along a line, the twist is to the right. During constructionof natural fiber line, a lubricant is added that also servesas a preservative.Large lineis measured by circumference. Line 13/4 inches and under in circumference, called smallstuff, is identified by the number of threads in the line. Aline with twenty-four thread is 1 1/2 inches incircumference. Inasmuch as the numbers of threads perstrand are equal, thread numbers in a three-strand lineare divisible by 3—24, 21, 18, and so on, down to thesmallest—6 thread (3/4 inch). Line from 1 3/4 inches toabout 4 inches is manufactured in 1/4-inch graduations.The length of all line and wire rope is usually measuredin feet.The chart shown below lists tips on the care ofnatural fiber line. You should be thoroughly familiarwith them and observe them at all times.NYLON LINEMost of the tips for the care of natural fiber lineshould be observed with nylon line. Nylon, however, isnot subject to mildew. It should be scrubbed if itbecomes slippery because of oil or grease.A stretch of one third of its length is normal fornylon line under safe working loads. Nylon stretchesabout 50 percent before it will break. Because of itselasticity, nylon line breaks with a decided snapback;therefore, stand well clear when it is under a heavystrain.7-13Student Notes:NEVER ALWAYSStow wet or damp line in an unventilatedcompartment or cover it so that it cannot dry. Mildewwill form and weaken the fibers.Dry line before stowing it.Subject line to intense heat nor unnecessarily allow itto lie in the hot sun. The lubricant (natural oils) willdry out, thus shortening the useful life of the line.Protect line from weather when possible.Subject a line to loads exceeding its safe workingload. To do so may not break the line, but individualfibers will break, reducing the strength.Use chafing gear (canvas, short lengths of old firehose,and so on) where line (or wire) runs over sharp edges orrough surfaces.Allow line to bear on sharp edges or run over roughsurfaces. The line will be cut or worn, reducing thestrength and useful life.Slack off taut lines when it rains. Wet line shrinks, andif the line is taut, the resulting strain may be enough tobreak some of the fibers.Scrub line. The lubricant will be washed away, andcaustics in strong soap may harm the fibers.Coil right-laid line to the right (clockwise).Put a strain on a line with a kink in it. Inspect a line before using it. Overworked oroverstrained line will have a bristly surface. Mildewcan be seen, and it has peculiar, unpleasant odor.Untwist the line so that the inner parts of the strandscan be seen. If they have a dull, grayish look, the line isunsafe.Try to lubricate line. The lubricant you add may domore harm than good.Give line the care it deserves—someday your safetymay depend on it.
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