24-Strand
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Premium 24-Strand Braided Rope
24-Strand braided rope combines exceptional strength with superior handling characteristics in a versatile single-braid construction. Featuring twenty-four individual strands woven in a dense, uniform pattern, this rope delivers excellent flexibility, smooth running, and reliable performance for arborist, industrial, and marine applications. US Rigging offers high-quality 24-strand ropes engineered for professionals who need dependable performance in demanding work environments.
What is 24-Strand Rope?
24-Strand rope is a single-braid construction featuring twenty-four individual strands interwoven in a tight, uniform braiding pattern. This high strand count creates a rope that is exceptionally round, smooth, and flexible while maintaining excellent strength characteristics. The dense braid pattern provides superior abrasion resistance and consistent performance, making 24-strand rope particularly popular in arborist and tree care applications where flexibility and durability are essential.
Key Characteristics of 24-Strand Construction
- Exceptionally Round: Dense braid creates perfectly round cross-section
- Superior Flexibility: Highly pliable and easy to handle and knot
- Smooth Running: Glides easily through friction devices and pulleys
- Excellent Abrasion Resistance: High strand count distributes wear evenly
- Torque-Free: Minimal rotation under load
- Consistent Performance: Uniform construction ensures predictable behavior
- Easy to Inspect: Wear patterns are visible on surface
- Versatile: Suitable for wide range of professional applications
24-Strand Rope Materials
We offer 24-strand rope in various high-performance synthetic materials:
24-Strand Polyester Rope
24-Strand polyester rope is the workhorse of arborist and tree care operations. It offers excellent UV resistance, low stretch, superior abrasion resistance, and maintains its strength when wet. The 24-strand construction provides exceptional flexibility for knotting and handling while delivering reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Excellent UV and weather resistance
- Low stretch for good control (8-12% elongation)
- Superior abrasion resistance
- Maintains strength when wet
- Easy to knot and handle
- Chemical resistant
- Ideal for arborist climbing and rigging
- Perfect for tree care operations
24-Strand Nylon Rope
24-Strand nylon rope combines the flexibility of 24-strand construction with nylon's exceptional strength and elasticity. Its shock-absorbing properties make it ideal for dynamic applications where energy absorption is beneficial, while the dense braid provides excellent handling and durability.
Key Features:
- High strength with excellent elasticity
- Superior shock absorption (15-25% stretch)
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Smooth, flexible handling
- Good resistance to oils and chemicals
- Ideal for dynamic load applications
- Perfect for specialized rigging needs
24-Strand HMPE Rope
24-Strand HMPE rope delivers ultra-high strength in an exceptionally flexible package. While less common than 12 or 16-strand HMPE, the 24-strand construction offers enhanced flexibility and handling for applications where these characteristics are prioritized alongside strength and low stretch.
Key Features:
- Extremely high strength-to-weight ratio
- Lightweight and floats on water
- Very low stretch (3-5% elongation)
- Enhanced flexibility compared to lower strand counts
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- UV and chemical resistant
- Ideal for specialized high-performance applications
Common Applications
Arborist & Tree Care
- Climbing lines and lanyards
- Rigging and lowering ropes
- Friction saver systems
- Tree removal operations
- Professional tree climbing
Industrial Rigging
- General rigging applications
- Pulling and hauling
- Material handling
- Utility and maintenance
- Construction rigging
Marine Applications
- General purpose lines
- Dock and mooring lines
- Utility and deck lines
- Fender lines
- General boat rigging
Rescue & Safety
- Rescue operations
- Safety lines
- Rappelling and descent
- Technical rescue rigging
- Emergency response
Why Arborists Choose 24-Strand Rope
24-Strand rope has become the standard in professional arboriculture for several compelling reasons:
- Superior Flexibility: The high strand count creates exceptional flexibility, making it easy to tie knots, work with friction hitches, and handle throughout the workday
- Excellent Grip: The dense braid provides good grip for climbing and handling, even when wearing gloves
- Smooth Through Devices: Runs smoothly through friction devices, pulleys, and rigging equipment
- Durable Construction: High strand count distributes wear over more surface area, extending rope life
- Consistent Performance: Uniform construction ensures predictable behavior in all conditions
- Easy Inspection: Surface wear is visible, making safety inspections straightforward
- Versatile: Works well for both climbing and rigging applications
- Proven Track Record: Decades of use in professional tree care demonstrate reliability
Advantages of 24-Strand Rope
- Exceptional Flexibility: Highly pliable for easy knotting and handling
- Round Cross-Section: Perfectly round shape for consistent performance
- Smooth Running: Glides easily through friction devices and pulleys
- Excellent Abrasion Resistance: Dense braid distributes wear evenly
- Easy to Handle: Comfortable to grip and work with all day
