NATURAL FIBRE ROPE
In the "olden days", rope was made of natural fibres, mostly Manila, but also hemp and others. They worked, but have now been largely superseded by synthetic (man made) fibres with much better characteristics.
Made from a variety of vegetable fibres. Mould will form quickly on these materials and so untreated ropes tend to have a relatively short working life. The strength of rope made from natural fibre decreases 30-40% if wet; this type of rope should never be stored wet but must be hung to dry naturally. Impregnation with a preservative such as Cuprinol or a creosote and paraffin mix will help prevent rot, but this treatment might not be considered suitable for ropes that are handled in their daily use.
Rope ends have to be back-spliced, whipped, or otherwise treated to prevent strands unravelling and yarns fraying.
Made from a variety of vegetable fibres. Mould will form quickly on these materials and so untreated ropes tend to have a relatively short working life. The strength of rope made from natural fibre decreases 30-40% if wet; this type of rope should never be stored wet but must be hung to dry naturally. Impregnation with a preservative such as Cuprinol or a creosote and paraffin mix will help prevent rot, but this treatment might not be considered suitable for ropes that are handled in their daily use.
Rope ends have to be back-spliced, whipped, or otherwise treated to prevent strands unravelling and yarns fraying.
MANILA
A hard natural fibre, obtained from the leaves of a plantain tree native to the Philippine Islands. Manila is especially resistant to sunlight. It will not melt on contact with hot wires or equipment like synthetics do. It will burn, however, if the temperature is very high or if the rope is in contact with the wires/equipment for an extended period of time. Manila is highly abrasion resistant, holds knots firmly and stretches very little. It must be stored dry to avoid mildew. Chemicals will cause it to deteriorate.
Common uses: capstan ropes and the rigging of sailing ships.
SISAL
A hard natural fibre, made from the strong, durable white fibre of the leaves of the aloe, a plant that is grown particularly in West Africa. Its strength is about 20% less than manila. It has excellent resistance to sunlight, stands seawater well, little stretch, and has good knot-holding ability. Sisal must be stored dry to avoid mildew, and chemicals will cause it to deteriorate.
Common uses: gardening, bundling, shipping, and tie downs where strength is not a critical requirement.
HEMP
Manufactured from the cannabis plant native to West and Central Asia. A strong, rather rough rope. Before the advent of synthetic fibres a better quality 'Italian Hemp' used to be used for climbing ropes and expensive yacht rigging. Impregnated with Stockholm Tar to inhibit rot.
SISAL
A hard natural fibre, made from the strong, durable white fibre of the leaves of the aloe, a plant that is grown particularly in West Africa. Its strength is about 20% less than manila. It has excellent resistance to sunlight, stands seawater well, little stretch, and has good knot-holding ability. Sisal must be stored dry to avoid mildew, and chemicals will cause it to deteriorate.
Common uses: gardening, bundling, shipping, and tie downs where strength is not a critical requirement.
HEMP
Manufactured from the cannabis plant native to West and Central Asia. A strong, rather rough rope. Before the advent of synthetic fibres a better quality 'Italian Hemp' used to be used for climbing ropes and expensive yacht rigging. Impregnated with Stockholm Tar to inhibit rot.
Types of Rope
Natural Fibre Rope
Natural Fibre Rope