How to Store Your Rope Supplies

You invest in rope expecting it to do the job when required. However, twisted or poorly stored ropes can become knotted, knicked, or frayed, affecting the strength of the rope supplies that you rely on. Discover our helpful guide to storing rope below, so the rope is always ready to go when needed.

Preparing Your Rope is Key

You wouldn’t store muddy shoes in your wardrobe and expect them to be fit for purpose the next time you need them. The rope you buy is no different.

Good maintenance upholds the appearance, strength and durability of your rope supplies. This is especially important if you have used your rope within industrial or fishing settings, where chemicals, oils and debris can coat your rope over time.

So what is the solution we hear you ask? Simply clean your ropes with soap, rinse with clear water and leave to thoroughly dry before storage.

Tame Your Rope

The next step is deciding on a way to manage this freshly cleaned rope. Longer pieces can easily sprawl or become tangled if not properly fixed. Both of these situations are clear health and safety hazards. Likewise, you may have a wider diameter rope that takes up a lot of room and seems impossible to keep tidy.

There are several methods of fixing rope temporarily that you can adopt before storing it away. These include rope coils such as the:

• Gasket Hitch Coil
• Flemish Flake Coil
• Butterfly Coil
• Figure Eight Coil

Note that the Flemish Flake technique is particularly useful when storing your large-diameter ropes. Just remember to avoid twisting your rope whenever possible to minimise the risk of tangled rope.

Where and How to Store Your Rope

After using a suitable technique for the coiling or ‘flaking’ of your rope it will be time to decide the best means of storage.

Whilst our 16mm Polypropylene Rope is UV-resistant, we would recommend storing all ropes in a dark space with little or no natural light. The sun will destabilise the strength of non UV-resistant rope, weakening its integrity. So why take the chance of mixing up different types of rope after all of your hard work preparing them for storage? Can’t think of a suitable light-free place? Storing your ropes in a bag is a good alternative.

It is also good practice to ensure your ropes are stored somewhere free from moisture. Tying a Figure Eight Loop to the end of your premade coil (excluding the Flemish Flake Coil) provides an attractive handle that’s also useful. Your rope can then be stored off the ground. Now is the time to finally use those surplus hooks in your garage, shed or store room.

Remember to Check Your Rope Before Use

Whilst properly cleaning and storing your rope supplies keeps your rope in a pristine condition, it is always worth checking before repeat use.

Your rope should be inspected for:

• Chemicals
• Cuts
• Knicks

Replace immediately – if in any doubt – to avoid using compromised equipment. These warning signs could result in injuries to people or damage to equipment if left unchecked.

Looking for Premium Rope Supplies?

Having been in business for over 25 years, we are experts in the production of high-quality ropes that meet everyday challenges. Ideal for fishing, industrial and leisure purposes, our range of polypropylene and soft multifilament ropes can be found in the rope section of this website. Get in touch with our Immingham office on +44 (0) 1469 575 804 for further details or assistance i  choosing the right rope.