Did you know, polysteel rope doesn’t actually contain steel?

That’s right, none – it’s a huge misnomer.

Here at RopesDirect, we stock three different types: 3-strand polysteel rope, synthetic sisal and leaded polysteel. And not one of them contains a single trace of steel. In reality, they’re just made from a blend of two polymers – polypropylene and polyethylene.

So the question is, why on earth are they given such a misleading name?

 

It’s all about their strength and resilience

As rope materials go, polypropylene and polyethylene are both pretty strong. And when they’re combined – to make polysteel – that strength is magnified. In fact, polysteel rope is approximately 25% stronger than its individual polypropylene and polyethylene parts.

It may not contain steel, but it’s certainly as tough as nails.

This strength translates into a particularly high minimum breaking strength.

Take, for example, the 18mm green polysteel rope currently for sale in our online store. Whilst this isn’t test certified, our manufacturer advises that it has a minimum breaking strength of approximately 5,559kg. The safe working load is calculated at around 20% of that value. Therefore, this relatively thin rope can handle about a tonne of force. Impressive, right?

 

 

Polysteel remains just as strong when it’s wet. And in addition to its sheer strength, it boasts a wide range of superior qualities and properties. For example, it demonstrates:

• excellent UV protection
• remarkable abrasion resistance
• resistance to rot and mildew, even if stored wet
• the ability to float in water (thanks to its low-density construction)
• fantastic durability

Polysteel may not actually be made from steel – but with credentials like these, it certainly lives up to its name. Starting from just 30p per metre, it offers exceptional value for money. And is a serious contender for any marine, agricultural or industrial application, where a superior product is demanded.

 

Polysteel rope for sale at RopesDirect

 

Currently, we offer three main types of polysteel rope:

 

1. 3-strand polysteel rope

Manufactured for us in Europe – to EN ISO 14687 – this comes in green or white with a red tracer yarn. Various diameters are available, ranging from 8mm – 32mm, and these can be bought by the coil, by the reel or by the metre depending on your quantity requirements.

Our 3-strand polysteel ropes are a tough, durable and economical option. Designed to withstand all sorts of harsh treatment, they’re a popular choice for use both on land and at sea. And are commonly used by dairy farmers, to operate scrapers that keep the cattle sheds clean.

Not pretty, but pretty much the best rope for the job.

 

2. Synthetic sisal

Essentially, this is a polysteel rope that resembles sisal.

It’s smooth to the touch, light brown in colour and made to look like a natural sisal rope – albeit a lot less hairy! Yet despite its appearance, it still benefits from all the useful properties associated with polysteel, including incredible strength, durability and resistance.

Crafted in Europe by an ISO 9002 certified manufacturer, you can be sure of its superior quality. It’s sold in 220m coils and by the metre and comes in 10mm – 32mm diameters.

Synthetic sisal is another great choice for heavy-duty outdoor applications – particularly marine-based. In fact, one of our latest customers used it on the North Sea, to safely moor a crew transfer vessel on the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm!

 

3. Leaded polysteel

Our third polysteel product is leaded polysteel.

This is a 3-strand firm-lay rope, with lead filaments woven into the middle of one or two of the strands. These filaments may be hidden from view, but they have a big impact. By slightly weighting the rope, they cause it to submerge in water – rather than floating on the surface as it would otherwise.

It’s why this particular type is widely used for commercial fishing and crab/pot ropes.

Again, our leaded polysteel ropes are manufactured in Europe at an ISO 9002 certified factory. They’re sold in discount coils measuring 220m, on smaller cardboard reels and cut to length by the metre. And you can choose from a selection of thicknesses, ranging from 10mm – 16mm.

 

 

Want to learn more about polysteel rope?

Good news – we’ve just created a brand new YouTube video on the very topic. This features lots of extra facts about polysteel rope and should help you to decide if it’s the best product for your current needs. So be sure to subscribe to our channel and take a look.

Further information can also be found throughout our website.

We pride ourselves on our product knowledge. More details can be found on each of our polysteel category pages, and our ‘Help Choosing Rope’ section is great if you need help with your purchase.

However, if you’re still struggling or have a specific question – about the polysteel ropes for sale, synthetic sisal, leaded polysteel or anything else – you’re also welcome to get in touch. Simply send an email to info@ropesdirect.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.