wire rope eye splice strength made in china

Wire rope slings adopt precast concrete construction and the main parts include wire rope, inner core, strand, center, steel wire, steel stocks and others.

We can customize various kinds of rigging according to customers’ requirement. Usually, the minimum circumference S of the sling is 50 times the wire rope diameter and the bending radius must be not less than 4 times of the wire rope diameter. The zone between the clamps can’t be bent under lifting force and the length is intended to be the dimension measured between the bearing points of the slings and the measured length of a ferrule-secured sling shall not differ from the nominal length by more than two rope diameters or 1% of the nominal length.

There are various sockets available such as open socket, closed socket and others. Also, the eye type include Flemish eye, pressed soft eye, spliced eye, thimble eye, standard eye, hard eye at both end.

①Vertical hitches are made directly from the crane hook to the load. Full rated capacity of the slings may be used but never exceeded. A tagline should be attached to prevent rotation which can damage the sling. A sling with a hand-tucked splice can’t lay and fail if the sling is allowed to rotate.

②Choker hitches reduce lifting capability of a sling, since this method of rigging affects the ability of the wire rope components to adjust during the lift, places angular loading on the body of the sling, and creates a small diameter bend in the body at the choke point.

Wire rope slings are always packaged in plywood reel/plastic reel/wooden reel/coil in container, and then they will be palletized or put into a crate or a box.

There are various types of wire rope slings including slings with soft eye, hoist slings, slings with soft eye and two legs, steel ferrule secured slings, slings with Flemish eyes, ferrule secured endless slings, slings with steel-ferrule secured end stops, slings with swaged steel tie rod, slings with single hook, slings for crane, slings with sockets, slings with master link and two legs, slings with cuneiform connector, flat wire rope mesh slings, slings with master link and four legs, endless wire rope slings, container lifting slings for sea oil platform, large diameter cable laid slings, slings for lifting reinforcing steel bars, cable laid grommet slings, cable stocking, slings with spliced eye termination and others, and the main products are as following.

2-Leg bridle slings constructed of two wire rope assemblies that are attached to an oblong ring are designed for general lifting when the attachment can be made directly to the load. The lifting ends of the wire rope legs can be fitted with a variety of hooks, eyes, or rings to allow attachment to nearly any object. The advantage of wire rope slings is that they are resistant to corrosion, heat, sunlight and most chemicals and they are custom built to meet your specific needs for any application.

3-Leg bridle wire rope slings constructed of three wire rope assemblies that are attached to an oblong ring are designed to handle unbalanced loads. The lifting ends of the wire rope legs can be fitted with a variety of hooks, eyes, or rings to allow attachment to nearly any object. We carry a range of wire rope slings in our hire fleet with soft eye configurations at each end, available in various capacities and effective working lengths.

4-Leg bridle wire rope lifting slings constructed of four wire rope assemblies that are attached to an oblong ring are designed for balanced or unbalanced loads and for heavy lifts when the weight can easily be distributed over four points. The lifting ends of the wire rope legs can be fitted with a variety of hooks, eyes, or rings to allow attachment to nearly any object.

The endless wire rope slings are orbicular, economical and adaptable slings with no fixed wear points, using special technology and the most advanced equipment and known for its softness, high tension and increased suspension points. They are suitable to lift and move tubes, pipes and long metal parts which suited in small and limited spaces and for high/large lifting loads, they are also adaptable for special bulk hoisting requirements of different conditions, such as transformers, shipbuilding and special machinery (where the warning mark locates cannot be used as lifting point)

Slings can be realized with galvanized or ungalvanized wire rope, special rope protected by strong PVC sleeve to resist against sharp edges without damaging the goods surface is also available as per your request.

7. According to the strength, wire rope slings can be divided into vertical breaking strength, chocker breaking strength, basket breaking strength, and except for standard eye size, thimble eye size, there are others of different eye hook capacity.

④Evidence of heat damage or if a wire rope sling having a fiber core is exposed to temperatures in excess of 200° F or if a wire rope sling having a steel core is used at temperatures above 400° F or below minus 60° F.

⑤Corrosion of the rope or end attachments or not laying and opening up of a tucked splice. Also, when end attachments that are cracked, deformed, or worn.

