Stiff new nylon rope

[catalac08]

Bought some 16mm laid nylon rope a couple of months ago. Used some to make fore/aft twin strops for mooring and it was a pleasure to splice as it was so soft. The rest of the rope about 40m I planned to splice onto some chain to make up a long anchoring rode. When I came to do this last week I was really surprised how stiff the rope had become. I am used to old nylon becoming stiff after years use but this was unexpected. Not salt crystal or use as it had been kept in a dry locker.
As it is so stiff I do not think i can splice it - any ideas how to reduce the stiffness and why it went stiff so quickly? I have tried washing it in warm water without any improvement.

 

[Csail]

No idea but if you want to sell it i need some before Thursday and it sounds just right.

 

[catalac08]

thats what I like about the forum - always a different way of looking at things!

 

[Highland Bear]

- any ideas how to reduce the stiffness and why it went stiff so quickly? I have tried washing it in warm water without any improvement.

NURSE!!!!

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I am going to hazard a guess. The nylon will be bone dry when its delivered. In this state its slippy and so rope feels soft and is pliable. This feature of Nylon is why it is good for bearings in certain applications.

The warp is now down at the boat and has had time to get wet enough either directly via the sea, rain or damp atmosphere. As a result the fine fibres have now absorbed or are coated with dampness and have lost their slippy properties. Which is why Nylon bearings on boats can tighten up if not installed properly. I believe that Nylon swells slightly in water.