Purlon rope

[w00dsmoke]

I got given some 7mm purlon rope in a trade and I was wondering how strong it is? I'm a heavy guy and it supported me in a hammock no problems although it did stretch initially.

You can buy it in 3mm, 5mm, 7mm and 9mm

Does anyone know if they would be okay for hammocks? All the web sites say not to be used for climbing, breaking strain not known...so it seems pretty useless unless you know what the breaking strain is?

 

[spamel]

I use it for my ridge line and to secure my hammock up. I use as small bit of tape that I do have and then purlon to my hammock. I weigh maybe just a shade over 10 stone, but it is strong stuff and should hold your weight no problems. If you are worried about its strength, test it by pitching your hammock close to the ground and then sit in it with your bergen. This will prove to you that the cordage is strong enough.

I've seen people use 550 paracord on their hammocks and this stuff is definitely stronger!

 

[Doc]

Purlon rope is cheap to buy. It seems to be of Kernmantle construction. I have some of the 9mm stuff as painters on the canoe. Although obviously not intended for climbing I'm in no doubt it would support my weight.

It also floats, but lower in the water than proper floating rope, and it absorbs a fair bit of water.

 

[Tadpole]

I got given some 7mm purlon rope in a trade and I was wondering how strong it is? I'm a heavy guy and it supported me in a hammock no problems although it did stretch initially.

You can buy it in 3mm, 5mm, 7mm and 9mm

Does anyone know if they would be okay for hammocks? All the web sites say not to be used for climbing, breaking strain not known...so it seems pretty useless unless you know what the breaking strain is?

As far as I can remember purlon (perlon) is just a German trade name for nylon rope.
Sterling (a manufacture of 7mm purlon claim a static breaking strain of 3000lb, however the testing showed a slightly lower static strength of 2500lb
7mm perlon has a breaking strain of about 12kn*.
1 kN = 224.8 lb force

* data from a pdf called "Comparative Testing of High Strength Cord"
However, as with most ropes/strings/cord, if tie a knot in it, you can reduce its strength by up to 75%, if it is twisted or kinked, old or has been exposed to UV light. All these things can weaken the rope.
I’m sure that as with everything you get what you pay for.

I use cheap as chips 7mm blue nylon from B&Q for my hammock and it takes my not inconsiderable weight plus that of my daughter who is eight, with no sign of strain or stretch.

 

[wizard]

If the purlon rope is rated for climbing, 7mm is more than adequate for prussick lines and the like. Some of the climbing chocks use rope for the slings and most are between 5 and 8mm. Purlon is another name for nylon, a more European term for nylon rope. Hope that helps!
Tadpole has provided a much more techical answer and quite correct!

 

[w00dsmoke]

Cheers for all your help and suggestions folks!

My first impressions of the stuff made me think it was just cheap (it is) chinese crap sold as something it is not. But you guys beg to differ and that's cool by me, you can't buy that experience cheers! Now that I know it's both floatable and strong...I'll maybe go out and buy some more for my canoe!

I was in Tiso's yesterday and they were selling 2.5 meter tube tape slings for only £6 each-perfect for hammocks so I bought a couple.