This is easily done in Hexagon. (If you are looking for the old style rope like cord)
Step one: create a coil with the line tool of the length and num of turns required.
Step two: Add thickness
Step 3: duplicate coil twice rotating each along its long axis so that you get a rope like object. At this point you will see that the dimensions you chose in steps 1 and 2 have a great effect on whether you get a good rope looking object. You may have to re-do a few times to get the best rop
Step 4: (The cool part) Create a line/curve that follows the curve of the desired cord. You have to do this in 2 dimensions You can do the curve for the 3rd dimension later. Use this curve with the "Bend" tool and bend each of the 3 coils in your rope. Repeat in the other dimension.
Here is an example of this technique:
http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez...d&ByArtist=Yes
There is a better tutorial on the 3DXtract Hexagon forum. Search user name "sailor_ed" keyword "rope". The thread is named "rope mini tut"
Hope this helps