Toilet paper rope strenght test

Slightly twisted paper = 2 kg-f
Tightly twisted paper = 8 kg-f

Why is there such a difference?
These are not loose, long fibers.

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Rope made from 1 1/2 rolls of single ply cheap toilet paper.
Strength test 2… 190kg-f

Tool and method

Slightly twisted paper rope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNMwH30Euc8&feature=related

Struktor

Hi struktor,

thanks for these videos. I watch them all and in the first one I believe I saw that the two methods of making the “rope” were different in that the second was folded and then twisted. Is that what you saw as well?

SS

I have used paper cord for many decorative projects, including woven seat bottoms and Turks head napkin rings.
A friend of mine has taken to making his own decorative paper cords and as has taken the decorative use of them to a level I can only aspire and dream of. https://picasaweb.google.com/117651459347243991935/PlySplitBraiding#5560940220625691570 and
https://picasaweb.google.com/117651459347243991935/PlySplitBraiding#5561751099031547234

SS

Hi SS369,

It does not matter.
I repeated the measurements for a variety of ways.

I have used paper cord for many decorative projects, including woven seat bottoms and Turks head napkin rings. A friend of mine has taken to making his own decorative paper cords and as has taken the decorative use of them to a level I can only aspire and dream of. https://picasaweb.google.com/117651459347243991935/PlySplitBraiding#5560940220625691570 and https://picasaweb.google.com/117651459347243991935/PlySplitBraiding#5561751099031547234

Very nice.

Such a method?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRV3v9eAWqs&feature=related

Struktor

Hi strukter,

If indeed the second test in the first video was paper folded then it stands to reason that that was the reason for the increased strength.
It is my opinion that with this given media that the number of twists can bear upon the outcome and give a greater tensile resistance because, as with rope, the material will have to elongate before it reaches breakage.
Just my opinion.

As for the example links I gave, the method of knot work is called “Ply-Split Braiding”. Where one opens the lay of the cord(s) and passes through other(s) to form the project.

The link you last gave shows some intense craftsmanship!

SS

You can make an even stronger 3 ply rope with toilet paper and a hand drill

http://pineapple.myfunforum.org/Making_Rope_with_a_Hand_Drill_Tutorial_about1654.html

after the initial single ply twisting go to step 2 to triple the plys and do the reverse twist. Tony

This demonstration at a folk village in jeju-do shows rope making.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ2xbzDMUGY&feature=related

How to make yarn from anything that can be cut into a tube, such as old clothes, bed linen and plastic bags?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESQbELunPZg

How to make paper wicker?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TABOQcOQvPE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epyRbLWAZpM&feature=related
Paper weaving to make basket
http://pinterest.com/pin/186547609535512117/
http://anonimiss.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/news-paper-you-can-use/

Paper Rope Furniture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR7WOeXgdEE

Struktor

Thanks for those links Struktor. The one about making yarn from a plastic bag will be easier than cutting the bag into loops and daisy-chaining the loops together. Makes a very strong (and stretchy) cord/rope. Tony

Has anyone tried to confirm the findings (vs. ruminate onto
the keyboard)?!

I did a quick test, with pathetic results : both specimens
–both folded lengthwise half by half by half a 3rd time,
then different twist degrees–
broke at seemingly equal force when pulled over a 'biner
(about 1cm circ.),
and broke near my fingers-gripping point, not at the bend.
(Which, on doing some personal ruminating, might be because
I stupidly gripped flattened ends vs. a rolled/twisted end.)

!?

–dl*

http://mythbustersresults.com/motorcycle-flip

While escaping prison, you could climb down a wall using a rope made of toilet paper.

To compensate for toilet paper’s low tensile strength, Tory twisted it into multiple yarns to create rope.
After creating the rope, Tory found that it was strong enough to support his weight. During a test
climbing down a courthouse, Tory had difficulty keeping a firm grip on the rope. Nonetheless, the Build
Team declared the myth plausible.

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK2hKiL4TKA

Struktor