There's a reason cavers do not use polypropylene rope
(basically water-ski rope). It has low strength and low abrasion
resistance relative to nylon or polyester. (It does float, however,
which can be valuable in river caves.) The fluorescent property is
not inherent in polypropylene, though, so presumably other types of
rope could also be made to glow in the dark. Still, it would be of
minimal utility. If a caving trip lasted more than 6 hours (likely),
then the rope would no longer be glowing by the time a team got back
to it (or used it in the first place).
Mark
At 09:39 PM 6/2/2011, Logan McNatt wrote:
Some of you probably have seen this before, but I had not until a
Memorial Day visit to Harbor Freight Tools.
"This 100% polypropylene rope includes fluorescent material that can
be charged with either natural or artificial light and will then
glow for up to 5 hours when placed in the dark.
Fluorescent material can be re-charged as often as needed for up to 6 months.
Perfect for backyard trip hazards, caves, underwater, tent
tie-downs, and campground perimeter markers.
Diamond-braid minimizes stretch for long life and durability.
Resistant to abrasion, gas-oil, mildew, and chemicals."
3/16" x 50 ft for $2.99; 70 lb "safe working load"
1/4" x 50 ft for $3.99. 90 lb "safe working load"
Not recommended for cavers over 70 to 90 lbs, or for pits over 50 ft deep.
One advantage is being able to see where the rope ends.
LowGun ;-)
Please reply to mmin...@caver.net
Permanent email address is mmin...@illinoisalumni.org
