NelcoBlog

Rope Care: A Guide to Using Heat Shrink Tubing & Other Protective Materials

ropes-and-boats

Are you at the end of your rope when it comes to protecting you gear? No matter whether you’re mountain climbing, securing a boat, working around your home, rigging a tree, or hauling heavy stuff, you need to trust that your rope is strong, durable and secure. After all, high-quality ropes are an investment, and protecting that investment means protecting both you and your wallet.

Some of the most versatile and effective boat protection solutions actually come from a variety of wiring and cable protection accessories. Heat shrink tubing for rope is the most popular choice, but reinforced PVC tubing and expandable sleeving are also great options to protect ropes and rope ends.

Rope Protection Solutions

Heat Shrink Tubing for Rope

Heat Shrink Tubing
Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is a popular solution for rope protection because it helps prevent friction and fraying caused by coming into contact with concrete, metal trim or other rough surfaces. You do need a heat gun to apply heat shrink tubing for rope, but outside of that it is very easy to install.

To install, place the heat shrink tubing where you want it on the rope and apply the heat from the heat gun. The tubing will shrink around your rope, providing strong protection from abrasions. Heat shrink rope protection is best for when you have a set length you use and will need consistent, long-term protection.

Heat shrink for ropes also provides excellent grip, making it a great option for climbing ropes, gym battle ropes or tree rigging ropes. Regular heat shrink is very grippable, but grip shrink has a highly textured surface that makes it ideal for both protection and grip assistance.

Reinforced PVC Tubing

Reinforced PVC Clear Tubing
Reinforced PVC Clear Tubing

Clearflo Clear PVC tubing offers abrasion resistance for ropes paired with high levels of flexibility. When using PVC tubing to cover your ropes, any concrete, wood, or metal trim will not rub against your ropes and cause degradation to the tensile strength and structural integrity of the ropes. The added benefit of using PVC tubing is that you can move the tubing along the rope to ensure the correct placement.

 

 

 

Expandable Sleeving

Expandable Sleeving
Expandable Sleeving

Expandable sleeving, like the Clearflo Clear PVC tubing, offers abrasion resistance and rope protection. Expandable sleeving offers several features that make it an excellent option for rope protection in all applications.

  • The braided nylon monofilament of the sleeving helps protect your ropes against moisture exposure and mildew because the braiding does not trap in fluids.
  • Like the PVC tubing, you can place and reposition the expandable sleeving several times, so you’re always protecting your ropes where they’ll see the most friction.

Protecting all of your ropes from the friction and wear and tear it receives is very important. Not only does it help you save money from having to replace your ropes on a frequent basis, it also helps protect you from any risk and ensures that all your ties are secure. To learn more about heat shrink rope protection or any other rope protection options, contact one of our representatives today.