December 12, 2018 2 min read
Dyneema is one of the Worlds strongest fibres, it is quickly replacing wire as a lightweight option when strength is needed. Dyneema rope is sometimes called Spectra and has different varieties which have been developed over the years, SK75, SK78 and SK99.
With a dyneema rope you can expect high strength, a low weight, water resistance, chemical resistance and protection against UV rays.
At Sailing Chandlery we see 4mm dyneema being our best selling dyneema rope, it's popular across a number of sailing dinghies and is the perfect size for control lines and halyards where dyneema rope is a perfect application.We have two types of dyneema rope available, 12 strand pure dyneema and covered dyneemas to give the pure dyneema proection. We're going to explore the options for a 4mm rope within those categores.
12 strand means that the rope is made of 12 bits of dyneema rope all twisted together to form the final rope product. With a 12 strand it means that the rope is hollow on the inside and that the pure dyneema is exposed to the eye.
With the rope exposed it's easier to work with and allows you to put splices into the rope such as soft eyes. It's important to note that if you are using a 4mm 12 strand dyneema then you should be splicing and not tieing knots, a splice is much stronger and will last longer.
12 strand dyneema ropes are ideal for purchase systems, travellers, trapeze lines and lashings.
A dyneema core rope does what it says on the tin, it has the dyneema within the rope as a core for strength. Quite often you'll find these ropes with harder wearing polyester covers, this is most popular on applications such as halyards and control lines which move through pulleys and cleats often. The polyester jacket will protect the core and make the rope last much longer, it can also provide more grip on the hands.
There are a few ropes which can be slightly different. Take Maffioli Swiftcord rope for example, it doesn't have a core but the dyneema is built into the cover and blended with other materials to provide extra grip.
You the have the option to taper the ropes, many dyneema core ropes with polyester jackets/covers can be tapered so the core is exposed at certain points. Handy for attaching the 12 strand core and creating an eye, or for having a more lightweight rope where needed. Tapering is most popular on halyards, this would mean the 12 strand dyneema core is exposed where there isn't abraision and then the polyester jacket end can go through cleats, this would cause less friction when pulling the halyards up and down.
Most popular 4mm 12 strand dyneema - 4mm Compact Braid Dyneema
Most popular 4mm dyneema core rope - 4mm Dyneema Core Rope
Other dyneema options - you can explore all of our 4mm dyneema ropes on our sailing ropes page.
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My favourite rope for splicing
Solid folding lock knife, this is my third one (dropped the last and the first I had for over 6 years).
Looks like it will be good at cutting rope, I've only ever used it for cutting cheese...
we order some stainless beta pins, good price and very quick delivery.
Zhik described this range as medium waterproofness. Unsure what this means and whether I need a spare set of gear for stronger weather. Not convinced but it fits well and it’s a good make. Would be good to see a long term review
The Inglefield clip was invented by Lieutenant Edward Inglefield RN in the 1890s, it has been standard issue to British warships since 1895.
The idea was to make a reliable and fast way of assembling a hoist of signal flags, which they do very well.
I have had a long involvement with these clips, mostly for flags, but they have other uses, for example the West Lancashire Seabird One Design (a half rater) use the clips for their spinnaker halyard attachment to the sail, and I have seen a big version cut out of steel plate for a special job.
The standard clips are made from brass, these medium size nylon ones are clearly not as strong as brass, but they are good for small flags.
A further advantage is the avoidance of metallic stains on the bunting.
I don't think they would be strong enough for a big flag in windy conditions, but that isnt what i purchased them for.
Brilliant rope pack - thanks
Well made and arrived well within time frame really happy with the cover and service highly recommended
Many thanks to the team for advice on which products are in stock and which is most suitable.
This part fitted exactly.Excellent expert advice. Promptly delivered.
Regards Martin
Buoyancy aid arrived nice and quickly, and a nice little park of love heart sweets. Haven’t had chance to sail in it yet, but it’s a nice fit and great quality. Should be testing it out this Sunday.
Quick delivery, well made product and perfect for my purposes.
Goods as described. Arrived promptly. Everything as expected.
I bought the rope to replace rope for stage curtains at our village hall. It was speedily delivered in time for the panto and is smooth to use and does the job perfectly!
Great easy to use web shop, delivered on time exactly as described, will deffo use again
Finding it difficult to refuel & surprised how quick the fuel runs out
Came exactly as described --work well--delivered promptly