Chapter 15

Wire Rope
Topics
1.0.0

Wire Rope

To hear audio, click on the box.

Overview
As a Seabee Steelworker, you will be tasked, from time to time, with an important
construction task: setting up rigging to hoist loads. You will be expected to perform
these tasks safely. Safety is paramount while doing any job, but it is especially
important when hoisting heavy loads.
This chapter presents information on how to set up and handle wire rope for rigging,
and in addition, it will give you formulas for determining the safe working loads.

Objectives
When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to do the following:
1.

Describe wire rope fabrication and use.

Prerequisites
None

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This course map shows all of the chapters in Steelworker Basic. The suggested training
order begins at the bottom and proceeds up. Skill levels increase as you advance on
the course map.
Introduction to Reinforcing Steel
Introduction to Structural Steel

Pre-Engineered Structures:

Buildings, K-Spans, Towers and Antennas

Rigging
Wire rope
Fiber Line

E
L
W
O
R

Layout and Fabrication of Sheet metal and Fiberglass Duct

Welding Quality Control

Flux Cored Arc Welding-FCAW

Gas-Metal Arc Welding-GMAW
Gas-Tungsten Arc Welding-GTAW
Shielded Metal Arc Welding-SMAW

B
A
S
I
C

Plasma Arc Cutting Operations

Soldering, Brazing, Braze Welding, Wearfacing
Gas Welding
Gas Cutting
Introduction to Welding
Basic Heat Treatment
Introduction to Types and Identification of Metal

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1.0.0 WIRE ROPE

During the course of a project, Seabees often need to hoist or move heavy objects.
Wire rope is used for heavy-duty work.
Wire rope is stronger, lasts longer, and is much more resistant to abrasion than fiber
line, so wire rope is used for hoisting tasks too heavy for fiber line to handle. Also, many
of the movable components on the hoisting devices and attachments are moved by wire
rope.
Wire rope is an intricate device made up of a number of precise moving parts designed
and manufactured to maintain a definite relationship with one another. This relationship
ensures that the wire rope has the flexibility and strength crucial to professional and
safe hoisting operations.
The following paragraphs discuss the characteristics, construction, and use of many
types of wire rope. We will also discuss the safe working load, use of attachments and
fittings, and procedures for the care and handling of wire rope. You can obtain further
information about wire ropes from Naval Ships Technical Manual NSTM Chapter 613,
Wire and Fiber Rope and Rigging.

1.1.0 Construction
Wire rope consists of three parts: wires, strands, and core, as shown in Figure 15-1. In
the manufacture of rope, a predetermined number of wires are laid together to form a
strand. Then a specific number of strands are laid together around a core to form the
wire rope.

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Figure 15-1 Fabrication of wire rope.

1.1.1 Wires
The basic unit of wire rope construction is the individual wire, which may be made of
steel, iron, or other metal, in various sizes. The number of wires to a strand varies,
depending on the purpose for which the rope is intended. The number of strands per
rope and the number of wires per strand designate wire rope. Thus, a 1/2 inch 6 X 19
rope will have 6 strands with 19 wires per strand; but will have the same outside
diameter as a 1/2 inch 6 X 37 wire rope, which will have 6 strands with 37 wires of much
smaller size per strand. Wire rope made of a small number of large wires is more
resistant to external abrasion and breaking, but is less flexible than a similar size wire
rope made of a large number of small wires.
1.1.2 Strands
The design arrangement of a strand is called the construction. The wires in the strand
may be all the same size or a mixture of sizes. The most common strand constructions
are Ordinary, Seale, Warrington, and Filler (Figure 15-2).
Ordinary strand construction is made of wires all the same size.
Seale construction uses larger diameter wires on the outside of the strand to resist
abrasion, and smaller wires on the inside to provide flexibility.
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Warrington construction alternates large and small wires to combine great flexibility with
resistance to abrasion.
Filler construction uses small wires to fill in the valleys between the outer and inner rows
of wires to provide good abrasion and fatigue resistance.

Figure 15-2 Common strand construction.

1.1.3 Core
The core is the element around which the strands are laid to form the rope. It may be a
hard fiber, such as manila, hemp, plastic, paper, or sisal; a wire strand; or an
independent wire rope. Each type of core serves the same purpose: to support the
strands laid around it (Figure 15-3).
A fiber core offers the advantage of increased flexibility. Also, it serves as a cushion to
reduce the effects of sudden strain and acts as a reservoir for the oil to lubricate the
wires and strands to reduce friction between them. Wire rope with a fiber core is used in
places where flexibility is important.
A wire strand core not only resists heat more than a fiber core, but it also adds about 15
percent to the strength of the rope. On the other hand, the wire strand core makes the
rope less flexible than a fiber core.

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An independent wire rope is a

separate wire rope over which
the main strands of the rope are
laid. It usually consists of six
seven-wire strands laid around
either a fiber core or a wire
strand core. This core
strengthens the rope more,
provides support against
crushing, and supplies maximum
resistance to heat.
Wire rope may be made by either
of two methods. If the strands or
wires are shaped to conform to
the curvature of the finished rope
before laying up, the rope is
called preformed. If they are not
shaped before fabrication, the
rope is called non-preformed.
The most common type of
manufactured wire rope is
preformed. When cut, preformed
Figure 15-3 Core construction.
wire rope tends not to unlay, and
it is more flexible than nonpreformed wire rope. With non-preformed wire rope, twisting produces a stress in the
wires; and when it is cut or broken, the stress causes the strands to unlay.
WARNING
When non-preformed wire rope is cut or broken, the almost instantaneous unlaying of
the wires and strands can cause serious injury to someone careless or unfamiliar with
this characteristic of non-preformed wire rope.

