Help Choosing Rope
If you know what you need then browse our main menu of products.
But if you want a bit of help:
- Rope Finder - Choose The Right Rope
- Things to Think About
- Be Inspired - Our Resource Library
- Key Properties of Ropes - Heat, Light and Water
Rope Finder - select a picture and we'll help you choose the rope you need
Home / Interiors
Garden and outdoors
Crafts and Hobbies
Marine and Yachting
Sports and Leisure
Events / Marquees
Pets and livestock
Fish, Farms, Forestry
Natural Products
Construction, Groundworks
Utilities and Industry
TV, Film, Theatre
Things to think about
Different ropes have different properties – depending on their construction and the materials from which they’re made – and some are better suited to certain applications than others.
Before you buy rope, it’s a good idea to read the product description carefully and consider how it will meet your needs:
Where the rope will be used (i.e. indoors or outdoors)
What day-to-day conditions it will be exposed to (i.e. UV rays, water, abrasion)
How strong the rope needs to be
How you would like it to look (i.e. colour, texture)
Your budget
Be Inspired
There’s brilliant real-life knowledge and advice in our section called “Be Inspired”, with articles to help you select an appropriate rope.
You’re also welcome to contact us. Our team have fantastic knowledge of all the products for sale and we’ll gladly advise on the best rope size and style for your requirements.
Key Properties of Ropes
Rope type
Properties
Sisal, Hemp, Manila, Flax
Melting point: Smoulders or burns
In Water: Sinks, absorbs water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Fades in sunlight, susceptible to abrasion
Other: Natural product (plant fibres)
Cotton
Melting point: Smoulders or burns
In Water: Sinks, absorbs water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Fades in sunlight, susceptible to abrasion
Other: Natural product, soft to handle.
Polypropylene
Melting point: 165°C
In Water: Floats, does not absorb water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Good UV resistance, Moderate abrasion resistance
Other: Lightweight, economical all-rounder
Polyester
Melting point: 260°C
In Water: Sinks, absorbs water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Excellent UV and abrasion resistance
Nylon
Melting point: 215°C
In Water: Sinks, absorbs water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Very good UV and abrasion resistance
Other: Absorbs shock well
Polyethylene
Melting point: 140°C
In Water: Floats, does not absorb water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Good UV and abrasion resistance
Other: Resistant to many chemicals, low-stretch
Polysteel - blend of polypropylene and polyethylene
Melting point: 165°C
In Water: Floats, does not absorb water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Good UV and abrasion resistance
Other: Stronger than polypropylene
Staplespun (spun polypropylene fibres)
Melting point: 170°C
In Water: Floats, does not absorb water
UV resistance/ abrasion: Good UV and abrasion resistance
Other: Soft/hairy finish, excellent grip