12-strand UHMWPE rope, also called HMPE or generic Dyneema. Stronger than steel cable of the same diameter, with very low stretch. Light enough to float, and easy to splice.
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Great for
- A strong, low-stretch line that is light and floats.
- Extremely low stretch.
- Used for lifting slings.
- We sell it for arborist rigging lines and sailing lines.
Specs
See all sizes
| Diameter | Weight (Lbs / 100 Ft) | Breaking Strength (Lbs) | Safe Working Load Limit (Lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 0.5 | 2500 | 208 - 500 |
| 3/16 | 1 | 5000 | 416 - 1000 |
| 1/4 | 1.6 | 8200 | 683 - 1640 |
| 5/16 | 2.6 | 13400 | 1116 - 2680 |
| 3/8 | 3.9 | 21600 | 1800 - 4320 |
| 1/2 | 6.4 | 32000 | 2666 - 6400 |
| 5/8 | 10.7 | 55000 | 4583 - 11000 |
| 3/4 | 13.95 | 65000 | 5416 - 13000 |
| 1 | 24.1 | 110000 | 9166 - 22000 |
| 1-1/4 | 32.65 | 159600 | 13300 - 31920 |
| 1-1/2 | 51.70 | 212400 | 17700 - 42480 |
| 2 | 94 | 376300 | 31358 - 75260 |
How it holds up
- StretchExtremely low
- WaterFloats
- StrengthExtremely high
Description
UHMWPE rope, also called HMPE or generic Dyneema, is a 12 strand braid of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene with a blue urethane coating for wear. Size for size it's stronger than steel wire rope, yet light enough to float, and it stretches only 0.60% at 10% of its breaking strength. That's why it's chosen for winch lines, pulling ropes, lifting slings, arborist rigging and sailing lines, where strength and low stretch matter most. It's the strongest of our working ropes, the step up from polyester when you need more strength at the same size. Its sun resistance is moderate, so polyester is the better pick for rope that lives in strong sun.
- 1 in breaks at 110,000 lb
- Floats, and splices easily
- Measures slightly oversized when relaxed, from the braid and the coating
- Blue, or in some runs gray with a blue tracer
Questions
About the rope
What does UHMWPE mean?
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. It is also called HMPE (high modulus polyethylene) or generic Dyneema. Ours is a 12-strand version.
How strong is it?
Size for size, it is stronger than steel wire rope, yet light enough to float. For comparison, 3/4 in has a breaking strength of 65,000 lb. See the size table for the other sizes.
How much does it stretch?
Very little. At 10% of its breaking strength, it stretches 0.60%.
Why is it slightly bigger than its size?
In its relaxed state it measures slightly oversized because of the braid and the urethane coating.
Is it always blue?
Usually. Some variations are gray with a blue tracer instead of all blue.
Can it be spliced?
Yes, it splices easily.
Is it the same as Dyneema rope?
Dyneema is a name-brand version of HMPE. Ours is generic HMPE, braided 12 strand with a urethane coating, and it's very similar in characteristics and performance.
What sizes and lengths does it come in?
Diameters run from 3/16 in to 2 in. Lengths are 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 and 300 ft, a custom length, or 600 and 1,200 ft bulk lengths.
Choosing and using it
Should I use HMPE or steel cable for a winch line?
For most winch lines, HMPE. Size for size it's stronger than steel wire rope, it's much lighter, and it floats and won't rust or kink.
Can I use it as a cable pulling rope?
Yes. It has extremely low stretch, and it's the step up from our Wire Pulling Rope when you need more strength at the same size. For example, 1/2 in HMPE breaks at 32,000 lb, while 1/2 in Wire Pulling Rope breaks at 10,000 lb. Wire Pulling Rope comes on a reel with a spliced eye on each end, ready for a puller.
