How To Make A Nylon Rope Whip

This page will show you how to make a nylon rope whip. The whip I will be making is a 4-strand, 4-foot signal whip. The techniques used here can be applied to make whips of different lengths and numbers of strands.

Materials
  • Approximately 100 feet of 550 paracord (or similar nylon rope)
  • Scissors
  • A lighter (to melt rope ends)
  • Electrical tape or hockey tape (for the handle)
  • A ruler or tape measure
Step 1: Cutting the Rope

The first thing you need to do is cut your rope to the correct lengths. For a 4-foot whip, you will need 4 strands. The strands need to be cut at different lengths because the outer strands travel a greater distance than the inner strands as they wrap around the whip body.

Cut your strands as follows: 2 strands at 30 feet each, and 2 strands at 25 feet each. After cutting, use a lighter to melt the ends of each strand to prevent fraying.

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Cutting rope step 7Cutting rope step 8
Step 2: Making the Handle

The handle is the foundation of your whip. It needs to be stiff enough to give you control, but not so stiff that it is uncomfortable to hold. A good handle length is about 10–12 inches.

To make the handle, take one of your longer strands and fold it in half. This fold will become the top of your handle. Wrap the handle tightly with electrical tape or hockey tape, starting from the top and working your way down about 10–12 inches.

Making the handle step 1Making the handle step 2
Making the handle step 3Making the handle step 4
Making the handle step 5Finished handles

You can also make a corset-style handle by wrapping the tape in a criss-cross pattern. This gives the handle a more decorative look and can also provide a better grip.

Corset-style handleTape handle
Rails for handle
Step 3: Braiding the Whip

Now comes the fun part — braiding! Start with your 4 strands hanging down from the handle. Label them A, B, C, and D from left to right.

The basic braid pattern is: take the rightmost strand and weave it over, under, and over the remaining strands. Then take the leftmost strand and weave it under, over, and under. Repeat this pattern, always working from the outside in.

2-Strand Braid (A & B)

2-strand braid step 12-strand braid step 2
2-strand braid step 32-strand braid step 4
2-strand braid step 52-strand braid step 6
2-strand braid step 72-strand braid step 8

3-Strand Braid (A, B & C)

3-strand braid step 13-strand braid step 2
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3-strand braid step 73-strand braid step 8

4-Strand Braid (A, B, C & D)

4-strand braid step 14-strand braid step 2
4-strand braid step 34-strand braid step 4
4-strand braid step 54-strand braid step 6
4-strand braid step 74-strand braid step 8

5-Strand Braid (A, B, C, D & E)

5-strand braid step 15-strand braid step 2
5-strand braid step 35-strand braid step 4
5-strand braid step 55-strand braid step 6
5-strand braid step 75-strand braid step 8

As you braid, keep the tension even and consistent. The braid should be tight but not so tight that it distorts the shape of the whip. As you get further from the handle, gradually drop strands to taper the whip.

Step 4: Making the Popper

The popper is the cracker at the end of the whip that makes the loud crack sound. It is made from a short length of thin nylon string or paracord inner strands.

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Cut a piece of thin nylon string about 18 inches long. Fold it in half and tie an overhand knot about 2 inches from the fold. Thread the loose strands through the end of the whip braid and tie them off securely. Trim any excess and melt the ends with a lighter.

Finished popperFinished popper 2
Congratulations! You have made your first nylon rope whip. With practice, you will be able to make whips of different lengths, strand counts, and colors. Have fun and be safe!