Flax, sisal, or manila: which of these three ropes should we choose if we're looking for a strong cord? These three types of rope are all natural, but they have specific properties that should be considered.
This article discusses the difference between "twisted rope" and each of the three raw materials. This is twisted rope at least 4mm thick, but often with a much larger diameter.
Sisal Sisal is a fairly rough and stiff rope. Although sisal's price has risen sharply in recent years, it's still the cheapest of the three. The rope is therefore ideal for all kinds of uses. Because it's so rough, sisal is not suitable for tug-of-war or other sports. However, it is ideal for cat scratching posts. A sisal rope is prone to rot because it easily absorbs water. When used outdoors, it's important to replace the rope in a timely manner. Sisal shrinks when wet and expands again when dry. It is less susceptible to degradation from sunlight. In general, sisal is ideal for indoor use or in dry climates. Sisal has approximately 80% the strength of manila rope.
Flax It produces a beautifully soft rope. It is ideal as a pull rope or banister cord. Flax is also frequently used for theater cords. Today, many decorative applications, such as shop windows or exhibition stands, are finished with flax rope. Historically, flax rope was also used to ring bells. Flax rope rots easily and is less suitable for outdoor use. It has a light, pleasant "hay" scent. Flax rope has 95% of the breaking strength of sisal.
Manila Manila rope is very similar to sisal. It is browner in color and naturally oiled. This makes it much more resistant to moisture and ideal for outdoor use. Historically, manila rope was frequently used as ship rope. Due to the oils, manila rope has a characteristic odor, making it less suitable for indoor use. Manila rope is stiff and rough, making it less suitable for frequent hand contact. It is ideal as a natural barrier for gardens and ponds, or as decorative rope outdoors. Manila rope is stronger than sisal and slightly rougher.
In summary:
M = Manila S = Sisal V = Flax
Applications:
Manila |
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Sisal |
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Flax |
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Ledent Touw offers these three cords in various diameters and lengths. Besides natural ropes, there are also numerous synthetic ropes you can use.
Contact us for more information and comparisons.