|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 8:41:25 GMT 10
Post by Mike Harding on Sept 20, 2023 8:41:25 GMT 10
After one hell of a windy night I've decided I need some better guy ropes for the caravan awning.
Can anyone recommend a rope for this application, preferably available from Bunnings or the like?
|
|
santa
Full Member
Posts: 136
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 8:54:17 GMT 10
Post by santa on Sept 20, 2023 8:54:17 GMT 10
I've found silver rope to be pretty versatile Mike, available in different diameters.
Bunnings have this listed, should do the job.
|
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 9:29:28 GMT 10
Post by arewelost on Sept 20, 2023 9:29:28 GMT 10
Stretch is important so that when when the awning jerks from a wind gust or flapping, there is a little give. That means less strain at each end. Silver rope is a good choice. Nylon would be better because of greater stretch but is dearer. Nylon is softer and feels nicer to work with. It is more pliable initially but after long term use loses its edge over Silver in pliabilty. Cheaper ropes are usually less pliable.
So for a quick and easy fix, Silver rope from Bunnings. If you want better, get nylon from a rope supplier ... Whitworths or online at Sydney Rope Supplies or Rope Galore. I have bought from all. 8mm Silver has a working load of up to 150kg (breaking strength around 600kg).
|
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 14:04:41 GMT 10
Post by Mike Harding on Sept 20, 2023 14:04:41 GMT 10
I have a spring at the ground end of the rope to absorb those sudden jerks (if only life were so simple  ), that's part of the problem too. As the spring wire is only about 3mm diameter pressure on the rope is concentrated into a very small area. I need to think up some sort of metal sleeve to disperse the load. Anyway, silver rope sounds good to me, thanks guys. ---- Edit: PS. Is it possible to seal the ends of silver rope in a flame? |
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 14:35:57 GMT 10
Post by Mike Harding on Sept 20, 2023 14:35:57 GMT 10
Ah ha! A rope thimble appears to be the go: Bunnings
Also I note a "High Strength" rope is available: Bunnings
Any point in going for that or just stick to silver? |
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 15:05:52 GMT 10
Post by arewelost on Sept 20, 2023 15:05:52 GMT 10
I would stick with the Silver. If you can unwrap part of the high strength rope I think you will find it stiff and not so easy to work with. That suppleness is another advantage of nylon over silver. Sealing Silver rope is easy. Just hold it over a flame until is softens. If using a candle, hold it next to the flame to avoid the soot. Avoid burning it. That won't hurt it but you are left with a black end. For 8mm, once it starts to melt I would mould it with wet fingers. The right way to do it is with a hot knife to leave a clean end but not necessary. You can also get coloured coating that looks very good. Just dip the end in the can and the thick paint-like stuff holds it together nicely. Whitworths. The thimble gives a professional look at the expense of extra weight. If something comes loose in a storm, that can make a nice mess of your clean smile or worse as it flicks around. Whether using a thimble or not (I would not), you can easily do a neat job of splicing. There are many Youtube videos on how to splice 3 strand rope. A satisfying job because you learn something new and get a great result.
Another professional looking job for the ends is to wrap them with fine twine. Like putting your own runners on a fishing rod.
|
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 16:18:32 GMT 10
Post by Mike Harding on Sept 20, 2023 16:18:32 GMT 10
I'm sensing there is a lot of knowledge here I don't possess.
Why not use a thimble?
I understand splicing as the joining of two ropes - I use quick release knots to attach my ropes to awning roller and spring attached to stake.
Is there a better way of doing this?
|
|
santa
Full Member
Posts: 136
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 16:57:39 GMT 10
Post by santa on Sept 20, 2023 16:57:39 GMT 10
Burning the ends is neat and quick Mike, back splicing is a good way to terminate a rope but adds a bit of bulk, a fid is a handy splicing tool, allows you to easily separate the rope strands: see pic below, you could probably use a philips head screw driver or similar instead, a fid makes the job easier.
8mm Silver rope will be plenty strong enough for your needs.
|
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 20, 2023 23:51:54 GMT 10
Post by arewelost on Sept 20, 2023 23:51:54 GMT 10
The downside of using a thimble is if something breaks or comes undone in a blow, the end may be flapping around and hit you in the face as you try to secure it. A knot on a rope is bad enough, but a piece of metal can really do damage. Imagine flicking that just lightly to your mouth.
|
|
|
|
Rope?
Sept 21, 2023 4:04:22 GMT 10
Post by Mike Harding on Sept 21, 2023 4:04:22 GMT 10
Thanks guys.
Easy to forget that rope making and use is a skill going back thousands of years.
I like the practice of splicing the rope end and shall investigate further.
|
|
santa
Full Member
Posts: 136
|
Rope?
Sept 21, 2023 8:56:20 GMT 10
Post by santa on Sept 21, 2023 8:56:20 GMT 10
Thanks guys. Easy to forget that rope making and use is a skill going back thousands of years. I like the practice of splicing the rope end and shall investigate further. It's quite a satisfying skill Mike, not difficult once you get the hang of it.
Good company to deal with. |
|
), that's part of the problem too. As the spring wire is only about 3mm diameter pressure on the rope is concentrated into a very small area. I need to think up some sort of metal sleeve to disperse the load.