⑦Avoid twists, kinks and knots before lifting, store wire rope slings where they will not be subjected to dirt, moisture, extreme heat, corrosion or mechanical damage.

⑧Protect the sling body against sharp edges and corners of loads, protrusions or abrasive surfaces. Sharp bends can distort wire rope and reduce its strength.

⑨Never "shock load" wire rope slings, the actual force caused by a sudden application of load can easily exceed rated capacities and damage slings and abruptly releasing a load can also damage the slings.

Wire rope slings are a basic material handling tool used to harness various kinds of goods and are the most common type of sling used in industry for lifting applications. Wire rope consists of strands of metal wire twisted in a helix around a core.

They are extremely strong and an excellent choice for heavy duty jobs involving not only lifting, but also hoisting, towing, or anchoring loads. The fabrication of wire slings also offers excellent abrasion-resistance and heat resistance so it can be used in extreme conditions and temperatures.

They are manufactured in a variety of configurations, with 6x19 and 6x36, being two of the most common. The numbers represent the number of wires making up the strand and the number of strands wrapped around the core. For example, a 6x19 indicates that there are 19 wires making up a strand, and 6 strands are wrapped around the core.

They are constructed of strong high quality steel that is resistant to corrosion, heat, sunlight, and most chemicals. Thimbles greatly improve sling longevity by protecting the wire rope at connection points.

For wire rope slings, damage and reduced strength can occur if the wrong size pin or hook is used. The width of the pin or hook should never exceed one half the inside length of the eye. If your pin or hook is large, request an oversized eye for the sling.

They are strong, durable, and versatile, with a wide range of different uses across many industries and fields. Our wire slings have soft eyes at either end, making them easy to handle and use without affecting their strength.

They can be custom made into single, double, triple, or quadruple legs and can have many different end fittings, Slings can be manufactured to closer length tolerance than those normally quoted for hand splicing. The Stretch of the eye and termination is reduced because there are no splicing tucks which will pull down under load.

It is only as good as its end termination. To produce a safe and reliable wire rope sling involves more than just “having a press”, a length of wire rope and fittings.

Our Wire Rope Slings are three-part slings created to replace large diameter single-part ones that proved awkward and stiff. They for everything from steel erection or machinery moving to any type of heavy lift.

Used in steel warehouses, metalworking shops and construction sites, a wire rope or mesh sling grips tightly around loads without stretching and has vertical load limits up to 9.8 tons. Fit for any rugged environment, these low cost slings handle temperatures ranging from –60 to 400°F and abrasive loads that tend to cut web slings.

Wire rope is often used in slings because of its strength, durability, abrasion resistance and ability to conform to the shape of the loads on which it is used. In addition, they are able to lift hot materials. Wire rope used in slings can be made of ropes with either Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) or a fiber-core.

Least expensive per capacity of all steel slings. Good abrasion resistance increases useful life of sling. IWRC can be used at temperatures up to 400° F. Countless combinations of sling terminations to fit specific lift requirements. Available in wire core for strength and fiber core for flexibility.

Sometimes referred to wire cable slings, which are more robust and durable than nylon slings and have higher temperature limits. There are many different types of wire cable slings and they all have their own purposes. For instance, the normal sling strength is based on the strength of the wire rope used in the sling.

Rated load is based on pin diameter no larger than one half the natural eye length or not less than the nominal sling diameter. Basket hitch capacity based on minimum D/d ratio of 25/1. For choker hitch, the angle of choke shall be 120 degrees or greater.

Our wire slings are available in various end-terminations and hardware configurations to best suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a standard 105B, a hand-tucked sling for the steel erection/iron worker industry, our wire rope fabrication facilities can fabricate the right solution for your lift, Our products are custom built to meet your specific needs for any application. As most wire rope slings are custom applications, please contact RAMHOIST to custom fabricate your sling for your application.

Single leg design can be used in a range of hitches and angles. Manufactured with mechanical Flemish eye splicing for excellent efficiency and strength.

We are a professional manufacturer for wire rope slings and heavy lift assemblies, SOLAR has been the No.1 wire rope and sling supplier in Shanghai area. Our customers are mostly Shipbuilding, Shipping, Offshore construction, and ship service providers. With swaging machine up to size 120mm and experienced splicing workers, we provide strongest and safest wire rope slings. Also our sales staffs are professional with lifting equipment, and could provide with customer correct wire rope and slings for their equipment or lifting requirements.

