How to Cut & Seal Nylon Rope

Nylon rope is made up of many strands of a synthetic fiber of the same name. These strands of fiber are twisted and braided to make up the rope. When the rope is cut, the strands will begin to fray unless they are sealed. Nylon rope is prone to unraveling quickly, due to the slippery nature of the fiber. Successfully cutting and sealing nylon rope takes very little time and just a few supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Lighter or other source of flame
• Crafter's heat tool (optional)
• Heat shrink tubing (optional)
• Hairdryer (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay the rope on a flat surface.

2. Use a non-serrated knife to cut the end of the rope at the length you desire. Other cutting implements, such as scissors, may cause the rope to fray excessively during the cutting process.

3. Hold the rope a few inches above the lighter or other source of heat and flame. The distance will keep the nylon from singeing to an ugly black color. Hold the rope above the flame until the ends of the nylon strands begin to melt and fuse together.

4. Cutting and sealing the rope can also be accomplished in one step by laying the rope on a flat, heat resistant surface and using a crafter's heat tool, which looks similar to a stick or blade mounted on a handle. The heat of the tool will perform both duties, cutting and sealing the end of the rope.

5. To seal the ends in a sturdy manner to keep them from fraying, it is also possible to utilize heat-shrink tubing found at nearly any hardware store. Cut the rope as normal. Cut a piece of heat-shrink tubing. Use a common household hairdryer to shrink the tubing to fit the rope.

Tips & Warnings

• The sealing process is very much like roasting a hot dog--keep the rope above the flame and slowly rotate it until all the strands have fused together.

• Unless it is important to keep the cut end of the rope the same color for aesthetic preferences, don't worry about singing the ends a bit. It will not harm the integrity of the rope.

• If the rope catches fire, blow out the flame immediately. Nylon burns rapidly.

• Perform this procedure in a well ventilated area. The fumes of burning nylon are not beneficial to your health.

• Heating implements will be hot. Exercise appropriate measures so as not to get burned.

References

• "Backpacker;" Know the Ropes; Matt Purdue; April 1999

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish