Static rope

A static climbing rope

A static rope is a low-elongation rope that is designed to stretch minimally when placed under load, typically less than 5%. In contrast, a dynamic rope is designed to stretch up to 40%.[1] Static ropes have a wide variety of uses, for instance in fire rescue operations[2] and caving.[3]

Static ropes have some applications in climbing, such as hauling gear, though lead climbing is always done with a dynamic rope, since a fall on a static rope is stopped too quickly[4] and may lead to serious injury.[5][6] Abseiling, however, is best done with a static rope or with a dynamic rope with low elasticity.[7]

  1. ^ "Static Rope vs Dynamic Rope". rappellingusa.com. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  2. ^ National Fire Protection Association (2008). Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 498. ISBN 9780763753429.
  3. ^ Jenkis, Mike; Subic, Aleksandar J. (2003). Materials in sports equipment. Woodhead. p. 288. ISBN 9780849317668.
  4. ^ Luebben, Craig (2007). Rock Climbing Anchors: A Comprehensive Guide. The Mountaineers Books. p. 203. ISBN 9781594852398.
  5. ^ Luebben, Craig (2004). Rock climbing: mastering basic skills. The Mountaineers Books. p. 73. ISBN 9780898867435.
  6. ^ Lourens, Tony (2005). Guide To Climbing. Stackpole. p. 39. ISBN 9780811701525.
  7. ^ Luebben, Craig (2000). How to Rappel!. Falcon. p. 26. ISBN 9781560447597.