I need to make a rope from 2 single sized bedsheets and a pillowcase. The rope must be strong enough for a 225 lb person to safely decend from a 4 story window to the ground. How many pieces should each bedsheet be torn into in order to make a rope strong enough to hold the person that is decending the rope? I have no room for trial and error. This has to be correct on my first attempt or else the rope will break because it's not strong enough; or the rope will be too short to reach the ground. The rope will only be used once, unless I can figure out a way to get the rope untied from the 4th story window when I'm on the ground.
2007-08-10 08:52:05 · 6 answers · asked by paul67337 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
1. Forget the pillow case
2. Tear each sheet long wise into 8 equal width strips. i.e tear in half, then tear each piece in half twice.
3. Knot 5 strips together using reef knots to make 3 long strips about 36 feet long. You will have one piece left over to anchor the rope at the top.
4. Twist each strip, then tie the three ends together.
5. Start braiding the twisted strips together (I hope you know how to do a braid).
6. Tie one end to a secure object.
7. Climb down. You may have to drop 6 feet or so at the end.
Things to do if you can.
-- Test the "rope" for strength if you can by hanging from it safely. The sheets may be made of some poor fiber.
-- Make sure you have the arm strength and the skill to climb down a rope. Wear gloves to avoid rope burn if you can.
2007-08-10 09:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by Sandy G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sandy G is on the right track. Though I doubt that rope will be strong enough.
If time is no factor, split the bedsheets and pillowcase into as many strips (or even down to the fibers) as you can (though 30-40 should be good). Then twist the fibers into a rope long enough to reach the bottom. Then make another rope that long (you will have enough) and another. Twist these three ropes together and you will have rope strong enough to get you to the bottom.
Use this as a guide to make the rope:
http://www.primitiveways.com/cordage.html
I would not trust my weight to a simple tear and tie together method. You can try other variations, but a braid or twisting is best.
2007-08-10 18:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by snapmedown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rip one sheet into strips 8 ought to be fine, tie a strip to each corner of the other bedsheet, then tie the last four strips to the midpoint between the corners of the unmolested sheet. tie all 8 strips to the pillow case.
stand in pillow case and jump out the window.... with any luck most of the mess will be contained in the pillowcase and be covered by the sheet ... how thoughtful
2007-08-10 18:59:00 · answer #3 · answered by Rossghjr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
roll each one and tie them together. are you sneaking out of the house or something?
2007-08-10 15:57:58 · answer #4 · answered by Lankan Sweetheart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you are running away or escaping....Sorry but I can't help you do that!
2007-08-10 15:58:17 · answer #5 · answered by DK 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
why paul, you runnin' away?
2007-08-10 15:57:31 · answer #6 · answered by GIRLY_GOO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