[JCharlton]

Polycord is excellent for many purposes. Our grabber from last year used two loops with one being in a figure eight to reverse the direction. It has a significant advantage of slipping rather than putting your motors into stall.

I'm a little worried about the people using open flame to join the ends. I was told by our supplier that the fumes from burning urethane are BAD.

Here's a simple tip: use a hot air gun. Shield all but the ends from the hot air and be patient. When the ends are looking nice and soft mash them together in the corner of an L-angle (to keep the cord aligned) while wearing some gloves (so you don't get burned).