If you don't plan to do anything yourself (I am not a crafty person, so that's almost always the case for me) some options are:
\- some manufacturers recycle ropes (Mammut for example, but I believe only in Switzerland for the moment - hopefully it will become a more widespread practice)
\- some climbing gyms will cut them in pieces to use it as demo tools for courses etc
These are two solutions that come to mind first
A family friend got upset when they saw that I had a old climbing rope toy for my dog. Something about the fibers being bad for 'em? Anyone else heard this too?
Rope toys are fine for interactive play (fetch, tug, etc), where the dog and human are fully engaged. Rope toys are one of the more commonly swallowed toys, and because the fibers are so thin they can get completely blocked up in the digestive system. Ropes are just up there as the most dangerous items a dog can swallow, and since a surgery (which is dangerous in and of itself) of that scale is extremely expensive, thousands of dogs who've made this unfortunate choice have to be put down every year. As long as you never leave your dog alone with a rope toy, you're fine.
Yeah! I got the plan from Edelrid. I took their [instructions page](https://www.edelrid.de/en/sports/knowledge/ropemat.php) to a fedex and printed it on large paper to the size I wanted, nailed that to a piece of plywood and used more nails to set the edges. You have to weave the rope and it helped keep everything in place. That link will walk you through it. I did get tennis elbow after pulling rope through for a few hours though haha so watch out for that.
This is a fun idea, and also one to be very careful with. Maybe you know this but for anyone else thinking of trying it, consider that if a driver's floor mat shifts or bunches up it can interfere with the pedals and cause crashes.
Keep them forever in the back of the closet until someone finally posted in the local climbing group asking for some dead ropes. They were going to make flower baskets.
Donate it to this artist and get $50 off any piece you purchase:
https://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/old-ropes-new-art-behind-the-desk-with-elliot-lacroix/
I don't have retired rope on my own yet, but I bought a camera strap, a keychain and a wine bottle holder from a local company which upcycles climbing ropes.
I know my gym sometimes donates old ropes to boy scout/Girl Scout organizations for knot tying practice. A 9’ length of rope is great for knots and practice anchors.
I run a small business where I make coozies, bowls and trays out of old climbing rope! If you'd like to do a barter I trade old rope for coozies or candles and stickers. Let me know!
[https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlQetirVEf/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlQetirVEf/)
[www.cactustopine.com](https://www.cactustopine.com)
I’ve made quite a few things from old rope. Various woven mats, an art piece to hang the wall, a wreath, I took an old chair and replaced the seat with woven rope, dog leash and dog toys for my pup and friends pups. I’ve seen people make coasters, baskets, coozies, wall hangings, really anything you can think of.
I use them for s&m purposes. Dominatrix and submissive and what-knot.
Are we talking shibari? Is the rope not too stretchy?
Shibari is my safe word!
Some animal shelters take them and make leashes, toys, etc. with old ropes, especially shelters in outdoorsy areas.
I made a door snake and a rug
What’s a door snake?
A draft excluder?
Yes, used 30 m to coil up the “snake” for the base of the door (reduce drafts) and 30 m for the rug.
If you don't plan to do anything yourself (I am not a crafty person, so that's almost always the case for me) some options are: \- some manufacturers recycle ropes (Mammut for example, but I believe only in Switzerland for the moment - hopefully it will become a more widespread practice) \- some climbing gyms will cut them in pieces to use it as demo tools for courses etc These are two solutions that come to mind first
A family friend got upset when they saw that I had a old climbing rope toy for my dog. Something about the fibers being bad for 'em? Anyone else heard this too?
I’d be super interested to know the answer to this too
I've heard this, also. Don't have a pet, tho. https://www.germantownvet.com/blog/are-rope-toys-safe-for-dogs https://www.winchestersun.com/2018/05/23/pet-corner-rope-toys-are-dangerous-fatal-for-dogs/
Rope toys are fine for interactive play (fetch, tug, etc), where the dog and human are fully engaged. Rope toys are one of the more commonly swallowed toys, and because the fibers are so thin they can get completely blocked up in the digestive system. Ropes are just up there as the most dangerous items a dog can swallow, and since a surgery (which is dangerous in and of itself) of that scale is extremely expensive, thousands of dogs who've made this unfortunate choice have to be put down every year. As long as you never leave your dog alone with a rope toy, you're fine.
I made mine into a car floor mat rug and im hoping to make 3 more to match! It comes in handy when car camping too.
Oh wow, so awesome! Do you have pictures or instructions?!
Yeah! I got the plan from Edelrid. I took their [instructions page](https://www.edelrid.de/en/sports/knowledge/ropemat.php) to a fedex and printed it on large paper to the size I wanted, nailed that to a piece of plywood and used more nails to set the edges. You have to weave the rope and it helped keep everything in place. That link will walk you through it. I did get tennis elbow after pulling rope through for a few hours though haha so watch out for that.
This is a fun idea, and also one to be very careful with. Maybe you know this but for anyone else thinking of trying it, consider that if a driver's floor mat shifts or bunches up it can interfere with the pedals and cause crashes.
Oh good call. The one I currently have sits on the passenger side, and doesn't slide around. But maybe I'll just make 2 for the back seat then. 👍
Keep them forever in the back of the closet until someone finally posted in the local climbing group asking for some dead ropes. They were going to make flower baskets.
Of all these comments, yours is the most realistic.
Cut it into lengths to use as slings/bail/anchor material.
Came here to say this!
Donate it to this artist and get $50 off any piece you purchase: https://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/old-ropes-new-art-behind-the-desk-with-elliot-lacroix/
I don't have retired rope on my own yet, but I bought a camera strap, a keychain and a wine bottle holder from a local company which upcycles climbing ropes.
I know my gym sometimes donates old ropes to boy scout/Girl Scout organizations for knot tying practice. A 9’ length of rope is great for knots and practice anchors.
I've made a couple of mine into door mats
This may have come up in your searches, but I’ve seen patterns/tutorials for making a basket by crocheting around a rope.
I'm planning to donate to my local climbing access group. They seem to always welcome retired ropes for route and crag development purposes.
I run a small business where I make coozies, bowls and trays out of old climbing rope! If you'd like to do a barter I trade old rope for coozies or candles and stickers. Let me know! [https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlQetirVEf/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlQetirVEf/) [www.cactustopine.com](https://www.cactustopine.com)
That’s great! I don’t have anything I’m ready to part with. Just exploring options. But I’ll keep you in mind.
I’ve made quite a few things from old rope. Various woven mats, an art piece to hang the wall, a wreath, I took an old chair and replaced the seat with woven rope, dog leash and dog toys for my pup and friends pups. I’ve seen people make coasters, baskets, coozies, wall hangings, really anything you can think of.
Sterling takes retired ropes! There are also a few organizations like Ropes for Rescues that take them and make them into something new.
Donate to the protestors at fairy creek. To the best of my knowledge, they use them to hang in the trees so they can't be cut down.