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Calling all rope/sheath/cord experts-question about inserting something inside a rope

thedutchtouch

thedutchtouch

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Like the title says, I've been doing some wondering about inserting something inside a length of rope. The idea is basically shoving a malleable wire (think nite ize gear tie type, but without the rubber) inside a rope's sheath, in order to basically turn it into a rope gear tie. This tag end is the anchor for tether so for passing rope around the tree/around branches-imagine if it was semi rigid and all you had to do was reach a u of rope around the back of the tree or up over and around a branch. Also has some potential application for bending the rope around the tree/eliminate the need for a tether keeper, as the rope can just hold itself there.


Anyhow, it's an outside the box idea that nobody has done before, is that because there's potentially terrible safety consequences to inserting a wire into your ropes? And this is a stupid idea? If so, theoretically could something like this be done with something like a strap with a hollow core?

Full disclosure my original idea was slap bracelet inspired before I graduated to gear ties but I actually think it may work, if someone more knowledgeable than me about ropes and such can weigh in. I know that an abrupt transition on a bury can make a weak point but not a ton more that applies.

What do you think, did I accidentally just give the companies that snoop on here a million dollar idea ? If so this is my example of existing prior art. Most likely there's at least one safety reason why this may not be a great idea
 
Are you think for the full length of the rope or just a short section at one end? If short, how do you determine the appropriate length?
 
thedutchtouch said:
Like the title says, I've been doing some wondering about inserting something inside a length of rope. The idea is basically shoving a malleable wire (think nite ize gear tie type, but without the rubber) inside a rope's sheath, in order to basically turn it into a rope gear tie. This tag end is the anchor for tether so for passing rope around the tree/around branches-imagine if it was semi rigid and all you had to do was reach a u of rope around the back of the tree or up over and around a branch. Also has some potential application for bending the rope around the tree/eliminate the need for a tether keeper, as the rope can just hold itself there.


Anyhow, it's an outside the box idea that nobody has done before, is that because there's potentially terrible safety consequences to inserting a wire into your ropes? And this is a stupid idea? If so, theoretically could something like this be done with something like a strap with a hollow core?

Full disclosure my original idea was slap bracelet inspired before I graduated to gear ties but I actually think it may work, if someone more knowledgeable than me about ropes and such can weigh in. I know that an abrupt transition on a bury can make a weak point but not a ton more that applies.

What do you think, did I accidentally just give the companies that snoop on here a million dollar idea ? If so this is my example of existing prior art. Most likely there's at least one safety reason why this may not be a great idea
Click to expand...

are you still going to have a loop of rope on the end for the girth hitch? so, everything is as usual, but the rope is rigid in some section?
 
Well I haven't fully thought it out, but the rigid section would have to include the loop or at least terminate at the loop knot/sewn splice Basically make the top 3-4 ish feet of your tether semi-rigid. The wire would have to be flexible enough that it didn't affect the hang if a section of it passed the loop/girth hitch and was actually part of the hanging tether, and likely the total outside diameter should still be within the safety margin for a mechanical device/ prusik cord chosen to appropriately grip on the wired or no wired portions of the tether, so lots of other factors to consider too. The first question is if shoving a wire inside a rope sheath weaken it, and if so, how much/what variables matter. If we can establish that this is not a quick route to freefall, then the actual design of how much of the rope is wired comes in to play.

Theoretically we could just wind the wire on the outside of the rope and accomplish a similar outcome without affecting rope strength, if the being able to be inside an ascender/prusik is not important. Just unwind the end of the wire if you need to slide your hang point higher, but that's not as clean of a setup if the inner wire is safety-acceptable.
 
Cbigbear said:
Use a tubular webbing sheath with added stiffener & just slip over your rope.
Click to expand...

what's the name of the flat webbing that is coated in rubber that they use for dog leashes and horse halters? Also use in some commercial climbing aiders. I think they sell it at strapworks.
 
Weldabeast said:
View attachment 81800
Click to expand...
Agreed, the wire idea came from a desire for a stiffer tether that actually stays in place, with no BFDD effect. Like imagine just being able to coil it around the tree and pass the tag through a loop or quick link without it trying to fall at all, sounds like it would help. No more flipping and catching.
 
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