1.2.0 Grades
Wire rope is made in a number of different grades. Three of the most common are mild
plow steel, plow steel, and improved plow steel.
1.2.1 Mild Plow Steel
Mild plow steel wire rope is tough and pliable. It can stand up under repeated strain and
stress and has a tensile strength, or resistance to lengthwise stress, of from 200,000 to
220,000 pounds per square inch (psi). These characteristics make it desirable for cable
tool drilling and other purposes where abrasion is encountered.
1.2.2 Plow Steel
Plow steel wire rope is unusually tough and strong. It has a tensile strength of 220,000
to 240,000 psi. This wire rope is suitable for hauling, hoisting, and logging.

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1.2.3 Improved Plow Steel

Improved plow steel wire rope is one of the best grades of rope available, and most, if
not all, of the wire rope in your work in the NCF will probably be made of this material. It
is stronger, tougher, and more resistant to wear than either plow steel or mild plow
steel. Each square inch of improved plow steel can withstand a strain of 240,000 to
260,000 psi. This wire rope is especially useful for heavy-duty service, such as cranes
with excavating and weight-handling attachments.

1.3.0 Lays
The term lay refers to the direction of the twist of the wires in a strand and the direction
that the strands are laid in the rope. Depending on the intended use of the rope, in
some instances, both the wires in the strand and the strands in the rope are laid in the
same direction; in other instances, the wires are laid in one direction and the strands are
laid in the opposite direction. Most equipment manufacturers specify the types and lays
of wire rope to be used on a specific piece of equipment. Be sure and consult the
operators manual for proper application.
The five types of lays used in wire rope are as follows:
1. Right Regular Lay: In right regular lay rope, the wires in the strands are laid to
the left, while the strands are laid to the right.
2. Left Regular Lay: In left regular lay rope, the wires in the strands are laid to the
right, while the strands are laid to the left. In this lay, each step of fabrication is
exactly opposite from the right regular lay.
3. Right Lang Lay: In right lang lay rope, the wires in the strands and the strands in
the rope are laid in the same direction; in this instance, the lay is to the right.
4. Left Lang Lay: In left lang lay rope, the wires in the strands and the strands in the
rope are also laid in the same direction; in this instance, the lay is to the left
(rather than to the right as in the right Lang lay).
5. Reverse Lay: In reverse lay rope, the wires in one strand are laid to the right, the
wires in the nearby strand are laid to the left, the wires in the next strand are laid
to the right, and so forth, with alternate directions from one strand to the other.
Then all strands are laid to the right.
The five different lays of wire rope are shown in Figure 15-4.

Figure 15-4 Lays of wire rope.

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1.4.0 Lay Length

The length of a wire rope lay is the distance
measured parallel to the center line of a
wire rope in that a strand makes one
complete spiral or turn around the rope.
The length of a strand lay is the distance
measured parallel to the centerline of the
strand in that one wire makes one complete
spiral or turnaround the strand. A wire rope
lay length measurement is shown in Figure
15-5.

1.5.0 Classification
The main types of wire rope used by the
NCF consist of 6, 7, 12, 19, 24,
or 37 wires in each strand.
Usually, the rope has six strands
laid around a fiber or steel
center.
The two most common types of
wire rope, 6x19 and 6x37 ropes,
are illustrated in views A and B
of Figure 15-6, respectively. The
6x19 type of rope, having six
strands with 19 wires in each
strand, is commonly used for
rough hoisting and skidding work
where abrasion is likely to occur.
The 6x37 wire rope, having six
strands with 37 wires in each
strand, is the most flexible of the
standard six-strand ropes. It is
particularly suitable when small
sheaves and drums are to be
used, such as on cranes and
similar machinery, but will not
stand abrasive wear as well as
the 6x19 wire rope.

Figure 15-5 Lay length of wire

rope.

Figure 15-6 (A) 6x19 wire rope, (B) 6x37

wire rope.

1.6.0 Selection
You must consider several factors when you select a wire rope for use in a particular
type of operation. It is impossible to manufacture a wire rope that can withstand all of
the different types of wear and stresses. Therefore, selecting a rope is often a matter of
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compromise. You must sacrifice one quality to have some other, more urgently needed
characteristic.
1.6.1 Tensile Strength
Tensile strength is the strength necessary to withstand a certain maximum load applied
to the rope. Tensile strength is the average strength of new rope under laboratory
conditions. This is determined by wrapping the rope around two large-diameter
capstans and slowly tensioning the line until it breaks. The manufacturer's
recommended working load is determined by taking the tensile strength and dividing it
by a factor that more accurately reflects the maximum load that should be applied to a
given rope. It includes a reserve of strength measured in a so-called factor of safety.
1.6.2 Crushing Strength
Crushing strength is the strength necessary to resist the compressive and squeezing
forces that distort the cross section of a wire rope as it runs over sheaves, rollers, and
hoist drums when under a heavy load. Regular lay rope distorts less in these situations
than lang lay.
1.6.3 Fatigue Resistance
Fatigue resistance is the ability to withstand the constant bending and flexing, such as
wire rope running continuously on sheaves and hoist drums. Fatigue resistance is
particularly important when the wire rope must be run at high speeds. Such constant
and rapid bending of the rope can break individual wires in the strands. Lang lay ropes
are best for service requiring high fatigue resistance. Ropes with smaller wires around
the outside of their strands also have greater fatigue resistance since these strands are
more flexible.
1.6.4 Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is the ability to withstand the gradual wearing away of the outer
metal as the rope runs across sheaves and hoist drums. The rate of abrasion depends
mainly on the load carried by the rope and the running speed. Generally, abrasion
resistance in a rope depends on the type of metal the rope is made of, and the size of
the individual outer wires. Wire rope made of the harder steels, such as improved plow
steel, has considerable resistance to abrasion. Ropes that have larger wires forming the
outside of their strands are more resistant to wear than ropes having smaller wires that
wear away more quickly.
1.6.5 Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance is the ability to withstand the dissolution of the wire metal that
results from chemical attack by moisture in the atmosphere or elsewhere in the working
environment. Ropes put to static work, such as guy wires, may be protected from
corrosive elements by paint or other special dressings. Wire rope may also be
galvanized for corrosion protection. Most wire ropes used in crane operations rely on
their lubricating dressing to double as a corrosion preventive.

