Rope for Binding Stuff around the House

[knot4u]

I ordered this, and I'll review it after I test it out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300956473823?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Nylon braided, 18 strands shell, 2-3 strands core, 2.0 mm, 150 lbs break strength at knot, 2000 feet, $25 total shipped

[knot4u]

I ordered this, and I'll review it after I test it out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300956473823?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Nylon braided, 18 strands shell, 2-3 strands core, 2.0 mm, 150 lbs break strength at knot, 2000 feet, $25 total shipped

It's good stuff!  It holds a knot.  It seems to be high quality.  I don't doubt the break strength is 150 pounds at a knot, but I have not tested that.  It seems like 100% nylon to me.  It's like thin paracord.  My only complaint is that it's not black.

[knot4u]

The ebay cord is actually quite nice for less than $0.02/ft delivered, but note that it does not seem to be nylon.  The first thing I noticed was the very low stretch.  And while I'm hardly the Fat Lady of Limbourg, it definitely doesn't have the aroma of nylon when melted/burnt.   Based on the low stretch and this table of burning characteristics, I'd guess it is probably polyester.

But polyester is more expensive than nylon.  That would be strange for the seller to advertise nylon and provide more expensive polyester.  Is it possible the low stretch is due to the double braid around the core?

[Sweeney]

I have recently  bought US made 550 paracord made from polyester and that is a fair bit cheaper than nylon - perhaps the increased use of polyester in textiles may have brought the price down?

[knot4u]

I have recently  bought US made 550 paracord made from polyester and that is a fair bit cheaper than nylon - perhaps the increased use of polyester in textiles may have brought the price down?

Do you have a link? I've never seen polyester paracord. I would think a required feature of paracord is that it must be stretchy. All polyester I've seen is considerably less stretchy than nylon.

EDIT: Never mind. I found this for example:
http://www.mrparacord.com/amazon-550-paracord

[knot4u]

I have some paracord that's all nylon according to the supplier. It's quite stretchy. In fact, I had a project in which I could not use it because it is so stretchy. So, I believe it is all nylon.

Now that I know suppliers may be misrepresenting their product, is a stretch test the only way for me to identify nylon (or polyester) on my own?

[Sweeney]

I sometimes think that polyester has a very slightly rougher feel but then I find a piece that feels very silky so unless you're a chemist I don't think that there is a reliable way to tell the difference.  This site does explain the difference but I doubt it will help much - http://www.differencebetween.net/object/difference-between-nylon-and-polyester/.

Barry

[SS369]

http://www.tensiontech.com/tools_guides/fibres_guide.html?spell=US

Also
http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=185.0

SS

[knot4u]

http://www.tensiontech.com/tools_guides/fibres_guide.html?spell=US

Also
http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=185.0

SS

After reading all that, it's clear there is no definitive way to tell. This reinforces the idea that you don't want to be a cheapskate when selecting rope for climbing or rappelling. Go with a trusted manufacturer.

[gm5729]

I use bankline... It is tarred twine and comes in many sizes. SGT Knots sells it on Amazon. For example #18 diameter is $13.95 for 1000ft (305m). SGT KNOTS Tarred Twine / Bank Line - 1 Pound - #12, #15, #18, #21, #24, #30, #36, #42