Rope Chafe Sleeve

A chafe sleeve is a simple tube of tough fabric that slides over a rope or sling to stop chafing where it rubs on bark, crotches or edges. It is an inexpensive way to protect lines that cost a lot more to replace.

Simple protection that pays for itself

Rope rarely wears evenly. One spot over a crotch or around a rough trunk takes most of the damage. Sliding a chafe sleeve over that spot spreads the wear onto a cheap, replaceable part.

Crews use them on slings choked around rough bark, on basal anchors, and anywhere a rope runs over a hard edge. If you want a thicker build for heavy rigging, look at the All Gear heavy duty chafe sleeve.

Sleeves are light enough to clip a couple to your saddle or keep in the rigging bag, so they are on hand when you spot a rubbing point mid-job.

Keep inspecting

A sleeve is protection, not a repair. Still inspect the rope under it, and retire damaged lines. Replace the sleeve when it is worn through.

Store it with the rope it protects so it is there when you need it.

Thread the sleeve on before you load the rope. Moving a sleeve on a loaded line is awkward and can leave the rope exposed right where it needs protecting.

Wash a dirty sleeve the same way you would clean rope, since grit trapped inside can wear the line it is meant to protect.