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1.7.0 Measuring
The size of wire rope is designated by its
diameter. The true diameter of a wire rope
is the diameter of a circle that will just
enclose all of its strands. Correct and
incorrect methods of measuring wire rope
are illustrated in Figure 15-7. In particular,
the correct way is to measure from the top
of one strand to the top of the strand
directly opposite it; the wrong way is to
measure across two strands side-by-side.
Use calipers to take the measurement, or if
calipers are not available, use an adjustable
wrench and a rule.
To ensure an accurate measurement of the
diameter, always measure the wire rope at
three places, at least 5 feet apart. Use the
average of the three measurements as the
diameter of the rope.

1.8.0 Safe Working Load

Figure 15-7 Correct and

incorrect methods of measuring
wire rope.

The term safe working load (SWL), in reference to wire rope, defines the load you can
apply and still obtain the most efficient service from and still prolong the life of the rope.
Most manufacturers provide tables that show the safe working load for their rope under
various conditions. In the absence of these tables, you must apply a formula to obtain
the SWL. There are rules of thumb you can use to compute the strength of wire rope.
The one recommended by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) is:
SWL = D x 8
D represents the diameter of the rope in inches, and SWL represents the safe working
load in tons. This particular formula provides an ample safety margin to account for
such variables as the number, size, and location of the sheaves and drums on which
the rope runs. It also includes dynamic stresses, such as the speed of operation and the
acceleration and deceleration of the load. All can affect the endurance and breaking
strength of the rope. Let us work an example. Suppose you want to find the SWL of a
1/2-inch wire rope. Using the formula above and converting the fraction to a decimal,
your figures would be:
SWL = .52 x 8 = .25 x 8 = 2
The answer is 2, meaning that the rope has an SWL of 2 tons.

CAUTION
Do NOT downgrade the SWL of wire rope because it is old, worn, or in poor condition.
Cut up and discarded wire rope in these conditions.
Use the manufacturers data concerning the breaking strength (BS) of wire rope if
available. However, if you do not have that information, one rule of thumb
recommended is:
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BS = C x 4
Wire rope is measured by the diameter (D). To obtain the circumference (C) required in
the formula, multiply D by pi (), which is approximately 3.1416. Thus, the formula to
find the circumference is:
C=Dx
so the rule of thumb calculation for the breaking strength of our example is:
BS = (.5 x 3.1416)2 x 4
The answer is 9.87, meaning the wire rope has a BS of 9.87 tons

1.9.0 Failure
The following is a list of conditions that indicate a wire rope should be removed from
service:
1. Nominal rope diameter reduced by more than the amount shown in Table 15-1
for the applicable size rope, or unexpected increase in lay length, as compared to
previous lay length measurements
Table 15-1 Wire rope allowable diameter reduction.
Rope Diameter (Inches)

Maximum Allowable Nominal Diameter

Reduction (Inches)

5/16 and smaller

1/64

3-8 to 1/2

1/32

9/16 to 3/4

3/64

7/8 to 1 1/8

1/16

1 1/4 to 1 1/2

3/32

1 9/16 to 2

1/8

2 1/8 to 2 1/2

5/32

2. Six broken wires in one rope lay length, or three broken wires in one strand lay
length
3. One broken wire within one rope lay length of any end fitting
4. Wear of 1/3 the original diameter of outside individual wires, evidenced by flat
spots almost the full width of the individual wire, extending one lay length or more
5. Pitting due to corrosion, or nicks, extending one lay length or more
6. Severe kinking, crushing, or any other damage resulting in distortion of the rope
structure
7. Evidence of internal corrosion, broken wires on the underside of strands or in the
core

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Wire can fail due to any number of causes. Here is a list of some of the common causes
of wire rope failure:

Using the incorrect size, construction, or grade of wire rope

Dragging rope over obstacles

Applying improper lubrication

Operating over sheaves and drums of inadequate size

Overriding or cross winding on drums

Operating over sheaves and drums with improperly fitted grooves or broken
flanges

Jumping off sheaves

Subjecting it to acid fumes

Attaching and using fittings improperly

Promoting internal wear by allowing grit to penetrate between the strands

Subjecting rope to severe or continued overload

1.10.0 Attachments
Many attachments can be fitted to the ends of wire rope to connect it to other wire
ropes, pad eyes, chains, or equipment.

