Anyone know about big ropes? Like what is used to tie ships to piers?

BlueSideUp · 05-27-2008, 05:43 PM

OK I wasn't sure how to word the title. We have this big climbing rope in our fitness facility and it is shedding threads all over the place. Is there something I can treat the rope with to keep it from shedding but still make it climbable?

Hugh R · 05-27-2008, 06:03 PM

Its hemp or cotton, usually they use linseed oil, but that makes it a little tough to climb.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Its hemp or cotton, usually they use linseed oil, but that makes it a little tough to climb.

But fun to watchem try

BlueSideUp · 05-27-2008, 06:08 PM

Hugh,

How can I tell if it's hemp or cotton?

I definitely don't want to turn it into an amusement ride, the people training climb this thing up 20 something feet!

Jims5543 · 05-27-2008, 06:14 PM

Maybe some Penis Cream?

C'mon!! Someone had to say it!!

VincentVega · 05-27-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

How can I tell if it's hemp or cotton?

Uh, roll up a piece, strike a match and see what happens.

BlueSideUp · 05-27-2008, 06:26 PM

Yeah I showed my wife the my recent thread offering a free fitness class to Pelicans.

She asked "Oh how many people replied?"

I said "0 but we got 100 views!".

Then I pointed out the penis cream thread with 26 replies and 903 views!

MRM · 05-27-2008, 06:29 PM

It looks like a good quality cotton rope. It is clearly a natural fiber. If it was synthetic it would melt under a flame, but this will just smoke or burn, if you try to burn a little thread. I think it's just worn out. The fibers are breaking down and coming off. I don't think there's much you can do about that.

Hugh R · 05-27-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueSideUp

Hugh,

How can I tell if it's hemp or cotton?

I definitely don't want to turn it into an amusement ride, the people training climb this thing up 20 something feet!

Sorry dude, just kidding on the lube, I think you need a new rope. I don't think it matters whether it's hemp or cotton. Seriously though, other than the visual aspects of it, it's probably structurally fine. Esthetically though, it looks kind of bad.

BlueSideUp · 05-27-2008, 06:55 PM

Yeah it just sheds fibers, I just finished climbing it so I know the rope works fine!

I tried climbing it without using my legs but only made it about 15 feet, I need more upper body strength for sure.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

It looks like manila rope or "dockline". Not much you can treat it with w/o compromising the integrity. It looks fine, a little more "action" and it might smooth it out. Are many people climbing it?

BlueSideUp · 05-27-2008, 07:13 PM

We just put it up a few days ago so no we haven't had many people climbing it. With some more "action" maybe it'll smooth out a bit.

I need to put a bell at the top still.

I also need to make a Vertical Jump Flag, I can't believe some places charge over $500 for something like this! I suppose if it has to be certified but really????

VINMAN · 05-27-2008, 08:09 PM

A "line" is used to tie a ship not a rope.

Sorry, just my nautical side at work.

The fibers should wear off after a couple of uses.

BlueSideUp · 05-27-2008, 08:17 PM

Ah yeah I knew someone would catch me on that. My grandfather was a navigator for Matson Lines in the 40s, he'd be all over me for calling it a rope.

If I ever wore anything other than boat shoes or no shoes on his boat I'd be called to the bridge for sure!

I'll make the trainers climb the rope until it smooths out.