Often generically referred to as Crosby clips and occasionally as bulldogs we offer both forged and malleable wire rope clips. Forged clips are required for use in overhead lifting. The malleable clips are recommended for non critical light duty applications such as guard rails, guy wires etc. The efficiency rating on the proper number of properly applied wire rope clips is 80% of the strength of the wire rope. We offer both offshore and Genuine Crosbie Wire Rope Clips. Fist Grips have a couple of advantages over Wire Rope clips in that they are impossible to apply incorrectly and they damage the rope less in situations where the clip will be removed.

Wire rope clips must be re tightened after applying load. In accordance with good rigging practice wire rope and its terminations should be regularly inspected.

Unfortunately, polyester melts at approx. 250°C (~480°F). Research has shown that a 2k luminair-housing can reach temperatures of about 190°C (~370°F), with the truss-chord straight over it being almost 140°C (~280°F). Accidents have been reported of round slings being melted by spots, pyro or the heat of the rays, and as a result, trusses have fallen. When round slings are used, a safety backup must be applied such as a wire rope or chain sling.

So rather than have a backup steel sling why not make the sling out of steel but softer than a single cable. A steel round sling has a normal outside webbing for soft slings, but instead of the polyamide core, the steel round sling has a core made of many small steel cables, which makes it resistant to high temperatures. The steel wires within the steel round are as flexible as a normal soft sling, but have a much better fire resistance. The steel round can be used in circumstances where the normal soft slings are not allowed.

The outside webbing is black, including an identification label and a hidden inspection window to inspect the steel wires within the sling. The wire-rope core has better heat resistance than the truss itself.

Down Stage Right can supply most of your rope and cordage requirements from twill tape and black cotton tie line to large diameter manila and polyester ropes and braids. To make life very very confusing the synthetic fibre ropes are all available in either a 3 strand, solid braid, double braid or parallel core configuration in nylon, polyester or more exotic materials. Polyester ropes are available in a spun or non spun finish. Due to the huge number of different sizes, colours, materials and braid types combinations (and to simplify things) Down Stage Right Industries stocks several favourites that we have found the theatrical industry usually purchases. If you need a particular rope we are happy to bring in the particular configuration and colour that you want. Please call for details or recommendations for a particular product.

The primary advantage of sash cords are their handling characteristics and their knot holding ability. It does not have the strength or durability of double braids. Available in white as a cotton polyester blend or in black as spun polyester. Sash braid is generally a coarser cousin of solid braid.

Often mislabeled as hemp, manila is significantly stronger and is used in for hand lines in counterweight rigging and as general purpose spot line rope. We only carry #1 grade sea worthy manila. Manila has generally been replaced by synthetics in our industry

Working loads are guidelines only. Once put into service rope is continually deteriorating. Manila rope will deteriorate in storage even under ideal conditions.

Solid braid ropes are sometimes referred to as “sash cord” because this pattern was used to raise sash windows. It is formed by braiding 8 to 18 strands in a reasonably complicated pattern with all the strands rotating in the same direction on the braider. The individual stitches are oriented in the same direction as the rope. The center may contain a filler core. These ropes maintain their round shape well and therefore work exceptionally well in pulleys and sheaves. They tend to have high elongation and are generally less strong than other forms of construction, and are difficult to splice.

"Double braid" ropes, also referred to as "Marine Ropes" or "Yacht Braid" or “2 in 1” are perhaps the most well known braided rope on the market today. They are constructed of a hollow braided rope, which acts as a core inside another braided rope. The combination of the 2 ropes in 1 results in a rope with higher tensile strength than commonly found in twisted ropes. The inner rope and outer rope are generally designed to share the load fairly evenly. Double braid ropes have a torque free construction, and are easily spliced. However, caution must be exercised where double braid ropes are run over pulleys, through hardware or in any situation where the outer rope may slide along on the inner rope and bunch up. This condition, often called "milking", will cause dramatic loss of strength by causing the entire load to go onto the inner rope, because the sheath is bunched up and therefore not under the same tension as the inner rope. Polyester double braid ropes big advantage is that they do not have the same stretch as nylon. They can also be made with a soft “spun” covering giving a better hand feel. The elasticity of nylon ropes can absorb sudden shock loads that would break other ropes.