1.11.0 End Fittings

Some quick and easy-to-change end fittings include wire rope clips, clamps, thimbles,
wedge sockets, and basket sockets. Generally, these attachments permit the wire rope
to have greater flexibility than a more permanent splice would allow. These attachments
allow you to use the same wire rope for multiple purposes in numerous different
arrangements.
1.11.1 Clips
To make an eye in the end of a wire rope, use wire rope clips, such as those shown in
Figure 15-8. The U-shaped part of the clip with the threaded ends is the U-bolt; the
other part is the saddle. The saddle is stamped with the diameter of the wire rope that
the clip will fit. Always place a clip with the U-bolt on the bitter end, not on the standing
part of the wire rope. If you place the clips incorrectly, you will distort or have mashed
spots in the standing part or live end of the wire rope. An easy way to remember this is
Never saddle a dead horse.
You also need to determine the correct number of clips to use and the correct spacing.
Here are two simple formulas:
Remember, D represents the diameter of the wire rope:

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Figure 15-8 Wire rope clips.

Number of clips = 3 x D + 1

Spacing between clips = 6 x D

So, for the -inch wire rope previously used for the examples, the calculations would
be:

Number of clips = 3 x = 1 + 1, or 2 clips. However, always round up for

safety, so 3 clips is correct. Note: 2 clips is the minimum for any of the smaller
sized wire ropes.

Spacing between clips = 6 x = 3-inch spacing between clips.

Another easy to remember rule of thumb is One clip for every inch plus one.

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In addition to quantity and spacing, you must ensure that the nuts on the cable clips are
tightened correctly with sufficient torque. Table 15-2 shows the required cable clip
torque for wire rope up to 1-inch diameter.
Table 15-2 Torque for cable clips.
Clip Size (in.)

Rope Size (in.)

Minimum
No. of Clips

Amount of Rope to
Turn Back in Inches

* Torque
in Ft.Lbs.

1/8

1/8

3 1/4

4.5

3/16

3/16

3 3/4

7.5

1/4

1/4

4 3/4

15

5/16

5/16

5 1/4

30

3/8

3/8

6 1/2

45

7/16

7/16

65

1/2

1/2

11 1/2

65

9/16

9/16

12

95

5/8

5/8

12

95

3/4

3/4

18

130

7/8

7/8

19

225

26

225

If a pulley (sheave) is used for turning back the wire rope, add one additional clip.
If a greater number of clips are used than shown in the table, the amount of turnback
should be increased proportionately.
*The tightening torque values shown are based upon the threads being clean, dry, and
free of lubrication.

Another type of wire rope clip is the twinbase wire clip, sometimes referred to as the
universal or two-clamp, shown in Figure 159. Since both parts of this clip are shaped to
fit the wire rope, correct installation is
almost certain. This considerably reduces
potential damage to the rope. The twinbase clip also allows for a clean 360 swing
with the wrench when the nuts are being
tightened.

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Figure 15-9 Twin-base wire

rope clip.
15-15

1.11.2 Clamps
Wire rope clamps (Figure 15-10) are used to make an eye in the rope with or without a
thimble; however, a clamp is normally used without a thimble. The eye will have
approximately 90 percent of the strength of the rope. The two end collars should be
tightened with wrenches to force the wire rope clamp to a good, snug fit. This squeezes
the rope securely against each other.

Figure 15-10 Wire rope clamp.

1.11.3 Thimble
When the wire rope is terminated with a loop, there is a risk that it will bend too tightly,
especially when the loop is connected to a device that spreads the load over a relatively
small area. A thimble can be installed inside the loop to preserve the natural shape of
the loop, and protect the cable from pinching and abrading on the inside of the loop
(Figure 15-8).
Wire rope eyes with thimbles and wire rope clips can hold approximately 80 percent of
the wire rope strength. After the eye made with clips has been strained, the nuts on the
clips must be retightened, and periodic checks should be made for tightness or damage
to the rope cause by the clips.The use of thimbles in loops is industry best practice. The
thimble prevents the load from coming into direct contact with the wires.

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1.11.4 Wedge Socket

The attachment used most often to attach dead ends of wire ropes to pad eyes or like
fittings on earthmoving rigs is the wedge socket, shown in Figure 15-11. Apply the
socket to the bitter end of the wire rope, as shown in the figure.
To configure a wedge socket and attach to wire rope, follow the steps listed below:
1. Remove the pin and knock out the wedge.
2. Pass the wire rope up through the socket and lead enough of it back through the
socket to allow a minimum of six to nine inches of the bitter end to extend below
the socket.
3. Replace the wedge and haul on the bitter end of the wire rope until the bight
closes around the wedge, as shown in Figure 15-11. A strain of the standing part
will tighten the wedge. You need at least six to nine inches on the dead end, the
end of the line that does not carry the load.
4. Place one wire rope clip on the dead end to keep it from accidentally slipping
back through the wedge socket. The clip should be approximately three inches
from the socket. Use a clip one size smaller than normal so that the threads on
the U-bolt are only long enough to clamp tightly on one strand of wire rope. The
other alternative is to use the normal size clip and hop the dead end back, as
shown in Figure 15-11. Never attach the clip to the live end of the wire rope.

