Polypropylene rope is popular for its versatility, price, strength and range of colors. It is widely used for dog gear, in water sports (it floats), in gardens, canoeing and sailing. You can also make climbing nets and safety nets from it.
Types of polypropylene rope
1. Braided rope
It is most often made by braiding 16 or more strands. On the surface, the strands form a twill weave or, less often, a plain weave. By combining strand thickness and strand count, any rope diameter can be produced. The strands are braided into one compact whole. The twill pattern on the surface allows color combinations; we offer the rope in black.
2. Core and sheath rope
It consists of two parts, a core and a sheath. The inner layer usually has 12 strands and the sheath is braided from 16 to 36 strands. The core and the sheath are often made of different materials (for example PA/PES). Lower-grade materials are used for the core. For making dog gear, the big drawback of this rope is that the inner strands (the core) work their way out on their own. These are two separate parts that are not joined to each other in any way.
In our range of polypropylene ropes you can choose black braided rope (pictured on the right) in diameters from 6 to 16 mm.
Properties of polypropylene rope
- Good chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, oils, organic solvents and alcohols. Animal sweat affects neither the strength nor the color of the rope.
- High mechanical resistance (strength and abrasion resistance) that does not decrease with welding.
- Low fiber density (only 0.91 g/cm³). Polypropylene rope is light enough to float on water.
- Easy to melt with a heat gun or a soldering iron at temperatures around 170 to 180 °C.
- Resistant to moisture.
- Holds knots well.
- Stays soft even when wet.
- Does not build up static electricity.
- Weak points: heat and UV light degrade polypropylene (it fades and turns brittle), and it melts at around 165 °C. For permanent outdoor use, expect a shorter service life.
Breaking load and uses by diameter
We measured these values on a tensile testing machine. The safe working load is much lower, so choose a rope with a large margin.
| Rope diameter | Breaking load | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | approx. 180 kg | Leashes for small and medium dog breeds, knotted cords, gardening and DIY. |
| 8 mm | approx. 340 kg | |
| 10 mm | approx. 515 kg | Harnesses and leashes for large breeds. |
| 12 mm | approx. 650 kg | |
| 14 mm | approx. 890 kg | Lead ropes and lunge lines for horses, halters, workshop and garden use. Do not use this rope for climbing, fall protection or mooring boats. |
| 16 mm | approx. 1100 kg |
Breaking load in kg, measured on a tensile testing machine.
You will find rope from the table in our range, for example black braided rope. Learn how to cut and weld the rope cleanly in How to Cut Polypropylene Rope and How to Weld Polypropylene Rope with a Soldering Iron or Heat Gun; you can then make a finished leash with our guide to making a rope dog leash. You will also need rope clamps.
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