
What is the difference between a cable pulling string, twine, and rope, and what material is best for professional use?
2025-08-16Answer from Ningbo Changshi: This is a very common point of confusion. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of pulling lines based on their strength and construction.
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A pulling string is typically a thin, lightweight, and low-strength line. It is mainly used as a "pilot line" to fish through an empty conduit, which is then used to pull a stronger line, such as a rope or a mule tape.
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A pulling rope is a heavier, thicker, and much stronger line used for the actual cable pulling. It has a higher tensile strength and is designed to handle the friction and tension of a full-scale pull.
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Pulling twine is often a term for a strong, twisted cord that falls somewhere between string and rope in terms of strength, suitable for light-duty pulls.
For professional use in power line and electrical construction, we highly recommend high-strength, synthetic pulling ropes. Materials like braided polyester and polypropylene are preferred for their superior strength-to-weight ratio, low friction, and excellent resistance to mildew, rot, and chemicals. Our ropes are engineered to be lightweight yet strong enough to handle heavy cables, ensuring safety and reliability on every job.