Size vs Diameter of Cordage

Hi,

I'm having a bit of trouble resolving the various sizes of different types
of cordage into its actual diameter. Depending on what source I look at, I
find references to thread, twine, string, cord, rope, etc., which may be
sized by giving a number (#), a diameter (in either inches or mm), a weight
(which has something to do with the number of yarns and strands/plies), or a
weight that specifies its "test" (force at which it breaks), not to mention
unique manufactures' ID numbers. Some of the size specifiers go "down" as
the "diameter" goes up, and visa-versa. Can anyone recommend a site, or
sites, that can shed a little light on the sizes of the different [basic]
types of cordage in conjunction with their diameter.

Thanks,

-Don

What I learned is that the # is not a weight test but it is a thread
count (Example a #120 that is a 3 strand cord is made up of 3 strands
that are in turn made up of 40 threads per strand)
the only trouble is there is no standard size of thread so a #120 from
one manufacturer might use a thinner thread than another manufacturer
so even though the thread count is the same the finished product can be
larger in diameter or smaller in diameter. So sometimes one companys
#96 might be the same size as a different companies #120 just because
of the thread size.


I hope I helped

Marty

www.knotstuff.com





Donald Watland wrote:
Hi,

I'm having a bit of trouble resolving the various sizes of different types
of cordage into its actual diameter. Depending on what source I look at, I
find references to thread, twine, string, cord, rope, etc., which may be
sized by giving a number (#), a diameter (in either inches or mm), a weight
(which has something to do with the number of yarns and strands/plies), or a
weight that specifies its "test" (force at which it breaks), not to mention
unique manufactures' ID numbers. Some of the size specifiers go "down" as
the "diameter" goes up, and visa-versa. Can anyone recommend a site, or
sites, that can shed a little light on the sizes of the different [basic]
types of cordage in conjunction with their diameter.

Thanks,

-Don