ROPE 31 



the fiber is manufactured into thread, cloth, twine, and 

 rope. 



Flax is an annual plant with stems about 2 feet high, 

 blue flowers, and a fibrous inner bark which yields the flax 

 of commerce. 



Jute is obtained from two tall, slender-stemmed, annual 

 Asiatic herbs of the linden family, now naturalized in various 

 countries. The fiber obtained from the inner bark is used 

 in the manufacture of carpets, bagging, canvas mats, and 

 rope. 



Coir fiber, which is obtained from the husk of the coco- 

 nut, is an important factor used for rope making and 

 cordage. It is fairly strong and is lighter than Manila 

 or hemp. 



How sold. Rope is usually retailed by weight, but is 

 ordered by giving the diameter in inches and number of 

 feet wanted. Wholesale dealers sell it by the weight 

 stamped on the coils by the manufacturer, but do not 

 usually break the coils. 



Strength of rope. The strength of a new rope of a given 

 size will depend on (1) the kind of fiber used, (2) the quality 

 of the fiber, (3) the quality of the workmanship, (4) the 

 effect of preservatives on the fibers, and (5) the number of 

 strands. No accurate rule can be given for calculating the 

 strength, and any table giving the strength will be only 

 approximately correct. Four-strand ropes have about 16 

 per cent more strength than three-strand ropes. Tarring 

 rope decreases the strength by about 25 per cent because 

 the high temperature of the tar injures the fibers. The 

 strength of a rope is decreased by age, exposure, and 

 wear. 



The breaking strength of a rope is the weight or pull that 

 will break it. The safe load is the weight you may put on 

 a rope without danger of breaking it. The safe load must 

 be very much less than the breaking strength, in order that 

 life and property may not be endangered when heavy 



