Rope twist

dantiff2 · Dec 16, 2009

Another question.

I was playing (climbing) on a new 3 strand rigging line today while it's still safe and has not been "loaded" yet. The thing kept twisting on me when weight was applied! Is this ''normal" for 3 strand? I'm looking for a climbing rope and was wondering if that happens with 12 or 16 strand?

Tree Pig · Dec 16, 2009

Im guess the twist your referring to is hackling. Twist up and coils in to little knots under you? If so then yes most ropes can twist like that but due to its design I believe 3 strand is the worst youll see. I use mainly 16 strand and I do get it at times but its usually when my friction hitch gets a little too tight or if I really burn down the rope. I am not sure but I guess other things can lead to it like too small radius in the bend of your rope over a crotch or pulley but I am not sure on that.

If your gonna start climbing get a decent 16 strand at least. There is many up there from site sponsors that are awesome and affordable.

treemandan · Dec 16, 2009

yeah that rope does twist more than others. Its cause of the spiral design which you can plainly see.

dantiff2 · Dec 16, 2009

I'm checking out the 16 strand line up and the prices ain't bad at all. I wasn't expecting that kinda twisting to happen. I started up the line and as I was ascending it started to rotate, and kept on goin and goin until I came down. Almost like it was unraveling.

Dan

canopyboy · Dec 16, 2009

I haven't used 3 strand climbing line, but in general with 3 strand that's exactly what is happening. You're straightening out the spirals with your weight, and it tends to spin you if there's nothing else to stop the spins like a tagline or your foot touching. It won't unwind completely, just a bit to spin you as you're stretching it out.

12, 16, etc are all braided, with strands going in opposite spirals. So this shouldn't happen. It can still hockle up if your hitch, descender, or something else is inducing a twist into the rope (usually on descent), but i don't think that's what you're talking about.