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surabi
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Rope that holds up in sun
Can any of you boaty folks offer a suggestion as to what kind of rope will not break down when exposed to intense sunlight? I actually want it to
restring a couple of those rustic metal framed chairs that are usually done in plastic cord or plastic strapping. The plastic cracks in the sun and
breaks within a few months.
I tried some polypropylene rope, but it started to dry, got really scratchy (altho it was really silky feeling when new), and turned to dust within a
few months also.
I don't want to use cotton because it will get moldy in the humid area where I live on the mainland.
Would braided nylon rope work?
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bajabuddha
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Being a rope-user since the '70's, ask yourself what is the easiest and cheapest to replace on a regular basis without too much damage to the
environment when discarding. Also, constant rinsing and re-treating ends work wonders as well.
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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StuckSucks
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As reference, here is a rope guide. I see some of them age well and are UV resistant.
http://www.homedepot.com/c/buying_guide_rope_manila_nylon_po...
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TMW
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Nylon
I used a 1/2 inch nylon rope to hold down a cab-over shell onto a trailer for 16 years. Used it for storage. When I gave the shell away last year the
rope was a little stiff in places like the knots but still usable.
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Alm
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Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  | | Being a rope-user since the '70's, ask yourself what is the easiest and cheapest to replace on a regular basis without too much damage to the
environment when discarding. |
Things should last long and be replaced as infrequently as possible. Item that you're replacing won't just fade into sunset and disappear. A trip to
local village dumpster can be an eye-opener - it was, to me.
Back to the topic... Polypro is a common choice for outdoors ropes. Nylon is ubiquitous, cheap and stretchy. You might try Spectra, but my feeling
has been that if it lasts long and doesn't stretch much, than it becomes scratchy at some point. Can't say about mainland, but in Baja common
practice is keeping things away from damaging effects of sun. When it's too sunny for you to sit out there, it's too sunny for plastics and ropes
too.
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taoswheat
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Amateur radio folks use special tower guy cable (rope) that takes the sun very well. Here is a link to one variety. DX Engineering has several
varieties.
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/msg-mp03031?seid=dxese1&...
JohnW
W5JHW
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Bob and Susan
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best boat rope...
1" solid braid cotton
i'd forget all about the plastic/nylon stuff
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mtgoat666
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For low stretch, weather resistant, suggest braided polyester.
There are specialty rope vendors on web, call or email them for recommendation.
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Bob and Susan
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sailboat people use cotton too...that plastic stuff really stretches
those metal chairs could be flying around like a bungee cord with plastic : )
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Maderita
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Polyester (trade name: Dacron) is highly UV resistant. It is inexpensive and low-stretch. Good abrasion resistance. Holds knots and handles well. Also
holds color well. Often used on sailboat rigging where it is beat by the sun and elements and holds up for years.
For stringing chairs, it sounds like the best option by far.
While nylon is good for many applications, it's UV resistance is not as good, color will fade in UV. While nylon's high stretch applications are often
desirable (climbing ropes to absorb impact forces), I would think that you don't want your furniture weave to stretch and sag too much when weighted.
Polypro (polypropylene) doesn't hold knots well. You discovered it's poor UV resistance characteristics. It has a plastic-y feel to it and wears
poorly. But it is inexpensive.
[Edited on 4-21-2017 by Maderita]
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Maderita
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The recomendation by taoswheat is good, though you might find the 3mm diameter a little thin for your chairs. Just guessing that 5mm or 6mm (or 1/4")
may be more to your liking.
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willardguy
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kevlar braid?
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Alm
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Sailboat running rigging of cotton would be, er... odd. Just not the right material. Absorbs a lot of water and then it increases in diameter and
shrinks in length (and takes forever to dry). Not popular as a sails material either. For decorative purposes - yes, can be used.
Plastic stuff stretches is kind of a blanket statement. Depends on what plastic. Low-stretch Polyester like Spectra and Dyneema work very well.
Polypro is popular on a boat too, in applications other than sail rigging.
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Alm
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A variety of a low-stretch Polyester similar to Spectra. Though for what they advertise it, feel (i.e. too silky or too scratchy) doesn't matter, only
performance.
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Martyman
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I have to dispute your claim that plastic strapping doesn't last long. I have restrapped a few chairs and they last at least ten years up here in
NorCal. Get the good stuff on-line.
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Alm
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Yes, straps is what chairs normally have. Not a "rope". And, unless it's really low-end item, it is not a "plastic" but rather a material similar to
tie-down straps, so it won't crack. Polyester or Polypro straps will work. Big sports equipment shops will have it in bulk, or look online. Polyester
is better, Polypro is cheaper.
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surabi
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Thank you all for your suggestions.The guy cable looks the most promising, but the diameter I need ( at least 6 mm) is quite expensive. Guess I'll try
to find some braided polyester.
For those who suggested cotton-I already said that cotton won't work in my environment, which is humid. Cotton turns black with mold right away.
And Martyman- the intensity of the sun in PV area where I live is WAY stronger than NorCal :-)
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El Jefe
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Rope doesn't hold up the sun! Everyone knows it is carried across the heavens on the back of a giant turtle.
No b-tchin\' in the Baja.
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DavidT
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| Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe | | Rope doesn't hold up the sun! Everyone knows it is carried across the heavens on the back of a giant turtle. |
I need to read the Discworld series soon.
David
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
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DavidT
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Paracord might work however it is only 4mm in diameter.
Some of the 750 lb rated cord claims 4.75 mm though.
David
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
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