FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which rope is right for my bell?
What is the proper length for a bell rope?
I dont see the exact rope I want. Can you help?
How long does it take to make a bell rope?
Can you duplicate a rope from a photo?
Which type of rope is best for outdoor use?
Do you sell bell rope hardware?
How do you attach the rope to the bell clapper?
How long should a bell rope last?
Who makes your bell ropes?
There are so many options that this can be a difficult choice. If in doubt, the best thing would be to call us to discuss your project concerns. The object is th highlight your bell with the rope and not the other way around. It is helpful to be prepared with your bell dimensions and the budget you have in mind.
I generally recommend a bell rope similar in length to the diameter of the bell opening. This is not a hard line rule but a good general guideline to follow. An exception might be for a bell that is mounted high off of the floor or ground.
Of course! Quite honestly, many of the ropes we sell are custom made for our customers specific needs. If you don't see exactly what you are looking for then give us a call. We can certainly work something out for you. We can mix and match styles, colors, materials, and lengths.
I personally tie all of my bell ropes and it can range from a matter of a few hours to days. For example, to make a 10 inch bell rope in the same style using fine diameter and compared with large diameter cord, it takes many more knots in the small diameter cord to achieve the proper length. Ball park, a 10 Inch rope tied in 3/16" cord would only take 1/6th the amount of time to it requires to make a 10 Inch rope in 2.2mm lanyard cord.
Usually I can but it may depend on the materials used in the original and availability of those materials. If an unknown knot style is present in the original, I may not be able to duplicate it. I will try my absolute best to duplicate it for you. To my knowledge, I have never had a dissatisfied bell rope customer!
Nylon holds up better than cotton outdoors. White nylon can tend to turn a bit gray outdoors though so there are tradeoffs. Cotton can be used outdoors but I usually recommend a good soaking in spar urethane varnish which offers UV and rain protection. It can also be painted.
For many of our ropes, stainless thimbles can be purchased for the eyes of the rope. This can help extend the life of the eye. We also sell stainless steel shackles to attach the bell rope to the bell clapper. Depending on the grade of stainless, thimbles run from $5 to $7.50 and shackles from $7 to $15. Occasionally I may have brass shackles in inventory. Just for info, a shackle is a horseshoe shaped device with a pin that goes through the ends of the two legs.
This can be as simple as tying it on with a piece of cord using a few round turns and a square knot. Ropes for larger bells on ships were normally attached with a shackle. another method is to request a rope with a long slim eye. The eye can be placed through the opening in the clapper and then the rope handled passed back through its own eye. At any rate, if you are unsure about how to attach your rope, give us a Call. We will be glad to help.
This depends on a variety of factors but your rope should last indoors or outdoors, with routine use, for a period of at least 1 year. Choose a rope that is suited for the proper installation location and it should last 2-3 years with normal use. A thimble in the eye of the rope can prevent chafing and extend the life. Generally, nylon is more durable than cotton and may last much longer. Parachute cord, available in many colors, has a pretty long outdoor life. There is no hardline rule here though... an indoor cotton rope with infrequent use could last a lifetime.
I personally tie all of our bell ropes in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. Some of my ropes are 'in stock' but most of my ropes are custom made to meet your needs.