Photo Credit: By JayMantri on Pixabay, CC0 License

A rope is a very useful tool, which can be found in every house, factory or industry. The rope has an unlimited number of uses, ranging from household to industrial. The rope can be defined as length of fibers, twisted or braided together to improve strength, to pull and connect. There are various materials that make up a rope. These materials include manila, hemp, hair, nylon, and steel. The most important feature of any rope is its compressive strength and flexibility.

Ropes can be divided in two types according to its uses. Ropes that are used for general domestic purposes – such as to pull domestic animals, dry wet clothes, and fetch water or any other purpose – these ropes are classified as simple ropes. The second category is the industrial rope. These ropes are used for production and manufacturing. The ropes can also be divided into many categories according to the fiber used in these ropes. Ropes are used right from the prehistoric times to the modern age. Yet, the utility of the ropes have never decreased.

Simple Rope

Simple ropes designed for domestic purposes. These ropes are not very strong. The common materials used in simple rope include natural fibers such as Manila hemp, hemp, linen, cotton, coir, jute, and sisal. All these fibers are obtained from plants. Some synthetic fibers are also used for simple rope making. These synthetic fibers include nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene, such as spectra. A high modulus polyethylene fiber, such as Kevlar and polyester or polyethylene terephthalate, is also used in the simple rope. Some simple ropes are made up of other fibrous materials such as silk, wool, and hair, but such ropes are not generally used. Simple ropes are also used is the adventure sports, such as rock climbing and bungee jumping.

Industrial Rope

These ropes are much stronger than simple ropes. They are made for heavy-duty use in more demanding industries. These ropes are generally made out of metal and steel fibers. Industrial ropes are mainly used in pulleys to create a mechanical advantage and to share the load of the object. Industrial ropes are often used for building purposes.