Is this amsteel?

**Jimswms** · 02-09-2021, 13:08

I can't remember where I got this, but I'm almost positive it's amsteel. Looks like amsteel. Is there a way to be sure so I don't crack my head?

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**Shug** · 02-09-2021, 13:10

Sure looks like amsteel. Should be splice-able.
Shug

**rweb82** · 02-09-2021, 13:41

[How to test if it's Amsteel]

Did you crack your head?

"Yes." It's not Amsteel

"No." It's Amsteel

In all seriousness, it definitely looks like Amsteel. If it feels kinda slick, then it most certainly is Amsteel.

**knightshade** · 02-09-2021, 14:05

Sacrifice a few inches on one end and make a cut....
You should be able to tell if the fibers are amsteel

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**Jimswms** · 02-09-2021, 15:46

Thanks all. I don't know what I'm looking at, but it looks to be 8 strands.

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**rweb82** · 02-09-2021, 16:06

That is definitely Amsteel.

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**nanok** · 02-09-2021, 19:45

uhmwpe (dyneema, what amsteel is made of) has much lower melting point than the other common synthetic fibers. if you try to melt it with a lighter, it will not behave at all like paracord for instance, it will not seal very well (it seems to decompose with the excessive heat the flame provides, instead of melt nicely). you will be able to tell easily.
another characteristic is the weight: it is much lighter than nylon and polyester, and you don't have to weigh it, it so happens it is light enough that it floats in water, so easy to test.

the only common synthetic fiber which might trick you is PP (polypropylene), which is also light (and floats) and has a low melting point. it is much inferior in tensile strength to all the others though, whereas uhmwpe is far superior to all others, so should be easy to break in a test. dyneema, you should not be able to break with your own weight even in just a 1mm thick strand.

test it, learn something about it in the process. don't go by looks, besides, where's the fun in that? experiment (safely).

**Jimswms** · 02-09-2021, 20:39

Originally Posted by nanok

uhmwpe (dyneema, what amsteel is made of) has much lower melting point than the other common synthetic fibers. if you try to melt it with a lighter, it will not behave at all like paracord for instance, it will not seal very well (it seems to decompose with the excessive heat the flame provides, instead of melt nicely). you will be able to tell easily.
another characteristic is the weight: it is much lighter than nylon and polyester, and you don't have to weigh it, it so happens it is light enough that it floats in water, so easy to test.

the only common synthetic fiber which might trick you is PP (polypropylene), which is also light (and floats) and has a low melting point. it is much inferior in tensile strength to all the others though, whereas uhmwpe is far superior to all others, so should be easy to break in a test. dyneema, you should not be able to break with your own weight even in just a 1mm thick strand.

test it, learn something about it in the process. don't go by looks, besides, where's the fun in that? experiment (safely).

great info. Thanks

**Jimswms** · 02-11-2021, 08:25

Alright on to the next question.
I'd like to make a couple dog bones at the correct length for quick, occasional, insomniatic (is that a word?) hangs around 2:00am in my shop. Not a long term situation.

I understand that knots degrade the strength of amsteel, but in this case, I'm thinking it should be fine. Yes, it's a good opportunity to learn how to splice, and I might get around to it. Someday...

Thoughts?

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