Figure 15-11 (A) Wedge socket types, (B)

Parts of a wedge socket.
The advantage of the wedge socket is that it is easy to remove; just take off the wire clip
and drive out the wedge. The disadvantage of the wedge socket is that it reduces the
strength of wire rope by about 33 percent due to the crushing action of the wedge. Of
course, reduced strength means a lower safe working load calculation.
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1.11.5 Basket Socket

A basket socket is normally
attached to the end of the rope
with either molten zinc or babbitt
metal; therefore, it is a
permanent end fitting. In all
circumstances, dry or poured, the
wire rope should lead from the
socket in line with the axis of the
socket.
1.11.5.1 Dry Method
The basket socket can be
fabricated by the dry method
(Figure 15-12) when facilities are
not available to make a poured
fitting; however, its strength will
be reduced to approximately one
sixth of that of a poured zinc
connection.
1.11.5.2 Poured Method
The poured method or speltering
is the best way to attach a closed
or open socket in the field
(Figure 15-13). "Speltering"
means to attach the socket to the
wire rope by pouring hot zinc
around it. Speltering should be
done by qualified personnel.
Properly fabricated, it is as strong
as the rope itself, and when
tested to destruction, a wire rope
will break before it will pull out of
the socket. When molten lead is
used vice zinc, the strength of the
connection is approximately
three-fourths the strength of a
zinc connection.

Figure 15-12 Attaching a basket socket by

the dry method.

Figure 15-13 Attaching a basket socket by

the pouring method.

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1.11.6 Splices
Permanent eyes in wire rope slings can also
be made in 3/8- to 5/8-inch (9.5 to 15.9-mm)
wire rope by using the nicopress portable
hydraulic splicing tool and oval sleeves. The
nicopress portable splicing tool (Figure 5-14)
consists of a hand-operated hydraulic pump
connected to a ram head assembly.
Included as a part of the tool kit are
interchangeable compression dies for wire
sizes 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, and 5/8 inch (9.5,
11.1, 12.7, 14.3, and 15.9 mm). The dies
are in machined halves with a groove size to
match the oval sleeve and the wire rope
being spliced. The oval sleeves (Figure 515) are available in plain copper or zincplated copper. To make an eye splice:
1. Pick an oval sleeve equal to the size
of the wire rope being spliced.

Figure 15-14 Nicopress

portable hydraulic splicing tool.

2. Slide the sleeve over the bitter end of

the length of rope, then form an eye and pass the bitter end through the end
again (Figure 5-16).
3. Place the lower half of the
compression die in the ram head
assembly.
4. Place the oval sleeve in this lower
half and drop in the upper half of
the die.
5. Fully insert the thrust pin that is
used to hold the dies in place
when making the swage.

Figure 15-15 Oval sleeve.

6. Start pumping the handle and continue to do so until the dies meet. At this time
the overload valve will pop off, and a 100-percent efficient splice is formed
(Figure 5-17).
7. Retract the plunger and remove the swaged splice.
8. Check the swage with the gauge supplied in each die set (Figure5-18).
This process represents a savings in time over the eye formed by using wire rope clips.
Additionally, lap splices can be made with nicopress oval sleeves (Figure5-19). Usually,
two sleeves are needed to create a full-strength splice. A short space should be
maintained between the two sleeves, as shown. Test the lap splice before placing it in
operational use.

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Figure 15-16 Starting an eye

splice.

Figure 15-17 Completed eye

splice.

Figure 15-18 Swage gauge.

Figure 15-19 Lap splice using a

nicopress oval sleeve.

1.12.0 Handling and Care

To render safe, dependable service over a maximum period, wire rope must have the
care and upkeep necessary to keep it in good condition. In this section, we will discuss
various ways of caring for and handling wire rope. Not only should you study these
procedures carefully, you should also practice them on your job to help you do a better
job now. In the end, the life of the wire rope will be longer and more useful.
1.12.1 Coiling and Uncoiling
Once a new reel has been opened, to lay
in back down, you can either coil it or
fake it down like line. The proper direction
of coiling is counterclockwise for left lay
wire rope and clockwise for right lay wire
rope. However, because of the general
toughness and resilience of wire, it
occasionally tends to resist being coiled
down. When this occurs, it is useless to
fight the wire by forcing down a stubborn
turn; it will only spring up again. In these
instances, you can throw in a back turn,
as shown in Figure 15-20, and it will lie
down properly. A wire rope when faked
down will run right off as line; however,
when wound in a coil, it must always be
unwound.
NAVEDTRA 14250A

Figure 15-20 Throwing a back

turn.
15-20

Wire rope tends to kink during uncoiling or unreeling, especially if it has been in service
for a long time. A kink can cause a weak spot in the rope, which will wear out more
quickly than the rest of the rope.
A good method for unreeling wire rope is to run a pipe or rod through the center and
mount the reel on drum jacks or other supports so the reel is off the ground or deck, as
shown in Figure 15-21. In this way, the reel will turn as you unwind the rope, and the
rotation of the reel will help keep the rope straight. During unreeling, pull the rope
straightforward, as shown in Figure 15-21, and try to avoid hurrying the operation; you
do not want the drum to gain spinning momentum as you pull off the wire rope it may
be hard to stop. As a safeguard against kinking, never remove wire rope from a
stationary reel.
To uncoil a small coil of wire rope, simply stand the coil on edge and roll it along the
ground or deck as with a wheel or hoop, as illustrated in Figure 15-21. Never lay the coil
flat on the deck or ground and uncoil it by pulling on the end; that practice can kink or
twist the rope.
To rewind wire rope back onto a reel or a drum, you may have difficulty unless you
remember that it tends to roll in the direction opposite the lay. For example, a right-laid
wire rope tends to roll to the left.

Figure 15-21 (A) unreeling a wire drum, (B) uncoiling wire rope.

