The more you use rope, the more it frays. Here’s how to make one of the most important tools in Scouting last a little longer.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Frayed rope
  • At least 10 inches of string, dental floss or thin twine
  • Scissors
  • A lighter, match or candle

HOW TO WHIP THE END OF A ROPE

For natural-fiber rope like sisal or cotton, you’ll whip the rope.

1. Cut off the part of the rope that is unraveling.

2. Cut a piece of strong string, dental floss or thin twine at least 8-10 inches long. Make a loop and place it on one end of the rope.

3. Wrap the string tightly around the rope several times.

4. When the whipping is as wide as the rope is thick, slip the end through the loop.

5. Pull the string ends tightly and cut them off.

HOW TO FUSE THE END OF A ROPE

For synthetic materials like nylon, fuse the rope. Rope and cord made from plastic or nylon will melt when exposed to high heat.

1. Cut away the frayed part of the rope.

2. Working in a well-ventilated area, hold each end of the rope a few inches above a lighter, match or candle to melt and fuse the strands together.

3. Let it cool off for a few minutes. Be careful: Melted nylon is hot and sticky, so don’t touch the end until it’s completely cool.

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