General Information on Fibre Ropes

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Information on Fibre Ropes Fibre Ropes. For most theatre operations, rope is used in some form. The rope may be of natural fibre, man-made fibre or wire rope. Natural fibre ropes have traditionally been used in ‘Hemp House’ theatres, i.e. to fly scenery above a stage where there is no counterweight system and all lifting is done by direct manual effort. It should be noted that the word ‘hemp’ is often misused. Although in the past ropes made from hemp were normally used, it is more common nowadays to use either flax hemp or manila. Sisal is an inferior rope and rarely used. British Standards cover the manufacture and use of manila ropes. Use of man-made fibre ropes, such as polyester, is widespread in many applications where previously natural fibre ropes would have been used. Polyester is resistant to oil, chemicals and changes in ambient temperature and humidity and is smoother to the touch than manila.The most common application using two types of rope is in counterweight flying systems where the load is suspended by wire rope attached to a counterweight cradle which is restrained to move vertically on the stage side wall. The movement of a balanced counterweight set is by manual hauling of a fibre rope attached to the counterweight top and bottom. Wire ropes are normally used for all power-operated systems such as scenery and lighting hoists. Beware of using ropes made from different materials or of differing sizes of the same material in the same lifting assembly, as the stretch of the rope varies with the material from which it is made. This may result in an unsafe situation, depending on the safe working load of the weakest material. Natural fibre ropes should comply with BS 2052, grade 1 special quality manila or equivalent. Synthetic Ropes should comply with BS4928 [polyester]. The use of polyamide [Nylon] and polypropylene ropes for flying is not recommended as they are susceptable to changes in humidity and temperature. Load-bearing ropes used for ‘hemp’ or counterweight flying should be not less than 16mm diameter, be of 3-strand construction and be free from serious defects arising from previous use or other cause. Smaller sizes of rope may be used for other purposes e.g. trick lines.Ropes should be stored protected from damp, heat, and the effects of sunlight [either directly or through glass]. The hanging of ropes on wooden or cast cleats permits adequate ventilation. Where ropes are terminated in a loop or thimble, the splicing shall conform to good commercial practice i.e. not less than 3 full tucks for natural rope and 4 full tucks for synthetic ropes, which shall be against the lay of the rope, each with all the yarns in the strand. All ropes should be in one continuous length and free from joints. Any free end of rope should be whipped to prevent unlaying. All ropes, and any associated equipment should have an identification and the safe working load marked thereon and be subject to inspection and registration in accordance with safe practice and the appropriate regulations, if any. [see our rope label system on this site] All ropes should have a factor of safety of not less than 8, based on the maximum rope tension when related to the minimum breaking load of the rope. This information is based on the ABTT Code of Practice for Flying. Copies of the complete code are available for purchase from Flint Hire & Supply.

Problems with Rope Sizes Problems with rope sizes? Care should be excercised when choosing a rope to fit existing pulleys. Rope diameters will reduce when a load is applied. Short lengths of three strand rope will expand when cut off a coil as the tension is released. Natural fibre ropes will sometimes vary in dimensions slightly from batch to batch. If you think the rope that you need is going to be a close fit please seek advice or ask for a sample before placing an order. If Flints are making up sets of spliced lines we will cut them from the same coil or batch of coils.

Why buy from Flints Why buy your ropes from Flints? You will be joining thousands of clients who source their rope from us. Flints sell thousands of metres of rope every week! We have the clout to specify that the rope is made to suit the exacting needs of our industry and we are able to negotiate on price to pass on real value. Typically our rope is 30 - 50% cheaper than buying from marine suppliers and the quality is absolutely the best. Our main manufacturers are DIN EN9001: 2000 certified and approved with over 100 years of experience. They are able to produce ropes to tolerances of 0.1mm or better, with heat treatment within +/-1°C. You can be assured of the best quality with real value.

Coiling and Uncoiling Rope

Online Catalogue | Lifting Gear, Ropes, Pulleys, Shackles & Nicopress | Fibre Ropes and Monofilament Line |  General Information on Fibre Ropes