When it comes to important tasks, not just any rope will do

Just as any sailor knows there's a knot for every task, any cordage expert knows there is a rope for every purpose. This is especially true around the house. Be it a backyard tree swing, a carefree hammock or clothes drying in the breeze -- rope is a year-round staple.

Why talk cordage?

With spring just a few days away, many of us will find ourselves in the yard rigging up something with rope - which can cost up to $8 a square foot. If you're paying those kinds of prices, you should know what you're buying. Below is the skinny on cordage from the experts at the Lehigh Group, one of the largest suppliers of rope in North America:

Hammocks and tree swings

Whether it’s a small child or 200 pound adult, you never know who might take their turn on the tree swing. For this reason, one should always use cordage that is strong and holds up to the elements. All-purpose solid braid or twisted nylon rope is what the experts recommend in this case. This type of rope resists abrasion, sunlight, rot and mildew.

Backyard clothesline

What you hang on the clothesline is too important to trust  to a rope that won’t hold the weight of, say . . . grandma’s quilt. If you are planning to install a clothes line this spring, look for an all-purpose rope designed to be flexible, sturdy and to hold knots well.

Gardening

When it comes to tasks having to do with your fruit and vegetable garden, such as lining up the plants or rigging a barrier to keep Mr. Rabbit at bay, sisal rope should be the cordage of choice for two reasons: The natural fiber knots well and the rope resists sunlight.

Camping

Raise your hand if you have stumbled over the ropes securing the awning of your tent or camper? What I've learned through the experts at the Lehigh Group is that there's rope designed to light up low-visibility areas. Visiflect, as the new kind of rope is called, features reflective technology that is meant to prevent one from stumbling over the ropes in the dark. Available in two sizes, these brightly colored, versatile ropes reflect light from up to 200 feet away.

Watering holes

Did you know there is rope that floats? If you're going to be adding any rope to your pool inflatables, consider twisted polypropylene rope. It's lightweight, floats and holds knots.

Boating

If you live on a canal and need a strong, durable and flexible rope for mooring and anchor line, experts recommend nylon yacht braid.

     

Visiflect Reflective Rope at SecureLine

Road trips and windsurfing

Hauling a sailboard or kayak up north means it probably will ride on the roof. To secure gear and sporting equipment on a roof rack or even in a truck bed, rope experts recommend Visiflect Reflective Rope or Cordzilla stretch rope.

For more information on rope products visit: SecureLineSend your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph gina.joseph@macombdaily.com; <a href="http://bit.ly/wwIwMi">@gljoseph</a>

TODAY'S MUSE

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry -- E.B. White