Manila Rope
Natural abaca fibre rope in 2, 3 and 4-ply twisted construction, 5mm to 60mm diameter. Manufactured for marine, agricultural, decorative and specialist use.
- Fibre
- Abaca (Manila hemp), a natural leaf-stalk fibre from the abaca plant
- Construction
- 2-ply, 3-ply and 4-ply twisted (hawser-laid)
- Diameter Range
- 5mm to 60mm
- Colour
- Natural tan / golden-brown, undyed
- Put-Up
- Coils, hanks or reels to specified length
- HS Heading
- 5607 — Twine, cordage, ropes and cables
Manila Rope Grade 1 vs Grade 3
In the rope trade, manila is commonly described informally by grade rather than a single formal standard. The grade affects fibre length, colour consistency and how the rope behaves under load and weathering — confirm the grade against your end use before ordering, since a decorative-grade rope is not a substitute for a working-load specification.
First-Quality / Long Fibre
Made from longer, cleaner abaca fibre with fewer joins and a more even, lighter colour. This is the grade specified for marine rigging, decorative ship rope and any application where appearance and consistent handling matter, at a higher cost per metre than lower grades.
Standard / Utility Grade
Made from shorter or more mixed fibre, with more visible joins and a coarser, sometimes unevenly coloured finish. Adequate strength for general tying, bundling and non-critical utility rope, at a lower cost — the common choice for agricultural and general industrial use where appearance is not a factor.
Construction Types Available
3-Strand Twisted (Hawser-Laid)
The standard manila rope construction — three strands twisted together in a right-hand lay. Used for the large majority of marine, agricultural and general-purpose manila rope.
2-Ply and 4-Ply Twisted
Lighter 2-ply constructions for smaller-diameter cord and decorative use; heavier 4-ply for larger working diameters where additional bulk and grip are needed.
Cut Lengths and Coils
Supplied either as continuous coils to a specified length or pre-cut and finished (whipped or spliced ends) for a defined application on request.
Where Manila Rope Is Used
Packaging
Manila rope is supplied coiled or reeled to the length and diameter specified on the order, with ends whipped to prevent unravelling in transit unless a different finish is requested. For export shipment, natural fibre rope is packed with moisture protection appropriate to the transit route, and buyers should confirm fumigation certificate requirements at the destination port before the shipment is booked — see our export documentation page for what Globix already holds on file.
Common Questions
Is manila rope stronger than sisal rope?
Manila rope generally carries higher tensile strength than sisal at the same diameter and retains more of that strength when wet, which is why manila is preferred for marine and outdoor use. See our full comparison on the blog for the detailed breakdown.
What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 3 manila rope?
Grade 1 manila rope is made from longer, cleaner abaca fibre with a more even colour and fewer joins, and is specified where appearance and consistent handling matter, such as marine and decorative rope. Grade 3 uses shorter or more mixed fibre and is a lower-cost utility grade suited to general tying and bundling where appearance is not a factor.
Can manila rope be used outdoors long-term?
Yes — manila is one of the more weather-resistant natural fibre ropes and is commonly used in marine and outdoor rigging, but like all natural fibre rope it will degrade faster than synthetic rope under constant UV and moisture exposure and should be inspected periodically if used in a load-bearing role.
Get a quote on Manila Rope
Send your diameter, ply, quantity and destination and we will confirm pricing and lead time.
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