Rope diameters

[OceanSprint]

I need to replace my haliyards and sheets. After many internet disasters I am really nervous of ordering stuff as I have frequently got the sizes wrong. And I have no chandlers near where I live.

I know this is a lame question. But is there an easy fool proof way of measuring rope diameter ? It squishes up so hard to be absolutely sure of a measurement.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Rope is sold by outside diameter. You can measure this with calipers gently pressed against the rope.

 

[johnalison]

If you had subscribed to YM back in the '70s or so you would have received for free a little plastic gadget/gauge which would have allowed you to make the measurement. Most lines have at least some part which is uncompressed and usable for measuring.

 

[lw395]

I need to replace my haliyards and sheets. After many internet disasters I am really nervous of ordering stuff as I have frequently got the sizes wrong. And I have no chandlers near where I live.

I know this is a lame question. But is there an easy fool proof way of measuring rope diameter ? It squishes up so hard to be absolutely sure of a measurement.

I know what you mean, a lot of modern rope is prone to flattening when you measure it.
Sometimes it's easier to measure the circumference and divide by 3 and a bit.

 

[penberth3]

A tip for the future. I have kept short lengths of common sizes, (50-100mm) fixed to a small piece of board and labelled. Easy to put this alongside what you need to identify.

 

[Daydream believer]

Drill a neat hole in a piece of plywood or plastic ( soffit board) & see if it fits when under small amount of tension as some ropes expand if not pulled up tight :encouragement:

 

[Dave100456]

Have a look at Jimmy Green’s information sheet

https://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/p/tech...hnical-articles-/rope-measurement-information

 

[Carmel2]

Buy some vernier calipers, it wont be the last time you use them.

 

[pvb]

Buy some vernier calipers, it wont be the last time you use them.

I've had some plastic dial calipers for many years; they get used all the time. Something like this - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/8412537/

 

[knuterikt]

Compare your measurements with your clutches and sheaves to make sure they fit.

 

[Cactus Sailing]

I need to replace my haliyards and sheets. After many internet disasters I am really nervous of ordering stuff as I have frequently got the sizes wrong. And I have no chandlers near where I live.

I know this is a lame question. But is there an easy fool proof way of measuring rope diameter ? It squishes up so hard to be absolutely sure of a measurement.

drill set and a block of wood?

does the rope fit?

a bit like this... but for rope!

 

[Carmel2]

I've had some plastic dial calipers for many years; they get used all the time. Something like this - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/8412537/

I still have mine from my days as an apprentice... Technicality I think they might still be on loan

 

[ghostlymoron]

I have some very useful calipers from Seals Direct they kindly sent them to help me check a seal.

 

[colind3782]

Cheap, but adequate, digital calipers are less than a tenner these days.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I don't think you need high accuracy, digital calipers to measure rope ffs.

 

[penberth3]

I don't think you need high accuracy, digital calipers to measure rope ffs.

Absolutely. Chinese digital calipers a tenner. 150mm school ruler 50p.

 

[colind3782]

I don't think you need high accuracy, digital calipers to measure rope ffs.

Of course, but, as alluded to above, there are lots of other uses for them on a boat.

 

[Mister E]

I lay an unstretched part of the rope on a steel ruler at the 10mm mark (or above to get the simple markings) then looking from above line up one side as best I can. Then just read off the scale and deduct 10.
Not fool proof but near enough.

 

[MM5AHO]

you need some of this..

 

[Daydream believer]

View attachment 68781
you need some of this..

I wonder if they know that a bit of 12mm dynema would be just as strong:encouragement: