Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. And he has a new best-of writing collection and “lazy man’s memoir,” called Borg Like Me.
Seems like a lot of work, but it’s actually amazing how much rope you get from a single plastic bag. I love that his young son is directing the video. Cute.
11 thoughts on “HOW TO – Make rope from plastic bags”
Bob Hospelssays:
Very nice! I’m going to try one!
Mattsays:
You never know when you are going to have to make cordage/rope. Very nice skill to know. Thank you!
cyenobite2says:
just another compliment on this one. Nice vid, and thanks for posting. Hmm, looks like a good project for someone with a LaZZOR to make some gears and such.
Ericsays:
If you anchor the tail end and let the rope push the spreader towards the winder, you’ll find it makes a fairly tight twist. Watch the tension, too much and you could either break the rope or the winder, too little and the rope will unwind when you remove it. This will allow you to splice several sections together.
cornishbobsays:
I’ve made similar stuff myself and find it works even better if you stagger the knots, you’ve got three lines made with the same size “loop” of plastic, tie them on to the spinning hooks at different increments along the first loop of each to the three lines when stretched out don’t have three knots all in the same place. its not such an issue when you’re not working with uniform sections but when you are it makes the rope more consistent without having all the knots together all the way along.
rentarlsays:
I’ve done this in the past with the scouts, but I tried the plastic bags last night with a group of 9 years old Cub Scouts and it really got them thinking about what else they could recycle into rope.
nike tnsays:
Can anyone you should show me the best way to [url=http://jalpy.com/developpement/airmaxpascher/]nike tn[/url] eliminate the exercise food list from your elgg page along with edit the my own and good friends web page ?nternet site have to [url=http://jalpy.com/developpement/airmaxpascher/]nike tn[/url] have. I wish to [url=http://jalpy.com/developpement/airmaxpascher/]nike tn[/url] alter the file format of the present while commented on the image Good internet site this is, There are bookmarked as their favorite it within my internet explorer, many thanks.
nike air max 90 pas chersays:
have a look at thesixtyone. com really MEANS much better than half these websites.
[url=http://www.cheval-toulouse.com/content/nikemaxpascher/]nike air max 90 pas cher[/url]
chaussures nike pas chersays:
i assumed ipad device could have several excellent capabilities!!! nevertheless with a lack of a lot more key issues!! good info girl!!! chaussures nike pas cher
nike tn requin pas chersays:
I use examine several excellent information the following. Absolutely benefit saving to get returning to. My partner and i surprise just how a lot attempt you set to generate this excellent useful site. nike tn requin pas cher
Tim Shortsays:
great idea to use bags, in making rope you usually twist in opposite direction once 3 strands get tight Can make a small crank type handle on the other end . Then as strands get tight use the cross to keep tight and twist the 3 strands together. Makes really strong rope and will not unravel. You can add in some string as you make it to make it even better. Only down side with bags is they are made to degrade and will do so quickly if left in sun light. But makes great project for scouts at camp to be used for a week or so. I am trying making string from plastic bottles and will see if I can add that to make rope…kEEP ON MAKING!!
Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. And he has a new best-of writing collection and “lazy man’s memoir,” called Borg Like Me.
Our websites use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Some of these are essential for the basic functionalities of our websites. In addition, we use third-party cookies to help us analyze and understand usage. These will be stored in your browser only with your consent and you have the option to opt-out. Your choice here will be recorded for all Make.co Websites.
Allow Non-Necessary Cookies
Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!
Very nice! I’m going to try one!
You never know when you are going to have to make cordage/rope. Very nice skill to know. Thank you!
just another compliment on this one. Nice vid, and thanks for posting. Hmm, looks like a good project for someone with a LaZZOR to make some gears and such.
If you anchor the tail end and let the rope push the spreader towards the winder, you’ll find it makes a fairly tight twist. Watch the tension, too much and you could either break the rope or the winder, too little and the rope will unwind when you remove it. This will allow you to splice several sections together.
I’ve made similar stuff myself and find it works even better if you stagger the knots, you’ve got three lines made with the same size “loop” of plastic, tie them on to the spinning hooks at different increments along the first loop of each to the three lines when stretched out don’t have three knots all in the same place. its not such an issue when you’re not working with uniform sections but when you are it makes the rope more consistent without having all the knots together all the way along.
I’ve done this in the past with the scouts, but I tried the plastic bags last night with a group of 9 years old Cub Scouts and it really got them thinking about what else they could recycle into rope.
Can anyone you should show me the best way to [url=http://jalpy.com/developpement/airmaxpascher/]nike tn[/url] eliminate the exercise food list from your elgg page along with edit the my own and good friends web page ?nternet site have to [url=http://jalpy.com/developpement/airmaxpascher/]nike tn[/url] have. I wish to [url=http://jalpy.com/developpement/airmaxpascher/]nike tn[/url] alter the file format of the present while commented on the image Good internet site this is, There are bookmarked as their favorite it within my internet explorer, many thanks.
have a look at thesixtyone. com really MEANS much better than half these websites.
[url=http://www.cheval-toulouse.com/content/nikemaxpascher/]nike air max 90 pas cher[/url]
i assumed ipad device could have several excellent capabilities!!! nevertheless with a lack of a lot more key issues!! good info girl!!!
chaussures nike pas cher
I use examine several excellent information the following. Absolutely benefit saving to get returning to. My partner and i surprise just how a lot attempt you set to generate this excellent useful site.
nike tn requin pas cher
great idea to use bags, in making rope you usually twist in opposite direction once 3 strands get tight Can make a small crank type handle on the other end . Then as strands get tight use the cross to keep tight and twist the 3 strands together. Makes really strong rope and will not unravel. You can add in some string as you make it to make it even better. Only down side with bags is they are made to degrade and will do so quickly if left in sun light. But makes great project for scouts at camp to be used for a week or so. I am trying making string from plastic bottles and will see if I can add that to make rope…kEEP ON MAKING!!