What are twisted ropes also known as?

Twisted ropes are commonly known as laid ropes due to their construction method. In making laid ropes, individual strands are twisted together to form a single rope. This traditional method of rope manufacturing results in a rope that has a helical structure and can typically handle heavier loads, making it suitable for various applications, including firefighting and rescue operations.

In contrast, braided ropes are created by interweaving strands rather than twisting them, which gives them different characteristics, such as increased flexibility and reduced tendency to kink. Space ropes and climbing ropes typically refer to specialized types of ropes designed for specific uses—such as climbing or securing gear—rather than the general category to which laid ropes belong. This contextual understanding highlights why laid ropes are the appropriate term for twisted ropes.