So I got this rope...

Post by **Alan Evil** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 5:11 am

...and it doesn't have the double weave to it. It's a BlueWater Accelerator 10.5mm x 60m but it's all the same weave. How do I mark the mid point without hurting the rope? If I were to thread some bright thread back and forth through the rope in the middle would that damage the integrity of the weave? How about using cloth dye to make a meter strip in the middle bright purple or something? I have cloth dyes for t-shirts, both screen print and airbrush. I'd prefer scientific advice as opposed to smart asses telling me I should've gotten a different rop, thanks.

Post by **bushwhacker** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 5:20 am

http://www.rockclimbing.com/forums/view ... 309#113309

Post by **Danny** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 5:29 am

Search the web for something like "marker rope middle". There is some controversy about it so it would be worth checking into first.

Post by **Saxman** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 5:39 am

Whatever you do, don't use a Sharpie. Reduces the strength of the rope according to tests done by one of the climbing mags.

Post by **gulliver** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 3:34 pm

Bluewater makes a pen for their ropes. $2.50 at mountain gear , free shipping.

Post by **Rags** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 4:45 pm

I think you should have gotten another rope.

Post by **ynot** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 5:00 pm

Would a laundry marking pen be OK? It is safe for garments.

Post by **chester** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 8:17 pm

I used a photo archival marker form mine.

Post by **Rags** » Sun Nov 21, 2004 5:09 pm

were you ever able to find the middle of it?

Post by **canadaclimbergirl** » Sun Nov 21, 2004 10:44 pm

I have used a 'sharpie' but now only buy a duodess ropes or climb with doubles so finding the mid point is never a problem. the extra 15$ spent for a bi pattern rope is worth it if you climb in areas where 30M rappells are common.

Here are some quotes from various sources...and no one seems to hold the same opinion.

In Advanced Rock Climbing, John Long has endorsed the Sanford "Sharpie" marker for middle-marking. I've done this to three ropes with no problems.

From: the Maxim rope brochure
To mark the midpoint of your rope, tests show that the following markers will not weaken the fibers of the rope: Carter Marks-a-Lot, Sanford Sharpie and Binney-Smith Majic Marker.

From: New England Ropes (via email)

We recommend Avery Marks a Lot and Binney-Smith Majic Marker. We do not recommend Sharpie.

From: Michael Lamoreau

The info for Marking maxim rope needs a minor tweak... When I went to look for Carter Marks a lot I was unable to find it. I was able to find Avery Marks a lot(I thought maybe Avery bought Carter). I sent a quick email to New England ropes and was able to confirm that indeed Avery bought Carter so the Avery Marks a lot is ok for use on the Maxim ropes.

here is some more info on a site I found also.
http://www.tradgirl.com/climbing_faq/sa ... tm#markers