How to fix a rope end?

The end of one of my ropes (an 8mm double) has become unsealed (or something like that). The rope is in excellent condition otherwise. What's the best remedy here?

Hold a lighter to the end, the split frays will melt together from the heat.

buckie06 wrote:Hold a lighter to the end, the split frays will melt together from the heat.

I would add one additional step... wrap the end in tape (a few wraps), then cut the rope through the tape, then melt that end with 1/2 the tape holding the strands tightly together. This makes a real nice clean end. If you just try to melt the above you;re gonna end up with a big mess.

A Hot knife will do the best job for you. Your local climbing gym should have one and I would think be happy to help you cut the last inch off to seal it back up. for added security once it is seal again I know there is a wax dip for rope that you could dip about half and inch of the end in if you are really wanting to. Also they sell tubes at hardware stores that are heat shrink that you could put on the ended for added security.

SteveBSU wrote:A Hot knife will do the best job for you. Your local climbing gym should have one and I would think be happy to help you cut the last inch off to seal it back up. for added security once it is seal again I know there is a wax dip for rope that you could dip about half and inch of the end in if you are really wanting to. Also they sell tubes at hardware stores that are heat shrink that you could put on the ended for added security.

wrap with tape before u cut!

Thanks for the advice! I took it into the local gym and they did indeed have a hot knife for cutting the last inch or so off the rope, so I'm ready to get back on the rock.

Hot knife and then mark the rope ends and with tape and rope data, followed by heat shrink tubing. Only issue with heat shrink is it can make the ends harder to pass through knots.

While moot at this point - it would appear that the sheath has slipped thus exposing the core. I would have worked the sheath down until it was back to near the end then sealed it. You can also get shrink wrap tubing to better preserve the end.

After smoothing the sheath, and wrapping some tape, and cutting. I melt the ends with a lighter, then I wrap a rag around the rope and slide it past the melting ends. Makes a nice point.