Types of Rope
The world of rope is more complicated than you might think. There are many types of materials used to manufacture rope and each type delivers different properties and strengths. The important thing is to understand which rope is right for the job. So here’s a quick guide to some of the different types of rope out there:
Polypropylene split film – a strong, light rope with resistance to weather, rot, abrasion and chemicals. Split film is a great choice for lashing, pulling, securing and general tying. It is widely used in industrial, engineering, construction, agricultural, marine (it floats), commercial and DIY settings. Our commercial grade split film rope is not recommended for lifting. More on polypropylene here.
Polypropylene yarn construction – similar properties to split film but is more a conventional looking rope. Constructed to ISO 1346:2012 standard, this is the rope you need when you want a general purpose rope that you can rely on. Suitable for lifting applications.
Polypropylene staple spun – a top grade general purpose rope with a ‘hairy’ finish. This provides better grip and resistance to fusion. Just like the yarn construction rope, our staple spun is manufactured to the ISO 1346:2012 standard to give total piece of mind.
Polyethylene (PE) – manufactured to ISO 1969:2004 standards, it is resistant to abrasion and in common use in the agriculture, transport and fishing sectors. More on polyethylene here.
Nylon – has excellent working qualities, providing durability and strength, good abrasion resistance, high elongation and excellent shock absorbency when lifting, towing or securing. Manufactured to ISO 1140:2012 standards, it is widely used for anchoring, mooring, towing lines, climbing, safety and fishing. More on nylon here.
Manila – an average strength natural rope with low elongation, low abrasion resistance. Its natural properties and colour make it popular for use in garden decoration, as barrier rope, sports, theatre productions and as a general purpose rope with many industrial applications. Manila rope is manufactured to ISO 1181:2004 standards. More on manila here.
Sisal – natural sisal makes a fantastic general purpose rope, used extensively in industrial, agricultural, garden, decorative and pet care applications. Manufactured to ISO 1181:2004, sisal is a lower strength rope, with low elongation and abrasion resistance. More on sisal here.
Kendon Rope and Twine’s expert team is here to help you with any rope enquiry. Always make sure the ropes you buy are covered by certificates of conformity and are right for the job.