Climbing rope properties
Issues to consider regarding understanding climbing rope include:
Flexibility – flexible ropes accept knots more easily.
Slipperiness – e.g. polyethylene ropes have a degree of slipperiness such that a knot will only hold if they are locked in place with a security hitch.
Diameter vs Strength – the wider the rope the stronger, but the less workable.
Safe Working Load (SWL) – there is no set definition on what constitutes an SWL for a rope, however a general rule of thumb would be an SWL that is 20 to 40% of the ropes stated breaking strain.
Memory – the ability of a rope to retain a coiled or knotted shape is its memory.
Ultraviolet degradation – an important consideration for the outdoors climber.
Stretch – Climbing activities requires a stretchy rope; but tie down applications require the opposite.
Effect of chemicals – for example, polypropylene ropes are very susceptible to chemicals.