are no burrs or sharp edges. Additionally, all cotter pins and split rings in turnbuckles and blocks should be taped.

Dirt and Cleaning
Dirt and salt can cause premature wear. Frequently wash rope and running rigging with fresh water. For a more thorough cleaning, soak your rope in warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Add a small amount of fabric softener to soften the rope. When possible, use a front loading washing machine; otherwise, wash your rope in a mesh bag or pillowcase to avoid tangling. Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry in indirect sunlight.

Sheave Diameter
As a rule of thumb, the diameter of any sheave should be at least eight times the diameter of the rope (for 3/8 rope, use a 3 sheave). The sheave groove should be a gentle curve, not a V or double groove (as is used with wire rigging). The groove should also be approximately 10% wider than the rope.

Rope Longevity and Eliminating Twist
The process of wrapping line around winches, windlasses and cleats puts a tremendous amount of twist into a rope. The twist makes the rope hard to handle and more prone to kinking or jamming while in blocks. Severe twist will cause the rope to get out of round, resulting in faster wear and reduced strength. To eliminate twist, trail your rope behind the boat and allow the halyards hang free at both ends.

Safety
Chemicals: Synthetic fibers have good chemical resistance. However, exposure to harsh chemicalssuch as acids and alkalisshould be avoided. Damage: Inspect all ropes frequently for signs of wear or damage. Retire any rope that has been cut or abraded. Sunlight: Over time, all synthetic fibers will undergo degradation when exposed to sunlight. Polypropylene is more susceptible to UV degradation than other fibers.

Tensile Strength
Tensile strength is the load at which a new rope, tested under laboratory conditions, can be expected to break. Rope strength (as shown in our literature) is the approximate average for new rope tested under ASTM test method D-6268. To estimate the minimum tensile strength of a new rope, reduce the approximate average by 20%. Age, usage and the type of termination usedsuch as knotswill significantly lower tensile strengths.

Working Loads
The Cordage Institute specifies that the safe working load of a rope is determined by dividing the minimum tensile strength by the ropes safety factor. Safety factors range from 5 to 12 for non-critical uses. The working load is a guideline for rope in good condition used in non-critical applications and should be reduced where life, limb or valuable property are involved, or where exceptional shock, sustained loading, severe vibration, etc. may be experienced.