Kernmantle Rope - Rope Care

Rope Care

Kernmantle rope should be inspected before and after every use for any form of damage. "Boogers," which indicate internal damage to the kern, will appear as tufts of white threads poking out from the mantle. Ropes that have been severely stressed will have tapered sections to the rope, where it is visibly or palpably thinner. Rope that has been abraded or cut on sharp edges should be examined closely by an experienced user who may choose to cut the rope at that point, rather than risk it parting at that area.

Rope may be cleaned by forming it into a chain sinnet, to prevent excessive tangling, and washing it in a front-loading clothes washing machine with soap flakes. Strong cleansers, including bleach and detergent should not be used with life-critical Nylon components. Commercial rope cleaning devices are available from the climbing and rescue companies CMI and PMI.