Rope Break Load Reference Tables
Rope Break Load Reference Tables
This page provides break load data for all standard rope types stocked by Marine Ropes. Break loads shown are minimum break loads for new, dry rope. All data sourced from manufacturer test certificates.
Important: Working Load Limit (WLL) is typically calculated as Break Load divided by a Safety Factor. For rope, a safety factor of 5:1 is commonly used (divide break load by 5). Always consult your site safety officer or engineer for the correct safety factor for your application.
3-Strand Nylon (Polyamide)
High elasticity (up to 35% elongation). Loses approximately 10% strength when wet. Sinks. Best for: shock-absorbing mooring, anchor warps, towing, kinetic recovery.
| Diameter | Break Load (kg) | Weight/220m (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 750 | 5.2 |
| 8mm | 1,350 | 9.3 |
| 10mm | 2,080 | 14.3 |
| 12mm | 3,000 | 20.6 |
| 14mm | 4,100 | 28 |
| 16mm | 5,300 | 36.5 |
| 18mm | 6,700 | 46 |
| 20mm | 8,300 | 57 |
| 22mm | 10,000 | 69 |
| 24mm | 12,000 | 82 |
| 26mm | 13,900 | 97 |
| 28mm | 15,800 | 112 |
| 30mm | 17,900 | 129 |
| 32mm | 20,000 | 146 |
| 36mm | 24,800 | 184 |
| 38mm | 27,400 | 206 |
| 40mm | 30,000 | 228 |
| 42mm | 33,075 | 252 |
| 44mm | 36,300 | 276 |
| 46mm | 39,670 | 302 |
3-Strand Polyester
Low stretch (12-18% elongation). Full strength when wet. Excellent UV and abrasion resistance. Sinks. Best for: permanent moorings, running rigging, towing.
| Diameter | Break Load (kg) | Weight/220m (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 850 | 6.1 |
| 8mm | 1,500 | 10.9 |
| 10mm | 2,300 | 16.7 |
| 12mm | 3,400 | 24.1 |
| 14mm | 4,600 | 32.8 |
| 16mm | 5,900 | 42.7 |
| 18mm | 7,500 | 54 |
| 20mm | 9,300 | 66.7 |
| 22mm | 11,300 | 80.7 |
| 24mm | 13,400 | 96 |
| 26mm | 15,600 | 113 |
| 28mm | 17,600 | 131 |
| 30mm | 20,300 | 151 |
| 32mm | 22,000 | 171 |
| 36mm | 28,400 | 216 |
| 38mm | 31,200 | 241 |
| 40mm | 34,200 | 267 |
| 42mm | 37,400 | 294 |
| 44mm | 40,800 | 323 |
| 46mm | 46,270 | 353 |
3-Strand Polysteel
Floats (SG 0.93). Good UV resistance. 3x stronger than manila. Best for: general purpose mooring, fishing, agriculture, aquaculture.
| Diameter | Break Load (kg) | Weight/220m (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 550 | 3.8 |
| 8mm | 950 | 6.5 |
| 10mm | 1,480 | 10.2 |
| 12mm | 2,100 | 14.5 |
| 14mm | 2,820 | 19.7 |
| 16mm | 3,600 | 25.4 |
| 18mm | 4,600 | 32 |
| 20mm | 5,600 | 39.3 |
| 22mm | 6,800 | 48 |
| 24mm | 8,000 | 57 |
| 26mm | 9,500 | 67 |
| 28mm | 10,600 | 77 |
| 30mm | 12,400 | 89 |
| 32mm | 13,600 | 101 |
| 36mm | 17,200 | 128 |
| 38mm | 18,900 | 143 |
| 40mm | 20,400 | 158 |
| 42mm | 22,400 | 174 |
| 44mm | 24,700 | 191 |
| 46mm | 27,000 | 209 |
8-Strand Nylon (Heavy Duty)
Low torque braided construction. Same elasticity as 3-strand. Available up to 120mm. Best for: heavy-duty mooring, towing hawsers, large vessel berths.
