Collection: Tensile Strength / Working Load

TENSILE STRENGTH:

Please be aware that the listed "Tensile Strength" is based on controlled lab test conditions with new cord. Actual working load tensile strength may be impacted by your application and fastening methods that are used to secure the line. The customer is responsible for determining which fastening method is best for their application. We have posted a link that provides useful information regarding different knot styles. See "Helpful Tips & Links".

 

WORKING LOAD:

Actual Safe Working Load will  be impacted by your application, condition and age of the cord and fastening methods that are used to secure the load. As a general rule proposed by many manufactures: The safe working load recommendation may be determined by taking the lab reported tensile strength and dividing that number by a factor that would more accurately reflect the actual maximum safe load capacity that should be associated with a given cord. The dividing factor, into Tensile Strength, is not always the same for every cord. The type of cord and the weaving construction plays a significant part as to the safe working load calculation. The manufacturer cannot warrant a safe working load due to all of the variable conditions that a product would be exposed to in an application.

A general consensus from manufactures is that the working load of a cord is about 15-25% of the lab tested Tensile strength. Lastly the termination of a cord is also impacted by the type of knot that is used. A poorly tied knot can reduce the tensile strength by as much as 20% or more.

We use a Bristol or a Palomar knot for our braided cords. Another method is using a Finger Trap termination.