Reasonable Rope Hot Knife

[ianpowolny]

I bought this hot knife for around £20 and didn't really expect much from it but its a useful, simple to use tool which I'm glad I have. I've used it on small ropes and it makes a good job of cutting, sealing and shaping the end. It is supplied without gas but you just buy a can of cigarette lighter butane fuel.

You need to give it time to heat up and I use a cutting board under the rope to be cut.

Ian

[zofiasailing]

We have one too. Useful for small jobs. Not a substitute for the big daddy hot knife though which runs fine off a 'can' inverter when off shore power. Both have earned their place aboard.

[so36idavid]

I have a butane powered soldering iron which has several tips including the hot knife. Kills two birds with one stone.

Also I like to briefly run a flame around the cover before I cut it which helps keep the cover from fraying.

[so40gtb]

I most often use my higher-power Weller soldering gun with the cutting blade tip, but sometimes use the butane cutter. Use the tool that fits the circumstances.