Manufactured by New England Ropes Stage Set X is a superior replacement for manila with a longer life, much higher strength and no slivers. This rope was specially developed as a replacement for manila hand lines in counterweight rigging and we find it to be Cadillac of the synthetic hand line ropes. Multiline II is a three stranded rope with the same ideals in mind. It is more economically priced and has slightly different handling characteristics.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: New England Ropes" Stage-Set X is the softest, strongest and most environmentally stable product available in the theatre industry for counterweight systems. It"s parallel core of polyester fibre contained within a helically wrapped polyester tape and covered by a braided polyester jacket, remains firm and round under all load conditions and resists crushing in rope locks.

Compliance to the above specifications is based upon testing according to the Cordage Institute Standard Testing Methods for Fiber Rope and/or ASTM D-4268 Standard Methods of Testing Fiber Ropes.

Tensile strengths - Are approximate average for new, unused ropes. To estimate the minimum tensile strength of a new rope, reduce the approximate average by 15% (Cordage Institute defines minimum tensile strength as two standard deviations below the average tensile strength of the rope).

Good resistance to the passage of electrical current. However in rope form, dirt, surface contaminants, water entrapment and the like can significantly affect dielectric properties. Extreme caution should be exercise any time a rope is in the proximity of live circuits.

No blanket working load recommendation can be made because it depends on the application and conditions of use, especially potential danger to personnel. It is recommended that the user establish working loads and safety factors based on professional and experienced assessments of risks. The working load is a guideline for the use of a rope in good condition for non-critical applications and should be reduced where life, limb, or valuable property is involved, or exceptional service such as shock, sustained loading, severe vibration, etc.

The Cordage Institute specifies that the Safe Working Load of a rope shall be determined by dividing the Minimum Tensile Strength by the Safety Factor. Safety factors range from 5 to 12 for non-critical uses, 15 for life lines.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Multiline II is a 3-strand composite rope, its unique construction combines filament and staple/spun polyester wrapped around a polyolefin core (smaller than 1/2" diameter does not have polyolefin core). Multiline II feels and handles like manila, yet provides greater durability, higher strength, lighter weight, and a consistent supple feel over time.

Compliance to the above specifications is based upon testing according to the Cordage Institute Standard Testing Methods for Fiber Rope and/or ASTM D-4268 Standard Methods of Testing Fiber Ropes.

Tensile strengths - Are approximate average for new, unused ropes. To estimate the minimum tensile strength of a new rope, reduce the approximate average by 15% (Cordage Institute defines minimum tensile strength as two standard deviations below the average tensile strength of the rope).

Good resistance to the passage of electrical current. However in rope form, dirt, surface contaminants, water entrapment and the like can significantly affect dielectric properties. Extreme caution should be exercise any time a rope is in the proximity of live circuits.

No blanket working load recommendation can be made because it depends on the application and conditions of use, especially potential danger to personnel. It is recommended that the user establish working loads and safety factors based on professional and experienced assessments of risks. The working load is a guideline for the use of a rope in good condition for non-critical applications and should be reduced where life, limb, or valuable property is involved, or exceptional service such as shock, sustained loading, severe vibration, etc.

The Cordage Institute specifies that the Safe Working Load of a rope shall be determined by dividing the Minimum Tensile Strength by the Safety Factor. Safety factors range from 5 to 12 for non-critical uses, 15 for life lines.

Splicing is vastly used in marine life in order to make semi-permanent joints between two parts of a rope. While knots weaken the rope by more than 20% most of the time, splicing attains a rope’s full strength. One type of splicing is the eye splicing used to create a rope loop, mainly for mooring purposes. Are you trying to find ways onhow to tie an eye splice knot? In this blogpost the Katradis SA team shows youhow to eye splicean 8-strand, 12-strand and 24-strand rope.

Starting with splicing, you will need to measure the desired length, plus some extra length for the splicing. Usually a length of 4 meters should suffice to make an eye splice. Once you have decided on length, make markings on the rope strands and use some tape around the rope that will be unbraided next.

