How to Seal the End of Ropes
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Rope unravels if the ends are left unsealed. New ropes typically have sealed ends, but they may come undone as you use the rope. Cutting the rope also leaves behind an unsealed rope end, which eventually leads to fraying and ruins the rope. Whipping seals the rope securely.
When done properly, the whipped ends remain compact and the rope doesn't come unwound. Inspect your ropes before each use and redo any loose whipping so your ropes remain useful for a long time.
- Rope unravels if the ends are left unsealed.
- When done properly, the whipped ends remain compact and the rope doesn't come unwound.
Cut a 12-inch length from thin twine. Use heavy thread if twine isn't available.
Make a 1-inch loop in one end of the twine. Position the loop along the end inch on the rope, laying the loop parallel to the rope. Hold the loop in place with your thumb and grasp the remaining long end of the twine with your other hand.
Wrap the long end of the twine tightly around the rope end, covering the loop as you wrap. Avoid overlapping the twine as you wrap. Wrap until only the top of the loop is still visible near the end of the rope.
- Make a 1-inch loop in one end of the twine.
- Wrap the long end of the twine tightly around the rope end, covering the loop as you wrap.
Insert the end of the twine through the remaining loop. One end of twine is at the end of the rope and the other end of the twine is located where you began wrapping.
Grab each end of the twine and pull them in opposite directions. The loop pulls beneath the twine wrapping as you pull.
Trim off the ends of the twine flush with the wrapping. Wrap the other end of the rope using the same method.
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References
- "The Wolf Handbook"; Boy Scouts of America; 2003
- Scouting: Whipping
Tips
- Nylon ropes melt when exposed to flames. Seal the ends of these ropes by whipping or by heating them with a lighter to melt and seal the rope ends.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.