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Marking a dark rope.....

Original Post
Ty Falk · · Huntington, VT · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 280

So I ended up with a rope that I cannot exchange. Typicaly I use a bi patern rope or one that has a middle mark just because its a personal preferance of myine. I know all the reasons why middle marks can be dangerous and know that they are not needed but would still like to put one on this new dark colored 70m rope. Any ideas... anyone tryed sewing in a bring colored thread like a few ropes on the market have? I have a beal rope marker but it's such a similar color as the rope. Thanks Ty

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276
Ty Falk wrote:So I ended up with a rope that I cannot exchange. Typicaly I use a bi patern rope or one that has a middle mark just because its a personal preferance of myine. I know all the reasons why middle marks can be dangerous and know that they are not needed but would still like to put one on this new dark colored 70m rope. Any ideas... anyone tryed sewing in a bring colored thread like a few ropes on the market have? Thanks Ty
Why do you say middle marks are dangerous and not needed?

I think middle marks are needed. And it's more dangerous without one (unless you have a bi-pattern or bi-color rope).
Ty Falk · · Huntington, VT · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 280

Some say middle marks can be unsafe if the rope gets trimmed. A few accidents have occurred due to this.

Gargano · · Arizona · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 1,535

Stitching in some bright thread to mark the middle of the rope works fine. Sew a good number of passes through the sheath. I've done this on several ropes. The loops of thread will break overtime, but it stays put. Additionally, it adds an element of texture to the midpoint.

Stephen Minchin · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 10

Another vote for sewing in a thread. Super easy, just make sure you only sew the sheath - don't go too deep.

Simon W · · Nowhere Land · Joined May 2013 · Points: 55

I've used a 3/8" wide piece of climbing tape before.

Doesn't hurt the rope at all, but it is slightly noticeable going through a belay device and biners where the rope makes a sharp turn, when lowering a climber.

MaraC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2011 · Points: 10

+1 for thread.

They sell fluorescent embroidery floss, which is what I use on my ropes. I have Bluewater ropes. They don't come with factory-marked middles, so I've sewn marks into mine. Just go through the sheath, not the core. Will wear out after a season or two, but it's easy enough to redo.

My climbing mentor markka her ropes this way as well.

Tyler Phillips · · Cottonwood Heights, UT · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 3,195
Simon W wrote:I've used a 3/8" wide piece of climbing tape before. Doesn't hurt the rope at all, but it is slightly noticeable going through a belay device and biners where the rope makes a sharp turn, when lowering a climber.
I have seen ropes wedge themselves in finger cracks from the middle mark tape. The tape also is prone to sliding down the rope after time. All in all if your just clipping bolts and don't mind double checking the mark every so often it is a mediocre solution.
Jim Fox · · Westminster, CO · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 50

I've owned about 8 ropes over the years and have never had to trim one. If I did, I guess I would just have to be aware that the center mark is no longer valid.
Don't guess a center mark is absolutely necessary but I like having one for single rope raps. I can't think of any really good reason why you wouldn't want one.

Simon W · · Nowhere Land · Joined May 2013 · Points: 55
TylerPhillips wrote: I have seen ropes wedge themselves in finger cracks from the middle mark tape. The tape also is prone to sliding down the rope after time. All in all if your just clipping bolts and don't mind double checking the mark every so often it is a mediocre solution.
Haven't had that problem in finger cracks, yet, but I don't climb a ton of finger cracks.

I replace the tape pretty often and haven't had a problem.. Thread is probably the way to go, but this way wins as far as laziness factor is concerned!
doug rouse · · Denver, CO. · Joined Apr 2008 · Points: 660

Bright orange locate paint, that is water based works so far..No real texture to speak of, but you'll certainly see it.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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