Now you will need to unbraid the strands and prepare the ropes for splicing. Keep in mind that you’ll have to separate the S-strands from the Z-strands. S-strands twist counterclockwise and Z-strands twist clockwise. S-strands will be spliced with Z-strands and Z-strands will be spliced with S-strands. This way, the inserted Z-strand pair runs along the adjacent two Z-strands, and the inserted S-strand pair runs along the adjacent two S-strands.

To prolong the rope loop’s life, a protective sleeve is recommended to be used. To attire the eye with the sleeve, pass the protective sleeve through the rope, after the point of the rope marking.

Splicing can take place for 8-strand or greater single-braided ropes and it is commonly used on synthetic ropes in order to create mooring tails or fixed point attachments. Yet, it can be used with the same efficiency on high modulus and double-braided ropes as well.

Before starting on splicing an 8-strand mixed rope, split the strands into two pairs of S-strands and two pairs of Z-strands. Wind some tape around the strand ends so that you can perform the splicing process easier. Use different colours for each strand type (e.g. S-strand black tape, Z-strand red tape).

Insert a spike into the gap beneath two running S-strands of the rope to make an opening. In order to create a tenacious 8-strand multiplait eye splice, make sure the eye is not twisted. Insert the first Z-strand pair into the gap. With the same spike make an opening beneath the adjacent two running Z-strands. Insert the S-strand pair into the opening. Do the same for the other two pairs and then turn the entire rope over.

Repeat the same process for this side. Once a splicing circle is finished, turn the rope over again and continue the ropework until the strands are completely spliced. Tighten the rope strands slightly at the end and your 8strand eye splice is ready.

For a 12-strand high modulus rope you need to pull out the strands, six S-strands and six Z-strands. Tape the edges of each strand. You can use different colour tape for each strand type (S or Z). Use a fid if you want to easier pass the strands through the rope’s structure.

Begin to insert each strand of the same twist (e.g. Z-strands), until all the strands have passed through. Then turn the rope over and continue splicing the remaining strands of the opposite twist. After finishing the first circle of S and Z strand insertion, make an overturn once again to begin the second insertion circle.

Start again with the same ropes as in the beginning of this step. After the six strands have been inserted, there is no need to overturn the rope as done before. You can go on with the next 6 strands. Turn the rope over after a whole splicing circle is completed.

Continue the same procedure (inserting the S and Z strands) for two or three more circles. Tape the remaining ends of the strands (put together 4 strands at one taping) and cut the final edges of the splice.

Mark and tape the 24-strand nylon rope, counting 16 double strands of the same twist from the end of the rope (16 pairs of strands). This is sufficient for making 6 full strand insertions or tucks. From the taped point, carefully take out the pairs of strands one by one following the pattern meticulously. Attention must be paid at the removal of the third strand pair.

Tape the edges of each strand pair. Next, tape the edge of the 3-strand core rope with your metal rod. Insert the 3-strand core rope in the rope. The point of the core rope insertion is determined by the eye length you want to make. From that point you will begin splicing the strands. Take out the 3-strand core rope after 6 pairs of strands of the same twist.

Start your eye splicing with the first pair of strands. You should pay attention to the insertion point concerning the 3-strand core rope. Continue in the same pattern and complete the insertion of all the strand pairs of S and Z twist. Cut the excessive length of the 3-strand core and continue with the second circle of the splicing process.

Turn the rope over in order to begin the second insertion. Use the splicing fid to pass the strands through the rope. Snag the strands a little bit, in order to remove excess slack among them. Do the strand snagging after every completed insertion. After the completion of the third insertion, all the strands should emanate from the same spot of the rope’s circumference. Continue making more insertions with the same pattern until you complete three splicing circles or more.

Since 1936 Katradis SAhas focused on extensive expertise in the design and development of high modulus and synthetic mooring ropes. Our expert engineers conduct regular rope durability and flexibility research. Our findings ensure that the highest rope standards and the strictest demands of the shipping Industry are being met every day.

Scope. This section applies to slings used in conjunction with other material handling equipment for the movement of material by hoisting, in employments covered by this part. The types of slings covered are those made from alloy steel chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural or synthetic fiber rope (conventional three strand construction), and synthetic web (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene).

Employers must not use improved plow-steel wire rope and wire-rope slings with loads in excess of the rated capacities (i.e., working load limits) indicated on the sling by permanently affixed and legible identification markings prescribed by the manufacturer.

