Replacing/securing protective sheath for sewn eyes on ropes

[davidallenjoy]

I recently bought a 40’ Canyon Elite rope from Eastern Woods Outdoors. After about the fifth climb the protective plastic sheath at the sewn eye started sliding back exposing the stitching. I contacted Easter Woods Outdoors asking whether this was normal, how important the sheath was in protecting the sewn connection, and how I might repair or replace it. This is the response I received:

“That does happen, if you can put it back on and tape it back or heat shrink it back on that would work there. It is not necessary but is beneficial for long term. Having no sheath will not affect you short term, just need to keep an eye on it like all other ropes after each season and check it. Best bet is to re heat the plastic sheath and put it back on and tape it up. Or if it is unusable you can use tape and such to close it up sir.”

I’ve tried taping it super tightly with electrical tape but it is still slipping. Thought about using a dab of loctite but unsure of any reaction that might have on the rope. All that to stay, I’m still stumped. I’ve tried searching the web but can’t find any answers. Worst case I’ll just tie a loop and work from the other end, but curious as to the thoughts of the forum on those questions:

1) does this happen often?

2) how important is the sheath in protecting the sewn connection?

3) how would you make the repair?


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[Allegheny Tom]

Try a couple tiny zip ties instead of tape. The smaller the zip tie, the better it should bite.
Grab the tag end of the zip with pliers and snug it as tight as you can get it.
I'm thinking 2 or 3 ties...one on each end and maybe one in the middle.
After you snip the end of the zip tie, take a piece of sand paper to smooth out the end. That little "burr" on the cut end can snag stuff and even make a little noise.
I've not experienced your issue but give the zips a try. Those things are one of man's best inventions.

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

Ok heat shrink stretches and loosens over time especially on trees where it is bent for the girth hitch. It is very common and most of us end up taping zip tying ect some type of cover back over the eye so that it protects the thread. There are marine Velcro type rope sheaths you can buy although they are big and bulky.

 

[Weldabeast]

Would common whipping be a good application for this?....

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

Would common whipping be a good application for this?....

Yes it could help protect the thread underneath. I’m about to start making elastic protective sheathing on my tethers because even the thick wall heat shrink with glue eventually works itself loose

 

[raisins]

Yes it could help protect the thread underneath. I’m about to start making elastic protective sheathing on my tethers because even the thick wall heat shrink with glue eventually works itself loose

What about the velcro things where you have a hole in the velcro that it routes through and back onto itself? (small ones are used to organize cords and such)

might be something you can keep properly positioned and also remove to inspect threads....that would be my fear with whipping

i'm also thinking about wrapping with the hawk rubber coated wire around it in a way that locks through the eye so it won't slide around much

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

What about the velcro things where you have a hole in the velcro that it routes through and back onto itself? (small ones are used to organize cords and such)

might be something you can keep properly positioned and also remove to inspect threads....that would be my fear with whipping

i'm also thinking about wrapping with the hawk rubber coated wire around it in a way that locks through the eye so it won't slide around much

I’m unsure about rubber wire. The Velcro rope protectors for marine dock lines would work and it’s removable. Like you said still being able to inspect the threads is paramount

 

[Weldabeast]

u guys got x-ray vision to see thru the heat shrink?....not all are clear

 

[raisins]

I’m unsure about rubber wire. The Velcro rope protectors for marine dock lines would work and it’s removable. Like you said still being able to inspect the threads is paramount

looked and can't find those rope protectors...link to one?

 

[raisins]

u guys got x-ray vision to see thru the heat shrink?....not all are clear

i've got 3 ropes with sewn eyes and all are clear so far.....i wouldn't like a solid one

even though i know the sewn eyes are stronger....i'm still nervous about it compared to a knot

 

[Jtaylor]

You could try self-sealing tape, it's more durable than just regular old electrical tape and it's available in clear.

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

They also have Taylor made removable chafe guards for different sized ropes.Some are tie on, some are Velcro, they all would keep the threads safer than being bare against tree bark

 

[davidallenjoy]

Thanks for all the ideas, and glad to hear I’m not the only one who’s dealt with it. Really sucked it was on a brand new rope.


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[Muskyhunter]

I hockey tape mine before I ever use them. It keeps the protective cover in place. Replace hockey tape as needed. It will last a while.

 

[phatkaw]

I hockey tape mine before I ever use them. It keeps the protective cover in place. Replace hockey tape as needed. It will last a while.

I use hockey tape on the ends of rope that I cut or ends that had factory or my heat shrink tube come off.
I have a couple tethers that have the same hockey tape from last summer and I use them a lot.

 

[phatkaw]

I use hockey tape on the ends of rope that I cut or ends that had factory or my heat shrink tube come off.
I have a couple tethers that have the same hockey tape from last summer and I use them a lot.

This particular tether had the factory stuff come loose or off almost right away.
That tape has definitely been on since last year.

I'm surprised I haven't cut off the one at the sewn eye yet. I hate them flopping around! (I think I'll do that right now)

 

[davidallenjoy]

Only one climb in but the hockey tape seems to be working great right now. Thanks again for all the recommendations.

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