| Diameter | Break Load (kg) | Weight/220m (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 12mm | 3,000 | 20 |
| 16mm | 4,800 | 35 |
| 20mm | 7,400 | 55 |
| 24mm | 11,200 | 79 |
| 28mm | 14,400 | 108 |
| 32mm | 18,800 | 141 |
| 36mm | 23,400 | 178 |
| 40mm | 30,000 | 220 |
| 48mm | 42,000 | 317 |
| 56mm | 55,400 | 431 |
| 64mm | 68,000 | 563 |
| 72mm | 78,500 | 713 |
| 80mm | 99,400 | 880 |
| 88mm | 115,000 | 1,030 |
| 96mm | 130,000 | 1,266 |
| 100mm | 150,000 | 1,373 |
| 120mm | 235,800 | 1,030 |
8-Strand Polysteel (Heavy Duty)
Heavy-duty floating braid. Round, low-torque profile. Best for: large vessel mooring, commercial fishing, port operations.
| Diameter | Break Load (kg) | Weight/220m (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 32mm | 17,500 | 101 |
| 36mm | 20,800 | 128 |
| 40mm | 24,800 | 158 |
| 44mm | 30,500 | 191 |
| 48mm | 36,800 | 228 |
| 52mm | 42,000 | 267 |
| 56mm | 49,200 | 310 |
| 60mm | 56,600 | 356 |
| 64mm | 62,800 | 405 |
| 72mm | 71,200 | 512 |
| 80mm | 85,500 | 633 |
| 88mm | 105,000 | 766 |
| 96mm | 125,000 | 911 |
| 100mm | 144,600 | 999 |
12-Strand Nylon
Finer braid, approximately 10% higher break loads than 8-strand at same diameter. Superior handling. Best for: mid-range mooring, applications requiring good handling.
| Diameter | Break Load (kg) | Weight/220m (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm | 1,485 | 8.8 |
| 10mm | 2,310 | 13.6 |
| 12mm | 3,300 | 19.4 |
| 14mm | 4,480 | 26.8 |
| 16mm | 5,850 | 35.2 |
| 18mm | 7,200 | 44 |
| 20mm | 8,300 | 55 |
| 22mm | 10,200 | 66 |
| 24mm | 12,200 | 79 |
| 28mm | 16,600 | 108 |
| 32mm | 20,800 | 141 |
| 36mm | 26,600 | 178 |
| 40mm | 32,500 | 220 |
| 44mm | 39,600 | 266 |
| 48mm | 46,800 | 317 |
| 52mm | 54,200 | 372 |
| 56mm | 61,600 | 431 |
Quick Comparison at Common Diameters
Side-by-side break loads (kg) for the most commonly requested diameters:
| Diameter | 3-Strand Nylon | 3-Strand Polyester | 3-Strand Polysteel | 8-Strand Nylon | 12-Strand Nylon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12mm | 3,000 | 3,400 | 2,100 | 3,000 | 3,300 |
| 16mm | 5,300 | 5,900 | 3,600 | 4,800 | 5,850 |
| 20mm | 8,300 | 9,300 | 5,600 | 7,400 | 8,300 |
| 24mm | 12,000 | 13,400 | 8,000 | 11,200 | 12,200 |
| 32mm | 20,000 | 22,000 | 13,600 | 18,800 | 20,800 |
| 40mm | 30,000 | 34,200 | 20,400 | 30,000 | 32,500 |
Understanding the Data
Break Load is the force at which the rope will fail when tested to destruction. It is NOT the working load. To determine the safe Working Load Limit (WLL), divide the break load by an appropriate safety factor.
Common safety factors for rope:
General purpose use: 5:1 (divide break load by 5)
Mooring lines: 3:1 to 5:1 depending on application and classification society requirements
Lifting with fibre rope: 7:1 minimum
Personnel safety lines: 10:1 minimum
For specific load calculations or product selection, contact our technical team at +264 83 728 9300 or salesdesk@marine-ropes.com.
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