Rope.  I've used block and tackle plenty and as often as not I have to 
have some one holding a guy line just to keep the rig from twisting.

Is there a type of  rope that will let me do this  without the problem 
of the rope imposing a twist and this eliminate the guy line?

Cliff,


There's a "correct" way to string up a double (or more than double) tackle so
that the tendency to twist is mostly cancelled.  In the case of double blocks,
the upper and lower hang at right angles to each other when done "right."


Yachtsmen and small boat sailors use Sampson double-braid line which, though
expensive, is tangle-resistant.  Splicing this stuff with the proper kit of fids
is great fun.  The first time you get a good-looking eye splice, well, it feels
like the first time.


Ed Minch is probably the go-to person on anything related to traditional
rigging.


John R.

________________________________
From: OldTools  on behalf of Cliff 
Sent: Friday, October 6, 2017 11:20:39 AM
To: oldtools List
Subject: [OldTools] Q about Block & Tackle

Rope.  I've used block and tackle plenty and as often as not I have to
have some one holding a guy line just to keep the rig from twisting.

Is there a type of  rope that will let me do this  without the problem
of the rope imposing a twist and this eliminate the guy line?



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OldTools@s...

Rope handling is one of those esoteric skills - we all know a bit about it.  I
have the luxury of working with three strand rope a lot on tall ships:

http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-
polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/">http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product
/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/ <http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-
polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/">http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product
/decking-rope-grade-1-3-strand-polyhemp-rope-per-5-metre-roll/>

The rope they mostly use is a Polyester/Dacron blend that has less stretch than
natural fibers have, and lasts 15 or so years in marine use, as opposed to 2-4
for natural fiber - plus the Coast Guard won't certify for passengers with
natural fiber.  This type of rope has excellent handling qualities - just a few
tricks to learn about coiling and so forth and it performs very well.

Modern braided rope:

http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-
White">http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-White <http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-
White">http://www.sailrite.com/Double-Braid-Nylon-Line-1-25mm-White>

can have less stretch (or more if you want it) and will spin the tackle less
than 3 strand, but it is harder to handle, splice, whip, and coil.  It is used
on modern yachts more than 3 strand.  It is also more expensive.  The heavier
the item, the more it will want to spin once it is in the air, so a guy line may
be a fact of life.

Ed Minch

Braided line doesn't twist as much.

Thanks.  Double braid it is