How to maintain and extend the life of your shock cords

Shock cords can be hugely valuable assets for your business – but like any asset, they are only useful as long as they are maintained to a high standard. Now, while shock cords are inherently durable, their lifespan can be significantly influenced by how they are treated in day-to-day use. All that makes an excellent case for creating (and following) a consistent case routine for your own shock cords, especially if you work within a high-intensity sector, such as marine, automotive, outdoor leisure or manufacturing. And if you are looking for places to start, here are a couple of ideas we would suggest!

Keep cords free from dirt and debris

Even in the most controlled environments, dirt and fine particles can find their way onto shock cords. Without occasional attention, this debris can sometimes work its way into the fibres, where it could cause abrasion that weakens the outer sheath. To avoid that, it is really important to conduct frequent inspections and gentle cleaning where cords are exposed to airborne dust or come into contact with rough surfaces, cutting down on the risk of reduced elasticity and surface degradation.

To clean, ideally use lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent. In turn, it is best to avoid stiff brushes which may damage the sheath. Crucially, never use pressure washers, as they can force particles deeper into the cord structure. After cleaning, the cords then just need to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. In settings with salt, oils or industrial grime, generally regular cleaning should be scheduled into maintenance logs. All this goes a long way to preventing premature failure and performance loss, especially in applications where cords are under constant tension. Speaking of which…

Prevent bends and unnecessary tension

Sharp bends or kinks in a shock cord can introduce stress points and cause internal damage or deformation. It is therefore advisable to ensure that any curves are gradual, and the load is evenly distributed when cords are looped or secured. Using rounded hooks or wide eyelets can significantly help to reduce strain on specific segments, and minimises localised stress.

By the same token, it is vital to avoid stretching cords beyond their designed elongation limit. While well-made shock cords are constructed to handle repeated stretching, pushing them beyond specification can lead to deformation or snapping. Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for tensile strength and maximum extension. If the load capacity is uncertain for a given task, do not hesitate to consult your supplier or engineer. We would also recommend developing an internal policy on safe handling and stretch limits, to prevent misuse by staff.

Check for wear and signs of damage

As we have touched on above, routine inspection is vital to help identify potential faults early. It is best to start by looking for fraying on the sheath, discolouration or flat spots, all of which may indicate wear. If its elasticity is lost, the cord can no longer perform its intended function, and so should be replaced.

During these inspections, it is important to ensure that ends are secured properly and fittings are checked for corrosion or fatigue. Cords exposed to movement or held under constant tension experience more rapid wear, which means that generally visual inspections alone are not sufficient – run your fingers along the length to find bulges or internal faults. Keeping a visual condition log over time provides a clear picture of wear progression and can help you have peace of mind that you are scheduling replacements accordingly.

Store in suitable indoor conditions

Shock cords are vulnerable to environmental conditions and extremes of temperature. Moisture, freezing temperatures, and excess heat can affect both the sheath and the inner latex or rubber, while rapid temperature changes can cause cords to become brittle and crack over long periods of time.

To mitigate this risk, cords should ideally be stored in a temperate, dry and clean indoor space when not in use. Hanging cords loosely prevents kinking and compression, while ventilated containers help manage humidity. Crucially, avoid storing cords under tension – this can cause what is called a “set”, which results in reduced elasticity. If you are considering long-term storage at any stage, the best practice involves coiling the cords lightly and placing them in breathable fabric bags to protect them from stress and environmental exposure. Keep them raised off concrete floors and away from radiators or heated surfaces which may distort their structure.

Protect from sunlight exposure and harsh chemicals

UV rays are one of the most harmful elements for shock cords, especially those that use natural rubber, like ours do here at Ibex Marina Ropes. Even cords treated for UV resistance benefit from being kept away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure without regular attention can result in fading, cracking and brittleness in the sheath, which can compromise its safety and performance. This is particularly important in agricultural and marine applications, where frequent outdoor use is unavoidable.

In settings where cords are exposed to fuels, solvents, oils or cleaning agents, additional care is often a good idea. These types of substances degrade both rubber and synthetic materials and can cause permanent damage. When exposure cannot be avoided, use cord covers or select chemical-resistant cords intended for those environments. (Separating chemicals from stored cord stock by labelling and zoning can go one step further to helping reduce accidental exposure.)

This is not an exhaustive guide, but designed to cover the essentials. If you have any further questions or need any specific advice maintaining your shock cords, feel free to contact our team here at Ibex Marina. You can give us a call on 01706 360 363. Our expert team is always happy to help!