An eye splice made in any wire rope shall have not less than three full tucks. However, this requirement shall not operate to preclude the use of another form of splice or connection which can be shown to be as efficient and which is not otherwise prohibited.

Except for eye splices in the ends of wires and for endless rope slings, each wire rope used in hoisting or lowering, or in pulling loads, shall consist of one continuous piece without knot or splice.

Wire rope shall not be used if, in any length of eight diameters, the total number of visible broken wires exceeds 10 percent of the total number of wires, or if the rope shows other signs of excessive wear, corrosion, or defect.

Cable laid and 6 × 19 and 6 × 37 slings shall have a minimum clear length of wire rope 10 times the component rope diameter between splices, sleeves or end fittings.

Safe operating temperatures. Fiber core wire rope slings of all grades shall be permanently removed from service if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 200 °F (93.33 °C). When nonfiber core wire rope slings of any grade are used at temperatures above 400 °F (204.44 °C) or below minus 60 °F (15.55 °C), recommendations of the sling manufacturer regarding use at that temperature shall be followed.

Wire rope slings shall have permanently affixed, legible identification markings stating size, rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one.

Employers must not use natural- and synthetic-fiber rope slings with loads in excess of the rated capacities (i.e., working load limits) indicated on the sling by permanently affixed and legible identification markings prescribed by the manufacturer.

In manila rope, eye splices shall contain at least three full tucks, and short splices shall contain at least six full tucks (three on each side of the centerline of the splice).

In layed synthetic fiber rope, eye splices shall contain at least four full tucks, and short splices shall contain at least eight full tucks (four on each side of the centerline of the splice).

Strand end tails shall not be trimmed short (flush with the surface of the rope) immediately adjacent to the full tucks. This precaution applies to both eye and short splices and all types of fiber rope. For fiber ropes under 1-inch diameter, the tails shall project at least six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck. For fiber ropes 1-inch diameter and larger, the tails shall project at least 6 inches beyond the last full tuck. In applications where the projecting tails may be objectionable, the tails shall be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will require a tail length of approximately six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck).

For all eye splices, the eye shall be sufficiently large to provide an included angle of not greater than 60° at the splice when the eye is placed over the load or support.

Safe operating temperatures. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings, except for wet frozen slings, may be used in a temperature range from minus 20 °F (-28.88 °C) to plus 180 °F (82.2 °C) without decreasing the working load limit. For operations outside this temperature range and for wet frozen slings, the sling manufacturer"s recommendations shall be followed.

Splicing. Spliced fiber rope slings shall not be used unless they have been spliced in accordance with the following minimum requirements and in accordance with any additional recommendations of the manufacturer:

In manila rope, eye splices shall consist of at least three full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least six full tucks, three on each side of the splice center line.

In synthetic fiber rope, eye splices shall consist of at least four full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least eight full tucks, four on each side of the center line.

Strand end tails shall not be trimmed flush with the surface of the rope immediately adjacent to the full tucks. This applies to all types of fiber rope and both eye and short splices. For fiber rope under 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, the tail shall project at least six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck. For fiber rope 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter and larger, the tail shall project at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) beyond the last full tuck. Where a projecting tail interferes with the use of the sling, the tail shall be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will require a tail length of approximately six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck).

For all eye splices, the eye shall be of such size to provide an included angle of not greater than 60 degrees at the splice when the eye is placed over the load or support.

Removal from service. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

Employers must use natural- and synthetic-fiber rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings that state the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.

Attachment of end fittings to webbing and formation of eyes. Stitching shall be the only method used to attach end fittings to webbing and to form eyes. The thread shall be in an even pattern and contain a sufficient number of stitches to develop the full breaking strength of the sling.

Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings are used primarily for temporary work, such as construction and painting jobs, and in marine operations. Fiber rope slings are pliant, grip loads well, and do not mar the surface of the load.

