Cutting/Sealing rope

[Talbot]

About six months ago there was a thread about a tool for cutting rope and sealing the end. Just to let you know that there is one of these tools

on special offer at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.maplin.co.uk/>http://www.maplin.co.uk/</A> for the princely sum £14.99 (Gas Torch Combination Kit)

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[Guest]

I actually have one of these tools. I would never use one for cutting and sealing rope. Hope that sais enough.

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[philip_stevens]

Why not?

Portosol also make a gas soldering iron, with a hot knife attachment. I have one, and use it whenever necessary to cut and seal rope.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[sailorman]

real seamen prefer "whipping" perhaps pauline might suggest her favorites

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[ccscott49]

i used one aswell, but the heater part just bent when trying to cut rope, a little too tender for my hands. I use an eletric soldering iron.

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[Althorne]

Hi Talbot
Clarkes also make one which I have and it's well made with a cutter. Sailorman is right though you should 'whip' any ends, oohhh. I usually cut and burn mine and then 'whip' to make a neat job and make using hassle free 'cause they don't always stay glued together when handled roughly.


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[charles_reed]

As a temporary measure on polyester or polypropylene rope heat sealing is adequate.

I usually use one of the stove burners to seal the end after whipping.

The equipment is quite useless for Kevlar, fortunately not many use that now

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[beneteau_305_553]

I use super glue.
Put a few drops onto the rope, twist it tight, wait a couple of seconds till its cured then cut through the rope. It leaves two clean ends and the fibres bond together tightly so that its then easy to thread through blocks etc.


<hr width=100% size=1>Richard

 

[beneteau_305_553]

I use super glue.
Put a few drops onto the rope, twist it tight, wait a couple of seconds till its cured then cut through the rope. It leaves two clean ends and the fibres bond together tightly so that its then easy to thread through blocks etc.


<hr width=100% size=1>Richard

 

[bedouin]

I've got one of those and I find that it does the job well. Excellent for cutting polyester webbing, and good for cutting rope - certainly cleaner than using a knife. The secret for cutting rope is to make sure it is hot and then use a gentle sawing action.

However on thicker rope I would not rely on it to seal the ends - it cuts cleanly but IMHO does not melt enough of the rope to form a lasting seal. I would still use the lighter/stove burner method plus some form of whipping.



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[Guest]

Does it last ..... ?

As Super Glue breaks down under wet / moist conditions ....

It's a strange one as S/Glue uses moisture to cure ..... if you can't get a joint to set you can a) hold a cigarette lighted end near and blow gently over it to the joint .... or b) dab of water on your finger and wipe it across the joint ...... ZIP ! done.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I came - cos they said was FREE Guinness !
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[Guest]

Anyone got an old electric fire ?

For cutting plastics .... such as expanded foam, ropes etc. etc.

Take a 'bar' out of an old electric fire and opull the nichorme wire out of the glass tube. Twist a strong ring in each end. Fix one end to the wall and place a stick in the other. Now lean back and stretch out the slinky loops !

Now all you need is a cheap train speed controller or rheostat suited to 12V.

Fashion up a holding stick with a forked end. Place tightly across said end the wire and lead the wire down the stick to other end keeping ends opposite and separate. Bury the wire along the stick with further stick to stop heat getting to your hands etc. Make up suitable conection to two pole connector ready to power via the speed controler from your trusty 12V battery.
The speed controller should be set at very low and increase until you get a good temp to work. Mark for that work on the contrller face.

Cheap, works and lasts for years.

I started using these designs to cut foam model airplane wings ..... commercial cutting bows were over 50 quid .... DIY version as above but obviously longer wire cutting length and normally over a single fishing rod blank ..... about a tenner at most.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I came - cos they said was FREE Guinness !
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[ditchcrawler]

With the modern ropes I use self amalgamating tape tightly applied & cut through at this point.I then use a lighter etc to seal the edge.On a good day I remove the tape & whip the ends.I did not have much success with the gas blow torch cutter.

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[waterboy]

I tried all sorts of ideas to varying degrees of success. I eventually decided to hang the expense and forked out £100 for the proper tool, one of those green handled thingys with a short heated blade. I have seen several in the rope section of various chandlers. I bought mine in Alladin's Cave, Port Hamble. It works a treat and is very quick. Expensive yes, but worth it.

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[beneteau_305_553]

Re: Does it last ..... ?

The sealed ends havent broken down yet.

I use super glue because it leaves a very tidy end to the rope with no blackening of the rope and no burnt fingers.

<hr width=100% size=1>Richard

 

[Plan_B]

Re: Well Remembered Talbot

It was me that posted the thread - Ropey-ends I think it was called. One of the posters mentioned that Santa might bring me a 'hot knife' - and bless my soul, he did. Its a Draper and looks like in your picture. I tried it a couple of times at home - well you have to don't you - 1st mate watching, and it seemed to be very good. I note comments by other forumites on the thread but reserve judgment until I've done a good 'road test' with it myself.

Regards,

Dave D

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