One must have a certain degree of experience to ascertain the quality and various characteristics of the rope.
Ropes that show signs of aging, wear and tear should be avoided.
Ropes should be inspected regularly for evidence of chemical attack, kinking, and surface wear, including large strand or filament shears and thermal fusion indicated by glazed or heavily clogged areas.
Braided ropes should be examined along their entire length for areas of hardening or inconsistent diameter, which may be a sign of internal or core failure due to overloading or severe impact loads. Both the outer and inner fibres contribute to the strength of the rope and when one of them is worn out, the rope naturally weakens.
Neither type of visual inspection is a guarantee of accurate residual strength determination. When the fibers show wear in an area. If confined to one small section, the damaged area can be cut out and re-spliced, otherwise the rope must be cut or replaced.
Sharp turns around any equipment should be avoided, as under load this greatly reduces the strength of the rope and can cause premature failure and breakdown. The diameter of the fixed pin shall be at least 3 times the diameter of the rope, and that of the swivel roller blocks shall be 10 times the diameter of the rope for twisted ropes and 8 times the diameter of the rope for braided ropes.
The use of knots can reduce rope strength by over 50%, so whenever possible splices should be used instead. Variations of up to 25% can occur with poor splicing or very short length. According to each situation, always take into account the corresponding reduction in rope strength, adjusting the working loads accordingly. When splices are used, always use the manufacturer's recommended splicing procedure.
The length of the rope eye should be a minimum of three times, and preferably five times, the diameter of the object around which it is to be used. This will ensure that the angle between the two legs of the mesh will not cause a tear in the throat of the mesh. For example, if the eye of the mooring line is passing around a 600 mm diameter cleat, then the eye shall be a minimum of 1. 8 metres.
The length of the rope eye should be a minimum of three times, and preferably five times, the diameter of the object around which it is to be used. This will ensure that the angle between the two legs of the mesh will not cause a tear in the throat of the mesh. For example, if the eye of the mooring line is passing around a 600 mm diameter cleat, then the eye shall be a minimum of 1. 8 metres.