Cold expert using rope (5)
I believe the answer is:
cable
'rope' is the definition.
(I know that cable is a type of rope)
'cold expert' is the wordplay.
'cold' becomes 'C' (eg on taps).
'expert' becomes 'able' (able can mean expert or talented).
'c'+'able'='CABLE'
'using' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for cable that I've seen before include "Heavy chain or rope" , "Communications wire" , "Strong suspension bridge made of wire" , "Naut. length; transmit" , "Strong line" .)