Polydac-12 is a high-strength 12-strand hollow braid pulling rope. It combines the proven polyester/polyolefin fiber blend of 3-strand Poly-Dac with the handling advantages of a 12-strand hollow braid. The result is a lightweight pulling rope that resists twisting and hockling, runs smoothly through blocks and sheaves, and is easy to splice in the field.

Erin Rope Corporation stocks Polydac-12 hollow braid pulling rope in diameters from 1/4” to 1”, with standard lengths of 600 ft. This guide covers its construction, performance characteristics, common applications, and how it compares with other pulling ropes in our lineup.

What Is Polydac-12?

Polydac-12 is a 12-strand hollow braid rope made from a polyester/polyolefin dual-fiber blend. Two construction features give it its performance advantages: the combination-fiber design and the balanced braid.

Polyester/Polyolefin Fiber Blend

The fiber blend combines high-tenacity polyester with a polyolefin core. Polyester forms the outer layer, providing UV and abrasion resistance where the rope contacts sheaves, conduit, and other surfaces. The polyolefin core reduces overall weight compared with an all-polyester rope of the same diameter.

12-Strand Hollow Braid Construction

Polydac-12 uses a parallel-lay single braid with twelve strands, six running in each direction. This construction creates a round, hollow rope with balanced torque that resists rotation under load. The hollow center also makes splicing straightforward. A fid opens the braid so the rope’s tail can be buried inside the standing part, allowing crews to create eye splices and make field repairs.

Polydac-12 vs. 3-Strand Poly-Dac

Both ropes use the same polyester-over-polyolefin fiber approach. The construction is where they separate.

	Polydac-12	3-Strand Poly-Dac
Construction	12-strand hollow braid	3-strand twisted, right-hand lay
Torque under load	Balanced; resists spinning and hockling	Twisted lay can rotate and hockle under load
Splicing	Bury splice with a fid	Tuck splice
Diameters	1/4” to 1”	1/4” to 2”
Min. break strength, 1/2”	6,000 lbs.	5,875 lbs.
Min. break strength, 1”	22,500 lbs.	17,000 lbs.
Weight per 100 ft., 1/2”	5.8 lbs.	6.5 lbs.

Choose Polydac-12 when lighter weight, easier handling, and quick splicing are priorities. Its balanced braid also helps prevent the spinning and hockling associated with twisted rope.

Choose 3-strand Poly-Dac when you need diameters above 1” or a line rated for fall protection. The 5/8” and 3/4” 3-strand sizes meet applicable ANSI and OSHA fall protection standards.

Where Polydac-12 Fits in Our Pulling Product Lineup

Erin Rope carries several braided rope options for utility, construction, and industrial applications. Each offers different fiber and construction characteristics to match job demands.

Rope	Fiber	Construction	Best Applications
Polydac-12	Polyester/polyolefin blend	12-strand hollow braid	General pulling, hand lines, and rigging where weight and handling matter
12 Strand Polyester	100% polyester	12-strand single braid	Higher-strength pulls and rigging applications requiring low stretch
E/R 12 Slick Rope®	UHMWPE	12-strand single braid	Long, high-tension pulls where friction and stretch must be minimal
Composite Double Braid	Composite fiber blend	Double braid	Heavy underground cable pulls

Polydac-12 offers an accessible entry point into braided pulling rope. It gives crews familiar with 3-strand Poly-Dac the handling advantages of a braided construction, with a lighter weight than comparable all-polyester rope. For applications that don’t require the higher strength or specialized performance of all-polyester or UHMWPE lines, it provides a practical alternative.

Polydac-12 Performance Characteristics

Polydac-12 is designed for general pulling and rigging applications where handling, weight, and dependable performance matter.

Torque-Balanced Braid

The opposing braid directions help prevent rope rotation under load. This reduces spinning and hockling while making the rope easier to coil, flake, and handle.

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

The polyolefin core reduces weight while maintaining the strength needed for general pulling applications. At 1/2”, Polydac-12 has a 6,000 lb. minimum break strength and weighs 5.8 lbs. per 100 ft. At 1”, minimum break strength reaches 22,500 lbs.

The lighter construction can also reduce handling fatigue and the overall weight carried on a reel truck.

Abrasion and UV Resistance

The polyester outer layer protects the rope against abrasion from blocks, sheaves, conduit mouths, and other contact surfaces. Polyester also resists UV degradation when the rope is exposed to sunlight.

Easy Splicing

The hollow braid accommodates eye splices and end-for-end splices using standard fid tools. Crews can make eyes in the field, repair damaged sections, and reverse the rope to distribute wear between ends.

Handling and Grip

The round, firm construction provides a consistent grip and predictable handling through pulleys and over sheaves.

Moisture and Rot Resistance

Both polyester and polyolefin are synthetic fibers that resist rot and mildew, even when stored wet.

Understanding Minimum Break Strength

Minimum break strength is measured on new, unused rope. It represents the force required to break the rope under test conditions, not a recommended working load.

Always apply an appropriate design factor when determining working load limits for your application. Account for strength reductions caused by knots, splices, terminations, and other conditions of use.

Common Applications for Polydac-12 Pulling Rope

With its lightweight construction and balanced braid, Polydac-12 works well across a range of general pulling and rigging applications.

Common uses include:

• Cable and conduit pulling
• Utility hand lines and tag lines
• Block-and-pulley applications within rated capacity
• General rigging and material handling
• Arborist and tree work
• Industrial and construction applications
• Marine and dock lines

The 1/4” to 1” diameter range covers a variety of hand line, tag line, and medium-duty pulling applications.

Polydac-12 Rope Specifications

Erin Rope stocks Polydac-12 in eight diameters, all supplied in standard 600 ft. lengths.

Part Number	Diameter	Circumference	Length	Weight (lbs./100 ft.)	Average Strength	Minimum Break Strength
PD12080600	1/4”	3/4”	600 ft.	1.5	1,800 lbs.	1,600 lbs.
PD12100600	5/16”	1”	600 ft.	2.2	2,600 lbs.	2,300 lbs.
PD12120600	3/8”	1-1/8”	600 ft.	3.4	3,900 lbs.	3,500 lbs.
PD12140600	7/16”	1-1/4”	600 ft.	4.6	5,000 lbs.	4,500 lbs.
PD12160600	1/2”	1-1/2”	600 ft.	5.8	6,700 lbs.	6,000 lbs.
PD12200600	5/8”	2”	600 ft.	11.0	11,600 lbs.	10,400 lbs.
PD12240600	3/4”	2-1/4”	600 ft.	15.0	14,500 lbs.	13,100 lbs.
PD12280600	7/8”	2-3/4”	600 ft.	21.5	21,200 lbs.	19,100 lbs.
PD12320600	1”	3”	600 ft.	24.2	25,000 lbs.	22,500 lbs.

For complete packaging details and additional product information, visit the Polydac-12 product page or download the Polydac-12 product cut sheet.

A Trusted Supplier Since 1998

Erin Rope is a family-owned rope and cable manufacturer that has served utility, construction, and industrial customers since 1998. We stock Polydac-12 in all standard diameters, with same-day shipping from one of the industry’s largest in-stock inventories. When you call, a knowledgeable team member will answer and be happy to help you spec the right rope for your application.

Browse the full Polydac-12 lineup at erinrope.com/12-strand-polydac, or call us at 708-377-1084 with product questions or sales inquiries.