HMPE Ropes
Holloway Houston offers a diverse range of HMPE (High-Modulus Polyethylene) rope options, specifically designed for industries requiring strong, lightweight, and durable synthetic rope. Our team supports projects across various sectors, including offshore drilling, shipping, tug and barge operations, aviation, mining, and more. With extensive industry knowledge, we assist customers in selecting the ideal HMPE rope for their specific applications and provide fabrication services for custom sizes and configurations. HMPE rope is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a material renowned for its strength while remaining lightweight. Compared to steel wire rope, HMPE rope can be up to eight times stronger by weight, yet it weighs about half as much.
At Holloway Houston, we supply HMPE rope from trusted global brands known for their performance and quality. Our current offerings include high-strength rope from Cortland and DSR, both recognized leaders in synthetic rope manufacturing. Cortland’s Plasma 12 Strand rope has high-modulus polyethylene fibers and proprietary enhancement processes to deliver strength, flexibility, and fatigue resistance for critical lifting and towing tasks. DSR also produces a wide selection of HMPE rope for industrial and marine use, offering solutions that balance strength, safety, and lightweight handling. These brands support our commitment to supplying dependable synthetic lifting gear for offshore, marine, mining, and energy operations.
Key Features of HMPE Rope:
High strength-to-weight ratio
Low stretch during use
Tough against chemicals and oils
Handles sunlight exposure
Resists cuts and surface wear
Floats on water
Can be handled easily due to its low weight
Where HMPE Rope is Used
Due to its balance of strength and flexibility, HMPE rope is utilized in various industries. It is used for mooring, towing, and lifting work in marine settings. Because it stretches very little under tension, it gives better control while lifting or moving heavy loads. Its resistance to saltwater and UV exposure makes it suitable for long-term use on water.
HMPE rope is preferred for moving heavy loads in construction and mining industries due to its ease of carrying and management compared to metal wire rope. Workers often like it because it’s easier on the hands and reduces strain during handling.
Oil and gas operations also use HMPE rope for offshore lifting jobs. It withstands harsh environments, including platforms and vessels exposed to weather, salt, and various chemicals. The rope can also be used for winching, pulling, and positioning loads in the field.
Outside heavy industry, HMPE rope is used in off-road recovery setups like soft shackles and winch lines, where lightweight handling and high strength are important. Its flotation and low stretch make it a good fit for water sports and other outdoor activities, including rescue lines, climbing systems, and adventure.
Rope Construction and Sizes
Holloway Houston supplies HMPE rope in various diameters and constructions. These ropes are built to meet different needs, whether for general rigging, high-capacity lifting, or light pulling. We carry HMPE rope starting from 3/8" in diameter, with options available for larger sizes based on your requirements. Our product line includes basic rope as well as fabricated equipment, such as slings, grommets, soft shackles, and hammerhead slings.
Fabricated Rope Options
HMPE Slings:
These are used for lifting heavy equipment, machinery, or loads in marine, industrial, and energy projects. Due to their lightweight design, fewer crew members can often use them compared to traditional slings.
Soft Shackles:
Made entirely from HMPE rope, soft shackles are used as an alternative to metal shackles. They are strong, lightweight, and safe near fragile or painted surfaces.
Hammerhead Slings:
Designed for heavy lifting where a wide body is needed to distribute load pressure. These slings are marked by color to help crews identify load capacity. The typical design factor is 5:1, in accordance with established industry guidelines.
Rhino Guard Chafe Sleeves:
Our chafe sleeves protect ropes from abrasion and wear, ensuring they remain durable and reliable. Made from HMPE, the strongest synthetic fiber globally, these sleeves offer durability and resistance to cutting and abrasion. They are also UV-resistant and weatherproof, making them suitable for various applications, including construction, industrial, military, marine, and outdoor recreational activities.
Handling and Usage Benefits
HMPE rope does not stretch much under load, helping maintain control during lifting or towing. It is easy to coil, store, and deploy, and unlike steel cable, it doesn’t require heavy tools or gloves to handle.
Its resistance to UV rays and chemicals helps it stay strong over time, even in outdoor or industrial settings. The rope withstands contact with concrete, steel, or rough surfaces.
HMPE rope also floats, making it safer for use in water-based tasks. It is used in towing lines for boats, emergency pull lines, and floating moorings.
Maintenance and Inspection
HMPE rope should be inspected regularly for signs of surface wear, broken fibers, or damage from heat or chemical exposure. If damage is found, some ropes can be repaired. Sections of the rope may be spliced or reworked to restore function.
It is also essential to store HMPE rope in dry, shaded areas when not in use. Avoid storing it near open flames or in places with strong chemical fumes. Clean the rope with water and mild soap to remove dirt or oils.
Usage Guidelines
Proper lifting practices are recommended when using HMPE slings. For a longer service life, a diameter-to-load (D/d) ratio of 3:1 or greater is recommended. Using rounded lifting points or thimbles can reduce wear at contact areas.
Not all lifting setups are supported. For example, choker hitches with sharp angles may reduce performance. Holloway Houston advises against using choker hitches at angles under 120 degrees unless the test values are confirmed. Always match the rope type and size to the task.
Customization and Support
We offer rope fabrication services that allow you to select the rope diameter, length, and end terminations. Our team can help design sling configurations or complete lifting assemblies. Whether for a one-time lift or frequent offshore use, we work with you to match the rope to your project.
All ropes are tagged and labelled for traceability. We also provide product data sheets and usage guides to help with safety planning and crew training.
Why Choose HMPE Rope from Holloway Houston
Choosing HMPE rope from Holloway Houston means accessing high-strength rope products backed by industry support and services. We stock a wide selection of rope and gear that are ready to ship and fabricate according to your needs. Our team collaborates with customers to address challenges in the field and enhance load handling by optimizing material use.
Whether your work involves lifting, towing, mooring, or rigging, HMPE rope can help reduce the weight of your gear while still handling high demands. The rope’s flexibility, strength, and toughness make it a wise choice for today’s field jobs.
Reach out to the Holloway Houston team for help selecting the right rope or to learn more about our HMPE product line. We also offer helpful downloads, such as the HMPE Slings PDF, which provides additional guidance on use and product care.
Visit our website for more information or contact us to request quotes and explore custom rope solutions.
Industries That Rely on Rigging Hardware
Construction and Infrastructure Development
Marine and Shipping
Mining and Heavy Equipment Handling
Transportation and Logistics
Aerospace and Aviation
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