How to Assemble an Insertion & Extraction Rope

An insertion-extraction rope, or fast rope, is a thick braided cable of static rope designed to quickly deploy soldiers and emergency workers from helicopters. It is thick and stiff, which keeps it from kinking or lashing when it is deployed. The thickness and heavily braided surface make it ideal for sliding down using padded gloves, and it makes a strong climbing rope. An insertion-extraction rope can be braided from any static rope using a four-strand round braid.

Things You'll Need

  • 7/16-inch static rope
  • Shears
  • Electrical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure out eight equal lengths of rope 1.5 times the desired length of the finished rope. Bind the ends of the ropes together in pairs using electrical tape. Bind the ends of all four pairs together using electrical tape. Separate the rope out by pairs.

    • 2

      Wrap one rope pair behind two of the other pairs. Continue to wrap the pair around the front of the bundle. Lay the remaining pair over the front of the bundle.

    • 3

      Wrap the remaining pair behind the original pair and the pair next to the original. Continue to wrap the pair around the front of the bundle. Lay the remaining pair over the front of the bundle.

    • 4

      Continue to braid each pair in turn using the same two-behind, one-in-front pattern until you get to the end of the rope. Secure the end of the bundle using electrical tape.