Comments on: Quick Tip: Burning end of cord

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 22:03:36 +0000

In reply to Patricia Taplin. Using heat for the end of a rope is an ancient practice. I am sure any carefully controlled flame source will work fine.

By: Patricia Taplin

Patricia Taplin — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 08:35:21 +0000

What to use if you don’t have a lighter for this , a matchstick ?.

By: grannyhiker

grannyhiker — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:27:01 +0000

I use my electric stove burner set on medium. That way you can push the ends of the cord together by pressing on the burner and don’t have to burn your fingers.

Good idea to turn on the eshaust fan and crack a window, first!

Obviously, this only works with synthetic fibers which melt, not for natural fibers.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:20:12 +0000

In reply to Bill. Never heard of it... Looks intriguing, though! May have to look at it next time I am at the hardware store.

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 12:02:52 +0000

This is a bit off topic, but, have you ever heard of or used Mule Tape?
It is a polyester webbing that is used to pull cables in buried pipes. It comes in various tensile strengths and widths. You can find short lengths of Mule Tape on eBay at pretty low cost. It’s quite strong, the 3/4″ being rated for 2500 Lb. It often comes with footage markers, which might be of some use in the backcountry. I have some in 9/16″ and 3/4″ widths that I use for slings and various purposes. A 30 – 50 Ft. piece would make a good haul rope or ridge line. It’s easier on your hands than cord, but, being polyester, is still a bit slippery. I often carry a short piece of 8mm accessory cord for a haul rope, but I need to take another look at Mule Tape. It might be as strong and a bit softer and lighter and you can seal the ends with a flame.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:42:06 +0000

In reply to Jim Muller. A good warning for sure...but I think this is akin to mentioning that the coffee beverage may be hot when someone purchases something from the drive-thru. :)

By: Jim Muller

Jim Muller — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:39:13 +0000

For safety reasons you might mention the melted cord will be VERY hot. Lick your fingers or wet them with water before you “gently use your fingers to twist/push together cord”.