Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a synthetic rope material that works well for general use. It is lightweight and does not absorb water, which allows the rope to float and makes it particularly useful for marine applications and pools. It has medium stretch characteristics that will overtime allow the rope to slowly stretch and not return to its original length (creep). Ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitors have been added to prevent degradation. Relative to other synthetic ropes, polypropylene is poor at holding knots and has limited abrasion resistance.

Warning: Do not use for overhead lifting, support of human weight or athletic equipment, Do not exceed safe working load detailed on the package. Shock loads (stress, jerk) can reduce working loads by as much as 33%. Never stand in line with ropes under tension; rope (especially nylon) may recoil or snap back. Knots reduce rope strength by 40%. Replace the rope if there are signs of wear, such as broken fibers.

polypropylene

Rope Selection Guide

Polypropylene Nylon Polyester Cotton Manila/Sisal/Jute Clothesline
Strength
Shock Load Ability
Floats or Sinks in Water Floats Sinks Sinks Sinks Sinks Sinks
Melting Point 330°F 480°F 500°F Burns Burns 500°F
Abrasion Resistance
Resistance to Sunlight
Resistance to Rot and Mildew
Resistance to Oil and Gas
Flexing Endurance
Store Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Wet or Dry Dry Only Dry Only Wet or Dry
Stretch Resistance

Reference Chart

Trade Size Imperial Size
#3 3/32″
#4 1/8″
#4.5 9/64″
#5 5/32″
#6 3/16″
#7 7/32″
#8 1/4″
#10 5/16″
#12 3/8″

Rope Construction Guide

Double Diamond Braid Diamond Braid Twisted Smooth Braid Hollow Core
Spliceable No
Flexibility
Flattens Under Load No Yes No No Yes
Rotates Under Load No No Yes No No
Knot-Holding Ability

Comparisons

Solid Braid = Smooth Braid
Sash Cord = Cotton or Polypropylene Cord
Derby Rope = Solid/Smooth Braid Polypropylene
Double Braid is NOT the same as Diamond Braid
Seine Twine = Diamond Braid Twine
Mason’s Line = Twisted Twine
Maypole = Diamond Braid