Modern rope consists of a rope core and a jacket, which can protect the rope from wear. The length of rope is generally calculated in meters, and the current 55 and 60 meters rope has replaced the previous 50 meters. Although the long rope is heavier, it can climb the longer rock wall. Manufacturers usually make lengths of 50, 55, 60 and 70 meters. Diameter Diameter is generally indicated in millimeters. Fifteen years ago, the diameter of 11 mm was popular. Now the era of 10.5 mm and 10 mm. Even some single ropes are 9.6 and 9.6 mm in diameter. The rope with large diameter has good safety factor and durability. Strings are generally used for mountain climbing maintenance. The weight is generally calculated by gram/meter. Component is a better index than diameter. Don’t choose a rope with a small diameter in pursuit of lightness.
The World Association of Mountain Climbing (UIAA) is the authoritative organization for developing rope test specifications. The standard for testing rope strength by falling UIAA is called falling test. The experimental single rope uses a weight of 80 kg. In the experiment, one end of the rope was fixed to make the 9.2-foot rope drop by 16.4 feet. This will result in a drop index of 1.8 (the straight height of the drop divided by the length of the rope). Theoretically, the most severe decline index is 2. The higher the falling index, the more limited the rope can absorb impact energy. In the test, the weight of 80 kilograms had to fall over and over again until the rope broke. The environment of UIAA falling experiment is more severe than that of real climbing. If the number of drops in the test is 7, it doesn’t mean that you have to throw it away after 7 drops in practice.
But if the falling rope is too long, you have to consider throwing it away. Impulse should also be considered in the falling experiment. UIAA’s highest specification for the first fall is 985 kg. Static stretch to hang a 65 kg (176 lb) weight at one end of the rope to see how long the rope is. The power rope will certainly stretch a little when it is loaded with components. The UIAA specification is within 8%. But it’s different in the fall. The rope will stretch 20-30% in UIAA experiment. When the rope jacket slides and the rope encounters conflict force. The jacket will slide along the rope core. During the UIAA test, a 45-kilogram weight is suspended with a 2,2-meter rope and pulled five times on the edge, and the jacket should not slide more than 4 cm.
The best way to maintain the rope is to use the rope bag. It can keep the rope from chemical odor or dirt. Don’t be exposed to the sun for a long time, don’t trample on it, and don’t let stones or small things get stuck in the rope. Fireproof ropes keep the ropes in a dry and cold place. If the rope is dirty, it must be washed with non-chemicals in a large-capacity washing machine. The washing machine with the lid on will entangle your rope. If your rope is severely dropped once, it may be severely worn, or your hands can touch the flat rope core, then please change the rope. If you climb 3-4 times a week, please change the rope every 4 months. If you accidentally use it, please change it every 4 years, because nylon will age.
Post time: Aug-21-2023