How to ID Cord

**SteelPlayer** · 07-17-2018, 07:58

I'm new to hammocks but no stranger to ropes and camping. I just got into hammock camping and I've been exploring all the various utility cords.

I was about to order some Zing-it or similar cord when I remembered I had a large spool of cord in my shed. My landlord contracted a couple of guys to take down a massive tree right next to the house. These guys were not necessarily licensed or bonded but they knew what they were doing.

After they were done they forgot their big spool of cord. The cord is on a big yellow spool and has about 2-4 different types of cord tied together. Now this was 11 years ago so I have no idea what kind of cord is on this spool. Being quasi arborist I'm sure it's some type of throw cord. It still had the shot bag tied on. By the way the cord really stinks too. It has a fishy oily smell so I'm sure it was coated with something.

Is there any way to ID what kind of cord I have? If I take photos is there some one that can ID it for me?

**Tyroler Holzhacker** · 07-17-2018, 08:01

Originally Posted by SteelPlayer

I'm new to hammocks but no stranger to ropes and camping. I just got into hammock camping and I've been exploring all the various utility cords.

I was about to order some Zing-it or similar cord when I remembered I had a large spool of cord in my shed. My landlord contracted a couple of guys to take down a massive tree right next to the house. These guys were not necessarily licensed or bonded but they knew what they were doing.

After they were done they forgot their big spool of cord. The cord is on a big yellow spool and has about 2-4 different types of cord tied together. Now this was 11 years ago so I have no idea what kind of cord is on this spool. Being quasi arborist I'm sure it's some type of throw cord. It still had the shot bag tied on. By the way the cord really stinks too. It has a fishy oily smell so I'm sure it was coated with something.

Is there any way to ID what kind of cord I have? If I take photos is there some one that can ID it for me?

Arborists usually use UHMWPE ropes and were the original whoopie sling users. Not sure what type it is, but there's a good chance it is made from dyneema....or polyethylene.

**SteelPlayer** · 07-17-2018, 08:05

That's what I'm thinking as well but I have at least 3 different types of cord on this spool.

I would love to take the position of just try it and see if it works, but that's usually the last thing Bubba says before the truck catches fire.

Any rope gurus have an opinion?

AAA battery for size comparison

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**HandyRandy** · 07-17-2018, 08:43

Originally Posted by Tyroler Holzhacker

Arborists usually use UHMWPE ropes and were the original whoopie sling users. Not sure what type it is, but there's a good chance it is made from dyneema....or polyethylene.

What did they use whoopie slings for?

**Tyroler Holzhacker** · 07-17-2018, 08:49

Lowering heavy cut branches to the ground...

**Floridahanger** · 07-17-2018, 08:53

Check to see if you can melt it with a flame and if it will soak up water.

Zing-it doesn't melt very easily and is hydrophobic so this may help you a little. Also, pull out 10' and hang a weight from it to see if it stretches. Zing-it also stretches extremely little to none at all at 10'.

**SteelPlayer** · 07-17-2018, 10:41

Originally Posted by Floridahanger

Check to see if you can melt it with a flame and if it will soak up water.

Zing-it doesn't melt very easily and is hydrophobic so this may help you a little.

Pretty sure it's not Zing-it. It does melt. In fact it burns. I guess I'll just have to try and see if it works. I can use the yellow and blue poly for a tow or mooring line for my kayak.

**pgibson** · 07-17-2018, 10:56

100% that's not ropes we generally use for hammocks. Looks to be some type of plastic braid...probably polypropylene. The ropes we use like zing it, amsteel and the sort are made up of much finer fibers than shown in your pictures. When splayed out like you have you will see the fibers more of each strand.

**Seadug** · 07-17-2018, 11:07

The first 2 pieces look like the twine I used mending nets back in my commercial fishing days. It came in sizes ranging from 2-12mm. It would melt and it would also burn. There was also a core made of straight strands on all but the smallest sizes. We always just called it poly. It should stretch some and be susceptible to sun dammage. If it found its way to your house from a fishing boat that could explain the smell.