Anyone Ever make a Tow Rope?

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stevehayden said:
I made one when I lived in Alaska during my Coast Guard years. The loops are going to be your weak points if not done perfectly. I use straps now.
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when were you in??...i did 87-91 In Oregon..

anyway, steve is correct. you can go the 2" nylon double braided tow line used in boating.(no, it's not too small,we towed many boats with it).
You could also get 3 in nylon double braided line...you want the double braided so you can splice a loop in each end. to do this, i'd go to a Coast Guard station and pay someone (coasties like beer!) to do it...they have the fids to do it...

if you splice properly, it really doesn't create the weak spot you would think..i knot can decrease the strength significantly if not tied correctly...

in end, your better off just buying a new tow strap!!

hope this helps..
brian
 
viper red cj-7 said:
when were you in??...i did 87-91 In Oregon..
anyway, steve is correct. you can go the 2" nylon double braided tow line used in boating.(no, it's not too small,we towed many boats with it).
You could also get 3 in nylon double braided line...you want the double braided so you can splice a loop in each end. to do this, i'd go to a Coast Guard station and pay someone (coasties like beer!) to do it...they have the fids to do it...
if you splice properly, it really doesn't create the weak spot you would think..i knot can decrease the strength significantly if not tied correctly...
in end, your better off just buying a new tow strap!!
hope this helps..
brian
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Thanks for the info. Like I said, just gotta find a place that has these big boat tow lines. Charlotte isn't exactly known for big boating.

Like I said, I know how to splice in a loop! Ya'll can stop with that! In fact I bought some 3 strand rope a couple days ago, been practicing. Also dug out my marlin spike.
 
I have a ex-power company rope. Its been on a many of trips to the beach, and pulled out I dont know how many trucks. It was broke, and Pop just tied a big knot in the end, so it pulled tight. Its kinda cumbersome though.

I have another rope out in the shop that was a gift to me. That I need some loops made into. I am unfortunately not a eagle scout :( need some practice? :)
 
max, ex-navy checking in. You Can splice an eye into a rope that will be as strong as the rope! If thats what you want do it, it will hold. I have spliced eyes into 6" mooring lines when I was on the ship with no problems. When tension is put on the rope it will squeaze the braided part of the eye and hold just fine. Winch ropes have the same squeaze type eye in them. I can braid an eye in it , or as you stated you know how. If you do a bigger rope invest in a Bos'n spike it will save some wear and tear on your fingers. HF has a knife with a fold out spike for cheap. If you need any help with this let me know.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I've pretty much given up on the idea just because I can't find any line. I've looked, talked to hardware store owners, been to flea markets (they had em but for $120 bucks, I'll pass).

Too bad, I thought it would look really cool.

I'm probably just going to end up buying another high dollar 3"x30ft strap. Probably get it from 4x4 Connection, that is where I got my current one 10 years ago.
 
Well I was lookin forward to your tow rope "build"
Hate that you cant find any line.

What was the price of the 1.5" that you found online?
 
Price for 1.5" online is about 3 bucks a foot. I figure for the rope (thinking 24 feet needed, dunno, just a rough estimate), then shipping, about $100. Shipping will probably be high because I think this stuff is heavy.

I was really hoping to find some old mooring line and trade it for a case of beer or something.
 
LR Max said:
I'll be splicing/braiding the eyes in so no need for a knot, assuming I can get some three strand. That is the only way I'd do it. I have been running a bowline on the my winch rope for 2 years now with great success.
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Don't bother with the retraced 8, but you already know that.

Splicing is stronger than either knot and a bowline and figure 8 are within like 2% of each other as far as breaking strength of the rope goes and a bowline is MUCH easier to untie after its been loaded.
 
if you are still into it, i'd head to either Wilmington or maybe to the OBX...you're sure to find it there!!

agree with above..do a breaking bowline and it retains over 90% of the strength of the knot...but if you have a marlin spike,you know this already...

good luck!!

if you do it, PM me..i'd be interested in helping/watching...i could also dig up some of my USCG manuals for a refresh..!!
 
Yeah, I would roll out to OBX but money is tight. That is a lot of gas money for a shot in the dark.

I found my marlin spike but more importantly, I found my boss's marlin spike. I've just got the multi-tool thing. He has a designated single tool which would be better. However I foresee most ropes being multi-stranded. There is a way to do a loop with that, saw it once somewhere on the interwebs. Will probably try to do that because I'd like for it to NOT look like I cobbled it together.
 
You want someone who knows rope find yourself a merchant mariner or a merchant fisherman.

Puddle pirates ain't bad but I wouldn't trust a Squid to tie his own shoes.

:)
 
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