understanding nuance in

Measuring Flow Ropes

  • Flow ropes aren't rigid objects, unlike a ruler. In fact, flow ropes do not have a fixed length.

    When we pack your rope, they are coiled into the bag. This results in compression making it temporarily shorter.

    When you run your hands through the rope, the tension elongates the rope.

    As ropes get thicker, the more likely it is to experience such nuance - especially when they are soft.

  • SLUSHROPES sell and measure flow ropes under nominal length.

    Nominal length, in the simplest term, means that a fixed or perfect length cannot be possible due to how the product (rope) behaves.

    Remember: Flow ropes aren't rigid . They behave in certain ways under different conditions.

    In addition, flow ropes do not have a fixed length.

    All of which is found in the way ropes behave. For example: they can compress, which makes them shorter. They can stretch under load/tension, which makes them longer.

  • Think of nominal length as "sold as". We use nominal length because it is not possible for ropes to have a fixed length - believe it or not.

    Nuance will always exist because ropes have the ability to compress, elongate, flex, and coil. For this same reason, we are able to flow with the rope.

  • Though there is no one size fits all answer, each flow rope reacts to wear and tear differently.

    The most common reason why a rope shrinks is because of water/moisture - this is much more noticeable in humid enviornments.

    If you are wondering where the length goes, it doesn't just disappear. It transfers into swelling.

    Swelling is also a normal part of the product's life cycle - how much or how little varies on usage, material, environment, and care.

    Where there is swell, there is shrinkage.

  • Shrinkage happens differently per rope. Ropes that are firmer typically stay closer to its nominal length.

    Some ropes shrink more than others.