- Torque-Free: Minimal rotation under load
- Versatile: Suitable for climbing, rigging, and general use
- Durable: Long service life with proper care
- Easy to Inspect: Wear patterns visible on surface
- Proven Design: Industry-standard construction
24-Strand vs. Other Rope Constructions
24-Strand vs. 16-Strand Rope
24-Strand Advantages: More flexible, easier to knot, better grip, rounder cross-section, preferred for arborist work
16-Strand Advantages: Lower stretch, smoother running, lighter weight, better for high-performance applications
Best Use: Choose 24-strand for arborist/tree care; 16-strand for racing and high-performance rigging
24-Strand vs. 12-Strand Rope
24-Strand Advantages: More flexible, rounder, better abrasion resistance, easier to handle and knot
12-Strand Advantages: Easier to splice, adequate for most applications, often more economical
Best Use: Choose 24-strand for arborist work and applications requiring maximum flexibility
24-Strand vs. Double Braid Rope
24-Strand Advantages: More flexible, easier to inspect, homogeneous construction, better for knotting
Double Braid Advantages: Easier to splice, protective cover, better for general marine use
Best Use: Choose 24-strand for arborist work; double braid for marine and general rigging
Working with 24-Strand Rope
Knotting & Hitches
24-Strand rope excels with friction hitches and climbing knots commonly used in arboriculture:
- Friction Hitches: Blake's hitch, Tautline hitch, Prusik, Distel, Valdotain Tresse (VT)
- Climbing Knots: Figure-8, Bowline, Running bowline, Clove hitch
- Rigging Knots: Timber hitch, Running bowline, Munter hitch, Anchor bend
- Stopper Knots: Figure-8, Double overhand, Ashley stopper
The flexibility of 24-strand construction makes these knots easy to tie and adjust while maintaining good holding power.
Splicing
While 24-strand rope can be spliced, the high strand count makes splicing more complex than lower strand count ropes. Eye splices are possible but require patience and practice. Many arborists prefer using knots or mechanical terminations with 24-strand rope due to the complexity of splicing.
Care & Maintenance
- Inspect before each use for cuts, abrasion, glazing, or damage
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly
- Dry completely before storage, away from direct sunlight
- Store in cool, dry location away from chemicals and sharp objects
- Avoid stepping on rope or dragging over rough surfaces
- Retire rope showing significant wear, damage, or after a fall arrest
- Keep detailed usage logs for professional applications
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for retirement criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 24-strand rope so popular with arborists?
24-Strand rope offers the ideal combination of flexibility, durability, and handling characteristics for tree climbing and rigging. The high strand count creates exceptional flexibility for tying friction hitches and knots, while the dense braid provides excellent abrasion resistance and a comfortable grip. It runs smoothly through friction devices and has become the industry standard for professional arboriculture.
What diameter 24-strand rope should I use for tree climbing?
Most professional arborists use 11mm to 13mm (7/16" to 1/2") diameter 24-strand rope for climbing lines. This size range provides an excellent balance of strength, flexibility, and compatibility with friction hitches and climbing devices. Rigging lines are typically larger, ranging from 1/2" to 3/4" or more depending on load requirements.
How long does 24-strand arborist rope last?
Lifespan depends on usage intensity, care, and working conditions. With proper care and moderate use, a climbing line might last 1-3 years. Heavy professional use may require replacement within months. Always inspect before each use and retire rope showing significant wear, cuts, glazing, or after a fall arrest. Follow manufacturer retirement criteria and keep usage logs.
Can I use 24-strand rope for rappelling or rescue work?
Yes, 24-strand rope is suitable for rappelling and rescue operations when properly rated and certified for these applications. Ensure the rope meets relevant safety standards (ANSI, NFPA, EN) for your specific use. Always use appropriate friction devices and follow proper techniques. Inspect thoroughly before and after each use.
Should I choose polyester or nylon 24-strand rope?
For arborist climbing and rigging, polyester is generally preferred due to its low stretch, excellent UV resistance, and ability to maintain strength when wet. Choose nylon if you need more elasticity for shock absorption in specific applications. Polyester's dimensional stability makes it better for most tree care operations.
Professional-Grade 24-Strand Rope from US Rigging
US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving arborists, tree care professionals, and rigging specialists, we offer premium 24-strand rope from trusted manufacturers.
Our 24-strand rope collection includes high-quality polyester, nylon, and HMPE options in various diameters and lengths. Whether you need climbing lines for professional tree care, rigging ropes for heavy-duty operations, or versatile rope for industrial applications, we have the expertise and inventory to meet your needs.
Browse our 24-strand rope selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert advice. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade rope solutions that deliver the flexibility, durability, and performance you depend on.