The most common constructions for fiber rope slings are 3-strand laid, 8-strand plaited, and hollow braided nylon and polyester. Fiber rope slings have the following properties in common:

Ensure that spliced synthetic fiber rope slings have been spliced in accordance with the following minimum requirements, and in addition to any recommendations of the manufacturer:

For tuck splices in three- and eight-strand synthetic ropes, no less than four full tucks are used. Short splices contain at least eight full tucks, four on each side of the center splice,

In manila rope, eye splices consist of at least three full tucks, and short splices consist of at least six full tucks, three on each side of the splice center line,

Synthetic rope slings have a minimum length of ten times the rope diameter between the last tuck of tuck splices or between the ends of the buried tails or strands of other types of splices. The diameter and width of the bearing surface of the fitting can affect the strength of the sling. Folow the sling manufacturer"s recommendations when fittings are used with the sling. Do not use knots, clips, or clamps to fabricate slings. If thimbles do not have ears, lash the thimbles to the rope to prevent rotation.

Fiber breakage or melted fiber inside the rope that appears along the length at the same relative position and involves damage estimated at 10 percent of the fiber in the strand at that point,

Melted or charred areas that affect more than 10 percent of the diameter of the rope or affect several adjacent strands along the length to more than 10 percent of their individual diameters.

Do not use worn or damaged slings or attachments. Do not use repaired or reconditioned fiber rope slings. Do not use old or used rope to make up a fiber rope sling.

Ensure that natural and synthetic fiber rope slings have suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch, and environment in which they will be used and that they are not used with loads in excess of the rated load capacities described in the appropriate tables. Follow other safe operating practices, including:

Before initial use, ensure that all new natural and synthetic fiber rope slings incorporating previously used or welded fittings and all repaired slings are proof tested by the manufacturer or a qualified person.

Other new natural and synthetic fiber rope slings need not be proof tested, although the employer may require proof testing in purchasing specifications.

Do not allow natural and synthetic fiber rope slings to be used in contact with objects or at temperatures in excess of 194 degrees F (90 degrees C), or below minus 40 degrees F (minus 40 degrees C).

Some synthetic yarns do not retain their breaking strength during long-term exposure above 140 degrees (60 degrees C). Consult the sling manufacturer for the effects of long-term heat exposure.

Long-term exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation can affect the strength of natural, nylon and polyester rope slings. Consult the sling manufacturer for proper retirement criteria for nylon and polyester ropes subjected to long-term storage or use in sunlight.

Chemically active environments can affect the strength of natural and synthetic fiber rope slings. Consult the manufacturer before using a sling in such environments. Also, the presence of rust in wet nylon ropes has been found to be potentially harmful.

Rope splicing in ropework is the forming of a semi-permanent joint between two ropes or two parts of the same rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands. Splices can be used to form a stopper at the end of a line, to form a loop or an eye in a rope, or for joining two ropes together.

back splice (or end splice) – A splice where the strands of the end of the rope are spliced directly back into the end without forming a loop. It is used to finish off the end of the rope to keep it from fraying. The end of the rope with the splice is about twice the thickness of the rest of the rope. With nylon and other plastic materials, the back splice is often no longer used; the rope strands are simply fused together with heat to prevent fraying.

cut splice (originally cunt splice) – A splice similar to the eye splice. It is typically used for light lines (e.g. the log-line) where a single splice would tend to come undone, the rope being frequently wet.bowdlerised to "cut splice".

long splice – A splice used to join two rope ends forming one rope the length of the total of the two ropes. The long splice, unlike most splice types, results in a splice that is only very slightly thicker than the rope without the splice, but sacrifices some of the strength of the short splice. It does this by replacing two of the strands of each rope end with those from the other, and cutting off some of the extra strands that result. The long splice allows the spliced rope to still fit through the same pulleys, which is necessary in some applications.

short splice – Also a splice used to join the ends of two ropes, but the short splice is more similar to the technique used in other splices and results in the spliced part being about twice as thick as the non spliced part, and has greater strength than the long splice. The short splice retains more of the rope strength than any knots that join rope ends.

Splices are often tapered to make the thicker splice blend into the rest of the line. There are two main types of tapering, the standard and the "West Coast Taper".

Standard tapers progressively remove a portion of each remaining strand – one-third at a time is typical, resulting in a taper of two additional tucks beyond the splice – thus making each successive tuck produce a narrower splice. This is only practical with laid-lines – those made up of numerous strands laid side by side.

