Highlights
Low stretch
High breaking strength
Strongest natural fiber rope
Diameter runs slightly larger than stated, especially the larger diameters
Does not fit in rope brackets of same diameter
Length of rope shrinks up to 15% when wet
Diameter expands more when wet
Can rot or mildew over time when exposed to moisture
Can leave splinters in hands. Gloves recommended when handling
Mineral oil coating prolongs life of rope and gives off an unpleasant smell
Description
Manila rope is sometimes referred to as hemp rope but it is not actual hemp (cannabis). It is made in the Philippines from the fibers of the abacá plant which is a close relative of the common banana plant. The fibers are stripped from the leaves of the abacá plant and twisted into yarns. Manila is the strongest and most popular natural-fiber rope and has the best grip in your hands — even when wet. Natural Manila rope is a very low stretch rope and holds knots really well.
Tug of War Rope
Manila rope is the best tug of war rope because it is the strongest rope of all the natural plant fiber ropes, with the highest breaking strength, and has very low stretch. The breaking strength of 1 ½ inch manila rope is 16,650 pounds. The natural fibers from the abacá plant gives this rope excellent grip for your hands.
Taking good care of your tug-of-war rope will help it last longer. Store it in a cool, dry place indoors, and select to add rubber ends before purchasing to prevent fraying and enjoy some good ol’ fun year after year!
Gym Climbing Rope
Natural Manila is a great climbing rope for gyms because it offers high strength, low stretch, and rugged grip. Since Manila rope is a three-strand twisted rope, a loop can be easily spliced onto the end of the rope so it can be attached to a mount on the ceiling, without reducing the breaking strength of the rope. A standard 6 inch eye splice should be adequate for most installations. We can splice the loop for you along with your order. We can also hot shrink a rubber handle on the end of your rope to reduce fraying and increase the life of your rope.
The most popular diameter for a manila climbing rope is 1 ½ inches and the most popular length is between 15 – 24 feet. We can custom cut any length to meet your facility requirements.
Synthetic Manila Rope Option
If you live in a humid or wet climate, or you don’t like some of these characteristics, you might consider our Promanila rope. This synthetic Manila has a longer service-life and does not mildew or rot.
Manila Rope vs Sisal
Another popular natural-fiber rope is sisal rope. Sisal is better than Manila rope for use with pets, as Manila rope is treated with a mineral oil that may not be safe for animals. Sisal rope is lighter in color and has a lower breaking strength. Both ropes make great indoor decorative ropes for arts and crafts.
