Synthetic Rope Care

Synthetic rope care is different than wire rope care, In order to properly care for your synthetic rope, you must understand the appearance of synthetic rope as it ages.

When synthetic rope is new, it has a smooth finish (a.). When the rope is first used, the outer filaments of the rope will roughen and give the rope a slightly, “fuzzy” appearance (b.). This condition of the outer filaments creates a rougher rope surface and actually helps to protect the fibers underneath. Rope must be replaced when approximately 25% of the visible outer fibers exhibit abrasion (c.).





Examine both inner and outer fibers. Open the strands of the rope by compressing the rope length-wise (e.) and look for powdered fiber and abrasion- this is a sign of internal wear of the rope. Estimate internal fiber loss to include in your determination of overall abrasion fiber loss of the rope.






Glossy or glazed areas in the rope (d.) can be the result of two different conditions. The most common form of glossing or glazing is caused by compression, when the rope is wound on the winch drum or through a pulley block. Compressing the rope length-wise (e.) will generally make the rope more pliable and begin to resemble normal rope. If the glazed section remains hardened, this can be a sign of heat damage, and the rope must be replaced. It is your responsibility to exercise proper care to prolong the life of your synthetic winch rope.

Minimize synthetic rope abrasion. Use the movable abrasion sleeve whenever the rope comes in contact with rocks or other objects. Slide the sleeve up and down the rope as required. Abrasion will reduce rope life.

Keep the rope clean. Allowing dirt and debris to enter the rope will lead to abrasion of the rope.

Avoid sharp bends. A sharp bend in the rope decreases its strength substantially under load and may cause rope damage or failure.