Mike N. Very good post! Well said.
The OP asked for ideas on "Other" ways to
spike a rope.
First: Ways NOT to try. They would work..... BUT!!!!
1. Spray paint. No needles or fids, just toxic fumes and you have to paint the rope white again after each show.
2. latex paint, no toxic fumes but see method #1.
3. Screw type hose clamp. Worse than a
knuckle buster, will cut hands and is small enough to go PART way through a lock or shieve.
Ways that will work but still not as good as ribbon or
twill tape through the rope.
1. Use a Prussic knot, rolling timber
hitch or stacked
clove hitch to tie an 1/8", brightly colored twine around the rope. Must be VERY tight to avoid slipping.
Spike mark must be set at a
point above the lock, not "at" the lock, but above. Total travel has to be a few feet less than the distance from the lock to the
head block. Takes time to do, more time and a PITA to change or reset.
2. Same as #1 but using brightly colored knitting yarn, without the needles. Must be VERY VERY tight and resemble "
Whipping" used to bind the ends of rope -to avoid slipping.
Spike mark must be set at a
point not "at" the lock, but above. Total travel has to be a few feet less than the distance from the lock to the
head block. Takes time to do, more time and a PITA to change or reset.
3. Not Recommended, but "Will" work. Use an old fashioned
Knuckle Buster. IMHO the set screw risks more damage to the
purchase line than a poorly used needle or
fid.
Spike mark must be set at a
point not "at" the lock, but above. Total travel has to be a few feet less than the distance from the lock to the
head block. This method is best suited for lines that move slowly rather than a
drop or curtain that has to "POP". Very poor choice for a Grand drape that is used as a
Guillotine at
curtain call.
4. Take a small strip of polyester silk or similar very light weight material about 1" wide and 12" to 18" long. wrap at least twice around the rope, VERY tight. Tie a couple of knots. Check for slipping. if firm, you're good to go. Usually has to be cut off if tied tight enough, so use cheap material. Works better on a Laid Up rope than a
braid.
HTH.