How to Store Rope and Cord

There are simple ways to keep your rope from tangling or becoming ruined while it's not in use. From helpful tips to complex knots and coiling methods, you can find the best way to store your various types of ropes and cords.

One of the best ways to store your rope is in a tote, bag, or other kind of container, so it is off the ground and away from dirt, chemicals, and objects that could cause damage. The cording should be away from fire hazards (i.e. sparks, sources of ignition, embers), bleach, moisture, and acids as well.

Knotting Rope for Storage

Chain Sinnet

1. The first step in knotting the chain sinnet is finding the middle of the rope. (Tip: Start with the two ends together and work your way to the end of the bent rope.)

2. Then, you can start knotting by forming a loop. This is done by passing the rope ends under the rest of the rope.

3. The next step will be repeated until the rest of the chain is completed. To create the links, make a small loop with the non-working part of your rope right next the first loop that was formed, and then push or pull the newly created loop into the first loop.

Note: You want to keep the loops of the chain tight or close together, so the gaps between them aren’t more than 2 inches apart.

4. Continue to make the loops of the chain until there are a few inches left. Push the remaining rope through the last loop to form an easy to undo knot.

When you want to undo the rope, reverse the end knot and then continue to pull the rope so that the created loops come undone.

For a better understanding of how to put together the chain sinnet, here is a video from ITS Tactical.

Figure Eight

The figure eight knot can be used at the end of the rope as a way to hang up already coiled rope and cord, or it can be used as a handle for holding.

1. First, start by laying the rope on a surface that will make it easier to knot.

2. Cross the working end of the rope over the top of the rest, make a swirl or “Q” shape.

3. Once the end is crossed over the rest of the rope, pinch the top of the loop and twist it around one time away from the working end.

4. After that step is complete, pull the working end through the loop by going under then over the upper part of the loop.

5. Finally, pull the ends to tighten the figure eight knot.

Easy Coils for Storage

From simple to more complex coils, there is something that will best match each kind of rope based on its length and diameter. The coil used should allow the rope to be pulled and handled smoothly without the rope forming knots, kinks, or twists.

A basic coil is easy to do, will keep the rope secure, and makes it easy to store. Simply start by wrapping the rope around your hand but not too tight, and then continue to wrap/coil the rope until there's about a foot left. Wrap the excess rope around the coil before tying the end into the wrap. When you want to uncoil the rope, undo the last knot and slowly unravel the coil by pulling on the untied end. 

There's not just one way of storing and coiling rope. Here are a couple others you can try!

Gasket Hitch Coil

1. First, create multiple loops by taking one end and continuously looping the rest of the rope around your hand, and make sure the rope isn’t twisted or going over previous loops.

Note: The size of the loops will depend on the thickness and length of the rope (i.e. longer ropes will need larger loops.)

2. Continue coiling the rope in your hand until there is about 2 feet left. This will be used to wrap around the rest of your rope.

3. Wrap the extra rope around the center of the already coiled rope about 4-5 times.

4. Make sure the middle wraps stay in place while creating a small loop with the extra rope by pinching it together.

5. Take that end loop and go under the loop of the coiled rope that is bound by the middle wrap.

6. Then, move the end loop over the loop of the coiled rope.

7. Slide the end loop into place and tighten it’s hold to secure the gasket coil into place.

You can follow the video from Self Made Sailor as well to easily put together the gasket hitch coil.

Flemish Flake Coil

Flemish flake coil is better for large ropes that won’t easily move.

1. Start by placing one end of the rope in the place you want the coiled rope to be.

2. From there you can start moving the end in a circle so that the rest of the rope begins to coil around it.

3. Once the coil is started, it might be easier to lay your hand flat on the coil and spin the rope with the palm of your hand.

4. Finally, you can go back and tighten the coil more by continuing to rotate it.

When grabbing the rope for use, make sure to start in the center so that the rope is being uncoiled from the inside out. This will help it from becoming tangled.