A man's pulling strength on a rope depends on various factors, including grip type and the use of one or two hands.
Average Pulling Force on a Rope
Based on Dr. Dave Merchant's work in Life on a Line - The Underground Rope Rescue Manual, the average person can hold the following amount of force on an 11mm kernmantel rope with gloved hands:
| Grip Type | Force (Newtons) | Force (Kilograms) |
|---|---|---|
| One Hand | 200 N | 20 kg |
| Two Hands | 400 N | 40 kg |
Key Insights
- Grip Strength: The ability to grip a rope effectively is crucial. This is why a gloved hand on an 11mm kernmantel rope is the specific use-case cited by Dr. Merchant.
- Number of Hands: Using two hands effectively doubles the pulling force compared to using one hand.
- Rope Diameter: The 11mm kernmantel rope provides a good reference point, but other rope diameters can affect the grip and therefore the pulling force.
Factors Affecting Pulling Strength
While Dr. Merchant provides an average, individual results can vary widely based on:
- Individual strength: People with more upper body and hand strength can pull more.
- Grip technique: A proper grip is essential for maximal force application.
- Rope condition: A rope that is wet, dirty, or frayed may reduce grip.
- User experience: Experienced rope users often develop better technique and can exert more force.
- Environmental conditions: Factors like temperature and moisture may influence grip.
Practical Examples
- Rescue scenarios: Knowing average pulling strength is vital in rescue operations where rope systems are utilized.
- Climbing: Climbers need to be aware of their grip and pulling abilities to ensure safety.
- Material handling: When manually pulling loads using a rope, knowing the force an individual can exert is necessary for planning and safety.
Considerations
It’s important to understand that these figures represent average holding force, not necessarily maximal pulling force which can involve additional body weight and technique. Furthermore, these figures do not account for rope friction or mechanical advantage systems, which can greatly influence a man’s ability to move an object using a rope.
