Dear James: It seems like I always need rope of some sort for various indoor and outdoor projects. I don’t like that cheap, thick yellow stuff. Are there better types of rope? —Ethan L. Dear Ethan: Rope comes in handy for many home projects, ranging from holding a cabinet in place during installation to putting tension on a tree when cutting it down. This range of projects requires many different types of rope for the best outcome. The prices and sizes can vary significantly. Keep in mind for safety reasons that the size (diameter) of the rope isn’t the best indicator of its strength. Actually, the rope material has a great impact on its strength. Always read the strength specification shown on the package for the maximum weight it can handle. Don’t compromise to get something cheaper. As you probably found, most rope you find at hardware and home-center stores …