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-21

1.12.2 Kinks
One of the most common forms of damage resulting from improperly handled wire rope
is the development of a kink. If any of the improper practices in uncoiling and unreeling
are used, a spiral condition is produced in
the rope that is very difficult to remove.
Usually this condition leads to kinking,
which, if tightened under a strain, is almost
certain to result in the destruction of the
wire rope at that location. It is important to
note that once a kink has been tightened in
a wire rope, permanent and irreparable
damage is done.
A loop may also be formed if an attempt is
made to either lengthen or shorten the rope
lay from its natural position when, at the
same time, sufficient slack is present in the
rope (Figure 15-22). Kinking can be
prevented by proper uncoiling and
unreeling methods and by the correct
handling of the wire rope throughout its
installation.

NAVEDTRA 14250A

Figure 15-22 Wire rope loop.

15-22

A loop that has not been pulled tight enough to set the wires or strands into a kink can
be removed by turning the rope at either end in the proper direction to restore the lay. If
a wire rope should form a loop, never try to pull it out by putting strain on either part.
As soon as you notice a loop:
1. Uncross the ends by pushing them apart.
See steps 1 and 2 in Figure 15-23. This
reverses the process that started the loop.
2. Turn the bent portion over and place it on
your knee or some firm object and push
downward until the loop straightens out
somewhat. See step 3 in Figure 15-23.
3. Lay the bent portion on a flat surface and
pound it until smooth with a wooden mallet.
See step 4 in Figure 15-23.
If a heavy strain has been put on a wire rope with
a kink in it (Figure 15-24), the rope can no longer
be used. Figure 15-25 shows a permanently
damaged rope that should be replaced.

Figure 15-24 Wire rope kink.

Figure 15-23 The correct

way to remove a loop in a
wire rope.

Figure 15-25 Kink damage.

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-23

1.12.3 Reverse Bends

Whenever possible, drums, sheaves, and blocks used with wire rope should be placed
to avoid reverse or S-shaped bends. Reverse bends cause the individual wires or
strands to shift too much and increase wear and fatigue. For a reverse bend, the drums
and blocks affecting the reversal should have a larger diameter than normal and should
be spaced as far apart as possible.
1.12.4 Sizes of Sheaves
The diameter of a sheave should never be less than 20 times the diameter of the wire
rope. An exception is 6x37 wire rope; it can be used with a smaller sheave because this
wire rope is more flexible.
The chart shown in Table 15-3 can be used to determine the minimum sheave diameter
for wire rope of various diameters and construction.
Table 15-3 Suggested minimum tread diameter of sheaves and
drums.

Rope
diameter in
inches

Minimum tread diameter in inches for a given rope

construction*
6x7

6x19

1/4

10 1/2

8 1/2

3/8

15 3/4

12 3/4

6 3/4

9 3/4

1/2

21

17

13

5/8

26 1/4

21 1/4

11 1/4

16 1/4

3/4

31 1/2

25 1/2

13 1/2

19 1/2

7/8

36 3/4

29 3/4

15 3/4

22 3/4

42

34

18

26

1 1/8

47 1/4

38 1/4

20 1/2

29 1/4

1 1/4

52 1/2

42 1/2

22 1/2

32 1/2

1 1/2

63

51

27

39

6x37

8x19
6 1/2

* Rope construction is in strands times wire per strand.

1.12.5 Seizing and Cutting

The makers of wire rope are careful to lay each wire in the strand and each strand in the
rope under uniform tension. When the ends of the rope are not secured properly, the
original balance of tension is disturbed and maximum service cannot be obtained
because some strands can carry a greater portion of the load than others. Before
cutting wire rope, place seizing on each side of the point where you will cut the rope, as
NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-24

shown in Figure 15-26. A rule of thumb for determining the size, number, and distance
between seizing is as follows:
1. The number of seizing to be applied equals approximately three times the
diameter of the rope.
Example: 3- x 3/4-inch-diameter rope = 2 1/4 inches. Round up to the next higher whole
number and use three seizings.
2. The width of each seizing should be 1 to 1 1/2 times as long as the diameter of
the rope.
Example: 1- x 3/4-inch-diameter rope= 3/4 inch. Use a 1-inch width of seizing.
3. The seizing should be spaced a distance equal to twice the diameter of the wire
rope.
Example: 2- x 3/4-inch-diameter rope = 1 1/2 inches. Space the seizing 2 inches apart.
A common method used to make a temporary wire rope seizing is as follows:
1. Wind on the seizing wire uniformly, using tension on the wire (Figure 15-26 step
1).
2. After taking the required number of turns, twist the ends of the wires
counterclockwise by hand, so the twisted portion of the wires is near the middle
of the seizing (Figure 15-26 step 2).
3. Grasp the ends with end-cutting nippers and twist up the slack (Figure 15-26 step
3).
4. Do not try to tighten the seizing by twisting; instead, draw up on the seizing
(Figure 15-26 step 4).
5. Twist up the slack again, using nippers (Figure 15-26 step 5). Repeat steps 4
and 5 if necessary.
6. Cut the ends and pound them down on the rope (Figure 15-26 step 6).

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-25

Figure 15-26 Seizing wire rope.

When the seizing is to be permanent or when the rope is 1 5/8 inches or more in
diameter, use a serving bar, or
iron, to increase tension on the
seizing wire when putting on the
turns.
A number of methods can cut
wire rope successfully. One
effective and simple method is
to use a hydraulic type of wire
rope cutter, as shown in Figure
15-27, View A.
Remember to seize all wire rope
before you cut it. For best
results in using this method,
place the rope in the cutter so
the blade comes between the
two central seizings. With the
release valve closed, jack the
blade against the rope at the
location of the cut and continue
to operate the cutter until the
NAVEDTRA 14250A

Figure 15-27 Types of wire cutters: (A)

hydraulic, (B) hammer.

