Editor: Otto Tromm | Test date: 18-5-2026
We found a rope from 2016 in the warehouse. It has always been stored dry and fairly well protected from UV light in the warehouse.
Here is the label - 10 years and 4 months old to be precise:
And even though we do not know the original breaking strength of this rope, we do have ISO 1346:2021 as a reference.
This specifies a minimum breaking strength of 10 kN.
This is an important test because many baseless claims are made. For example, I have heard that a rope that is well stored (mainly protected from UV) should not be used any longer.
Despite its age of ten years, the 8 mm polypropylene rope remains surprisingly strong. Could it be that careful maintenance and storage were the secret behind preserving its strength? And do we still meet the ISO standard after 10 years?
Let's have a closer look.
To make a long story short.
What is the average breaking strength of the 8 mm polypropylene rope after 5 tests?
In our test, the average breaking strength was measured at 9.91 kN (1010.0 kg).
Not quite CE compliant, but close enough that it certainly should not be discarded.
Perfectly usable in all conditions except where CE standards apply, due to safety and certification.
What is polypropylene 8mm rope?
Polypropylene is a lightweight synthetic fiber that floats on water. It is the lightest of the synthetic fibers and is affordably priced.
The rope in question is 3-strand twisted, meaning it is traditionally constructed and easy to splice.
Typical applications for polypropylene are in agriculture and general, non-critical uses.
How was the breaking strength of polypropylene 8mm rope measured?
The breaking strength of the 8 mm polypropylene rope was measured with a universal testing machine equipped with rope-specific clamps.
The test speed was 20 mm/s, and five repetitions were performed to obtain a reliable average value.
The test was conducted following the guidelines of ISO 2307:2019
Breaking strength polypropylene 8mm rope: test results
The average breaking strength of the 8 mm polypropylene rope was determined to be 9.91 kN (1010.0 kg).
The highest measured value was 10.08 kN, while the lowest was 9.74 kN, based on five tests.
What was particularly notable was that - although the rope was 10 years old - it still performed reasonably close to the new specifications.
Polypropylene 8mm rope compared to other ropes
- Polypropylene: 10.57 kN
- polyester sheath twisted core (all loose fibers): 10.17 kN
- polyester sheath - 32-strand braided: 9.38 kN
When to use polypropylene 8mm rope?
Polypropylene 8mm rope is best for applications where light weight and buoyancy are desired, such as in agriculture or for general temporary bindings. It is not suitable for critical safety applications.
When is polypropylene rope not suitable?
Polypropylene rope is less suitable for applications that require prolonged sun exposure due to its low UV resistance. It is also not recommended for applications where maximum gravity safety is a priority.
Alternatives
Conclusion
This 8 mm polypropylene rope is ideal for applications where buoyancy and low weight are important.
Despite its age, it still performs remarkably well, making it a reliable choice within its field of application.
It just no longer meets the CE standard, but still a commendable performance for a 10-year-old rope.
In the future, we will compare it with rope that has been exposed to UV and then see what the difference in breaking strength is.
This test was conducted by Otto Tromm, who apparently takes better care of his ropes than his plants, given the remarkable condition of this 10-year-old specimen.
The test data were collected by Prorope. This text was AI-generated based on that data and checked for factual accuracy. Read how we test and publish →