A fid is a hand tool made from wood, plastic, or bone and is used in the process of working with rope. A variety of fid diameters are available depending on the size of rope being used. Styles of fid designs include:

A Marlinspike is a tool, usually made of steel and often part of a sailor"s pocketknife, which is used to separate strands of rope from one another. They can range in size anywhere from 3 inches to 5 feet long, with a round or flattened point.

Wire rope is made of plaiting strands of wire – normally medium carbon steel –into a thick cable. The strands are formed around a core. The strands in wire ropes are made of wore twisted together. Strands with smaller diameter wires are less abrasion resistant and more fatigue resistant. Strands made with thicker length of wore are more abrasion resistant and less fatigue resistant.

Left-hand ordinary lay (LHOL) wire rope (close-up). Right-hand lay strands are laid into a left-hand lay rope. Right-hand Lang"s lay (RHLL) wire rope (close-up). Right-hand lay strands are laid into a right-hand lay rope.

Left hand lay or right hand lay describe the manner in which the strands are laid to form the rope. To determine the lay of strands in the rope, a viewer looks at the rope as it points away from them. If the strands appear to turn in a clockwise direction, or like a right-hand thread, as the strands progress away from the viewer, the rope has a right hand lay. The picture of steel wire rope on this page shows a rope with right hand lay. If the strands appear to turn in an anti-clockwise direction, or like a left-hand thread, as the strands progress away from the viewer, the rope has a left hand lay.

Ordinary and Lang"s lay describe the manner in which the wires are laid to form a strand of the wire rope. To determine which has been used first identify if left or right hand lay has been used to make the rope. Then identify if a right or left hand lay has been used to twist the wires in each strand. Ordinary lay The lay of wires in each strand is in the opposite direction to the lay of the strands that form the wire.

Alternate lay The lay of wires in the strands alternate around the rope between being in the opposite and same direction to the lay of the strands that form the wire rope.

The specification of a wire rope type – including the number of wires per strand, the number of strands, and the lay of the rope – is documented using a commonly accepted coding system, consisting of a number of abbreviations.

This is easily demonstrated with a simple example. The rope shown in the figure "Wire rope construction" is designated thus: 6x19 FC RH OL FSWR 6 Number of strands that make up the rope

Each of the sections of the wire rope designation described above is variable. There are therefore a large number of combinations of wire rope that can be specified in this manner. The following abbreviations are commonly used to specify a wire rope. Abbr. Description

The end of a wire rope tends to fray readily, and cannot be easily connected to plant and equipment. A number of different mechanisms exist to secure the ends of wire ropes to make them more useful. The most common and useful type of end fitting for a wire rope is when the end is turned back to form a loop. The loose end is then fixed by any number of methods back to the wire rope.

When the wire rope is terminated with a loop, there is a risk that the wire rope can 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 abrasion on the inside of the loop. The use of thimbles in loops is industry best practice. The thimble prevents the load from coming into direct contact with the wires.

A wire rope clamp, also called a clip, is used to fix the loose end of the loop back to the wire rope. It usually consists of a u-shaped bolt, a forged saddle and two nuts. The two layers of wire rope are placed in the u-bolt. The saddle is then fitted over the ropes on to the bolt (the saddle includes two holes to fit to the u-bolt). The nuts secure the arrangement in place. Three or more clamps are usually used to terminate a wire rope.

Swaging is a method of wire rope termination that refers to the installation technique. The purpose of swaging wire rope fittings is to connect two wire rope ends together, or to otherwise terminate one end of wire rope to something else. A mechanical or hydraulic swager is used to compress and deform the fitting, creating a permanent connection. There are many types of swaged fittings. Threaded Studs, Ferrules, Sockets, and Sleeves a few examples.

A socket termination is useful when the fitting needs to be replaced frequently. For example, if the end of a wire rope is in a high-wear region, the rope may be periodically trimmed, requiring the termination hardware to be removed and reapplied. An example of this is on the ends of the drag ropes on a dragline. The end loop of the wire rope enters a tapered opening in the socket, wrapped around a separate component called the wedge. The arrangement is knocked in place, and load gradually eased onto the rope. As the load increases on the wire rope, the wedge become more secure, gripping the rope tighter.

Eye Splice The ends of individual strands of this eye splice used aboard a cargo ship are seized with natural fiber cord after the splicing is complete. This helps protect seaman"s hands when handling.