15-26

blade completely severs the rope.

A second common field method is to use the hammer style cutter (Figure 15-27, View
B), which only requires a large sledgehammer and a solid surface to make the cut.

1.13.0 Inspection
Inspect wire rope at regular intervals, the same as fiber line. In determining the
frequency of inspection, carefully consider the amount of use of the rope and the
conditions under which it is used.
During an inspection, examine the rope carefully for fishhooks, kinks, and worn,
corroded spots. Usually, breaks in individual wires are concentrated in those portions of
the rope that consistently run over the sheaves or bend onto the drum. Abrasion or
reverse and sharp bends cause individual wires to break and bend back. These breaks
are known as fishhooks. When wires are only slightly worn, but have broken off
squarely and stick out all over the rope, the condition is usually caused by overloading
or rough handling. Even if the breaks are confined to only one or two strands, the
strength of the rope may be seriously reduced. When 4 percent of the total number of
wires in the rope have breaks within the length of one lay of the rope, the wire rope is
unsafe. Consider a rope unsafe when three broken wires are found in one strand of 6x7
rope, six broken wires in one strand of 6x19 rope, or nine broken wires in one strand of
6x37 rope.
Overloading a rope also reduces its diameter. Failure to lubricate the rope is another
cause of reduced diameter since the fiber core will dry out and eventually collapse or
shrink. The surrounding strands are thus deprived of support, and the ropes strength
and dependability are correspondingly reduced. Rope with a diameter reduced to less
than 75 percent of its original diameter should be removed from service.
A wire rope should also be removed from service when an inspection reveals
widespread corrosion and pitting of the wires. Pay particular attention to signs of
corrosion and rust in the valleys, the small spaces between the strands. Since such
corrosion is usually the result of improper or infrequent lubrication, the internal wires of
the rope are then subject to extreme friction and wear. This form of internal, and often
invisible, destruction of the wire is one of the most frequent causes of unexpected and
sudden failure of wire rope. The best safeguard is to keep the rope well lubricated and
to handle and store it properly.

1.14.0 Cleaning and Lubricating

Wire rope should always be cleaned carefully before lubrication. Scraping or steaming
removes most of the dirt and grit that has accumulated on used wire rope. Rust should
be removed at regular intervals by wire brushing. The objective of cleaning is to remove
all foreign material and old lubricant from the valleys between the strands as well as the
spaces between the outer wires. This allows the new lubricant to flow into the rope.
Periodic lubrication is required because wire rope is really a mechanical device with
many moving parts. Each time a rope bends or straightens, the wires in the strands and
the strands in the rope slide upon each other. A film of lubricant is needed on each
moving part. Another important reason for lubricating iron and steel wire ropes is to
prevent corrosion of the wires and deterioration of the hemp, synthetic, or steel core.
There is no known method to determine the strength of a corroded rope. A rusty rope is
a liability.
NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-27

Deterioration from corrosion is more dangerous than deterioration from wear; corrosion
ruins the inside wires a process hard to detect by inspection. Deterioration caused by
wear can be detected by examining the outside wires of the wire rope; these wires
become flattened and reduced in diameter as the wire rope wears.
Both internal and external lubrication protect a wire rope against wear and corrosion.
Internal lubrication can be properly applied only when the wire rope is being
manufactured, and manufacturers customarily coat every wire with a rust-inhibiting
lubricant and lay it into the strand. The core is also lubricated in manufacturing.
Lubrication applied in the field is designed not only to maintain surface lubrication but
also to prevent the loss of the internal lubrication provided by the manufacturer. The
Navy issues asphaltic petroleum oil that must be heated before using. This lubricant is
known as Lubricating Oil for Chain, Wire Rope, and Exposed Gear and comes in two
types:

Type I, Regular: This type of lubricant does not prevent rust and is used where
rust prevention is unnecessary. For example, elevator wires used inside
structures that are not exposed to the weather, but still require lubrication.

Type II, Protective: A lubricant and an anti-corrosive, it comes in three grades:

o Grade A: For cold weather (60F and below)
o Grade B: For warm weather (between 60F and 80F)
o Grade C: For hot weather (80F and above)

Apply the oil (issued in 25-pound or 35-pound buckets, and 100-pound drums) with a
stiff brush, or draw the wire rope through a trough of hot lubricant (Figure 15-28). The
frequency of application depends upon service conditions; as soon as the last coating
has appreciably deteriorated, renew it.
CAUTION
Avoid prolonged skin contact with oils and lubricants. Consult the Materials Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) on each item before use for precautions and hazards.
A good lubricant to use when working in the
field, as recommended by Naval Ships
Technical Manual Chapter 613, is Mil-Spec
lubricant (MIL-G-18458). The NAVFAC P404 contains added information on
additional lubricants that can be used.
Do not lubricate wire rope that works a
dragline or other attachments that normally
bring the wire rope in contact with soils. The
lubricant will pick up fine particles of
material, and the resulting abrasive action
will be detrimental to both the wire rope and
sheave.
As a safety precaution, always wipe off any
excess oil when lubricating wire rope,
especially with hoisting equipment. Too
much lubricant can get into brakes or
clutches and cause them to fail. When
NAVEDTRA 14250A

Figure 15-28 Trough method of

lubricating wire rope.

15-28

machinery is in use, its motion may sling excess oil around, over crane cabs and onto
catwalks, making them unsafe.
NOTE
Properly dispose of wiping rags and used or excess lubricant as hazardous waste. See
your supervisor for details on local disposal requirements.

1.15.0 Storage
Wire rope should never be stored in places where acid is or has been kept. The
slightest trace of acid coming in contact with wire rope damages it at that particular spot.
Many times, wire rope that has failed has been found to be acid damaged. The
importance of keeping acid or acid fumes away from wire rope must be stressed to all
hands.
It is especially important that wire rope be cleaned and lubricated properly before it is
placed in storage. Corrosion of wire rope during storage can be virtually eliminated if the
lubricant film is applied properly beforehand and if adequate protection is provided from
the weather. Bear in mind that rust, corrosion of wires, and deterioration of the fiber core
greatly reduce the strength of wire rope. It is not possible to state exactly the loss of
strength that results from these effects, but it is certainly great enough to require close
observance of precautions prescribed for protection against such effects.

Summary
This chapter discussed the characteristics, construction, and use of many types of wire
rope. We also discussed the safe working load, use of attachments and fittings, and
procedures for the care and handling of wire rope. Further information about wire ropes
can be obtained in NSTM Chapter 613, Wire and Fiber Rope and Rigging.
Always remember to keep your tools and work space clean and in good working order.
Wire rope is very dangerous to work with, so always follow the prescribed safety
precautions and wear the proper personal protective equipment.

NAVEDTRA 14250A

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Review Questions (Select the Correct Response)

1.

The most common strand constructions are Ordinary, Seale, Warrington, and
_______.
A.
B.
C.
D.

2.

Which of the following wire rope sizes is the most flexible?

A.
B.
C.
D.

3.

C.
D.

Measure in one place near the middle.

Measure in two places near the middle, 10 feet apart; then average the
results.
Measure in three places, 3 feet apart; then average the results.
Measure in three places, 5 feet apart; then average the results.

The bitter end of a wire rope should extend what minimum distance below a
wedge socket?
A.
B.
C.
D.

6.

Circumference
Diameter
Weight per running foot
Number of wires per strand

To measure the diameter of a wire rope, you should use which of the following
methods?
A.
B.

5.

6 x 14
6 x 19
6 x 21
6 x 37

The size of wire rope is designated by what characteristic?

A.
B.
C.
D.

4.

Babbitt
Plow
Filler
Manila

Six inches
Four inches
Three inches
Two inches

Which of the following strand constructions has alternating large and small wires
that provide a combination of great flexibility with a strong resistance to
abrasion?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Ordinary
Seale
Warrington
Filler

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-30

7.

Each square inch of improved plow steel can withstand a strain that is within
what range, in pounds, of pressure?
A.
B.
C.
D.

8.

What type of wire rope damage starts with the formation of a loop?
A.
B.
C.
D.

9.

Grade A
Grade B
Grade C
Grade D

What term is used to describe the technique of attaching a socket to a wire rope
by pouring hot zinc around it?
A.
B.
C.
D.

12.

10
20
30
40

Type II, Protective A lubricant comes in three grades. Which grade would be
used in temperatures of between 80F and 110F?
A.
B.
C.
D.

11.

Crush spots
Wear spots
Kinks
Broken wires

In wire rope rigging, the diameter of the sheave should never be less than how
many times the diameter of the wire rope?
A.
B.
C.
D.

10.

Between 100,000 and 140,000

Between 240,000 and 260,000
Between 300,000 and 340,000
Between 440,000 and 440,000

Seizing
Speltering
Wedging
Swaging

Which of the following formulas is used to obtain the number of wire clips
required for a wire rope?
A.
B.
C.
D.

6 x wire rope diameter

3 x wire rope diameter
6 x wire rope diameter + 1
3 x wire rope diameter + 1

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-31

13.

Wire rope eyes with thimbles and wire rope clips can hold approximately what
percentage of strength of a wire rope?
A.
B.
C.
D.

14.

Why is deterioration from corrosion more dangerous than that from wear?
A.
B.
C.
D.

15.

60
70
80
90

It is quick acting.
It is hard to detect.
It produces toxic gases.
It absorbs into your skin.

Which lay of wire rope has the wires in the strands laid to the left, while the
strands are laid to the right?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Right regular lay

Left regular lay
Right lang lay
Left lang lay

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-32

Trade Terms Introduced in this Chapter

Babbitt metal

Any of various alloys of tin with smaller amounts of antimony

and copper, used as an antifriction lining for bearings

Fake

Faking down. Line is laid out in long, flat bights, one

alongside of the other instead of in a round coil

Plow steel

A high-strength steel having a carbon content of 0.5 to 0.95

percent and used primarily to make wire rope

NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-33

Additional Resources and References

This chapter is intended to present thorough resources for task training. The following
reference works are suggested for further study. This is optional material for continued
education rather than for task training.
Cargo Specialist Handbook, Department of the Army, Washington DC, 1999
Hoisting and Rigging Safety Manual, Construction Safety Association of Ontario,
Etobicoke, Ontario Canada, 2007
Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications, FM 5-125, Department of the Army,
Washington DC, 2001
Wire and Fiber Rope and Rigging, S9086-UU-STM-010/CH-613R3, Naval Ships
Technical Manual, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington DC, 1999

NAVEDTRA 14250A

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NAVEDTRA 14250A

15-35