wire rope construction types for sale

To accommodate for heavier weights and more heavy-duty applications, industrial wire ropes are available in different designs. Some of the most important elements to consider when purchasing wire rope for sale are:

Elite Sales offers a wide range of options for wire rope. Wire rope capacity can be adjusted based on your individual applications. Here are a few options to consider:

Industrial wire rope or cables are comprised of three key elements which all serve to support the rope’s strength and durability. It is important to understand the purpose of each of these components and the options available.

Wires: The most basic element of the wire rope are the individual wires used to form the cable. The thicker the diameter of the wire, the stronger it is, while thinner wires are more flexible.

Strands: A combination of multiple wires that are woven together form a strand. These strands are wrapped tightly together to maximize their strength and prevent uneven wear or breakage.

Fiber Core(FC) which can be made of natural or synthetic fibers that gives the wire rope some elasticity. However, it is not extremely strong nor is it optimal for high heat.

Wire Strand Core (WSC) consists of a singular wire strand which the other wires are wrapped around. This provides added stability while providing flexibility in the wire rope.

Structural wire rope cables have played a major role in the engineering and architecture of many large structures and are widely used on projects involving bridges, vessels, stadiums and glass facade/membrane buildings to name a few. Using steel cables in the design of such projects has proved more cost effective than solely using raw materials such as Iron or concrete and is now very much the preferred choice within the construction and engineering sector.

The starting point for FATZER products is high-tensile steel wire. Fabricated into steel wire ropes, it enables architects, engineers and contractors to create technically sophisticated rope architecture.

FATZER manufacture a wide range of rope diameters, suitable for use on the most complex of projects. The performance parameters of all products are monitored and confirmed by independent test bodies.

It goes without saying that steel wire ropes must meet the highest safety requirements. What sets them apart though, is the way they provide freedom for aesthetically creative design. It is the elegant HYEND series of end connections, in particular, which turns these technical products into true “design objects”.

Spiral strand and fully locked coil ropes are manufactured in Switzerland in FATZER"s own factory. This covers the whole process including stranding, pre-stretching, marking and in some cases socketing. Handling customised product solutions is a challenge we tackle on a daily basis. In all cases rope assemblies arrive on site ready for installation.

All materials are fully certified and has full traceability in line with our ISO9001 procedures. The most common constructions of wire rope used for structural purposes are: Spiral strand ropes and fully locked coil rope (EN 1993-1-11:2006). All ropes are available with HYEND fittings to guarantee the best quality and safety standard (EN 13411-4).

Wire rope classification is done by the number of strands as well as by the number of wires in each strand, e.g., 6 x 7, 6 x 19, 6 x 37, 8 x 19, 19 x 7, etc. However, these are nominal classifications that may or may not reflect the actual construction. For example, the 6 x 19 class includes constructions such as 6 x 21 filler wire, 6 x 25 filler wire, and 6 x 26 Warrington Seale. Despite the fact that none of the three constructions named have 19 wires, they are designated as being in the 6 x 19 classification.

Hence, a supplier receiving an order for 6 x 19 rope may assume this to be a class reference, and could possibly furnish any construction within this category. But, should the job require the special characteristics of a 6 x 25 filler wire, and a 6 x 19 Seale is supplied in its stead, a shorter service life may result.

To avoid such misunderstandings, the safest procedure is to order a specific construction. In the event that the specific construction is not known or is in doubt, the rope should be ordered by class along with a description of its end use.

Identification of wire rope in class groups facilitates selection on the basis of strength and weigh/foot since it is customary domestic industry practice that all ropes (from a given manufacturer) within a class have the same nominal strength and weigh/foot. As for other-functional-characteristics, these can be obtained by referencing the specific construction within the class.

Only three wire ropes under the 6 x 19 classification actually have 19 wires: 6 x 19 two-operation (2-op), 6 x 19 Seale (S), and 6 x 19 Warrington (W). All the rest have different wire counts. In the 6 x 37 class there is a greater variety of wire constructions. The commonly available constructions in the 6 x 37 class include: 6 x 31 Warrington Seale (WS), 6 x 36 WS, 6 x 41 Seale Filler Wire (SFW), 6 x 41 WS, 6 x 43 Filler Wire Seale (FWS), 6 x 46 WS, etc. – none of which contain exactly 37 wires.

Rope Services Direct can cater for all your rope wires and webbing needs. We specialize in galvanized steel and stainless steel wire rope and can custom make any assembly to your requirements, so whether you need some fine wire cables for your garden or a robust crane rope, Rope Services Direct can sort you out in no time thanks to our own workshop and industrial pressing facilities.

Wire Rope can be seen all around us, even if we may not always register it! It is most commonly used to lift or support objects but can sometimes just be used for aesthetic purposes and it can have many advantages.

Another common area they are used is in lifts to raise and lower the lift compartment. This can be in office buildings as well as cable cars, ski lifts, railways and other types of aerial lift.

Steel cable is also often used for architectural purposes as it is known for its strength, versatility and aesthetic properties. A common example is suspension bridges.

Other examples include guard rails, security cables and home maintenance, including washing lines and lock systems. However, these are often plastic coated for extra handling protection and flexibility. It’s also used in the home for suspended staircases and bookshelves to create a modern feel as well as in certain types of fencing, decking and barriers for protective purposes.

One of the reasons for the wide range of uses is the different end fittings that can be attached to the rope to enable them to fit to any anchor point and also to adjust to the required tension.

In our workshop we produce many different types of rope assemblies on a daily basis, some of the most common types we produce are trailer ropes, rigging rope, lifting slings, zip wires and many custom assemblies. We often supply many multiples of these to our regular customers; however we are happy to make individual ropes for special tasks.

Rope wire comes in many different constructions, for example, right or left hand lay; wire or fibre core, and the amount or fibres and wires included in the completed rope. It can easily become confusing especially if you add in the non-rotating rope option. Talk to the specialists about your needs to ensure you get the right one for your intended purpose. Using the wrong rope can be disastrous.

Stainless steel wire rope is used in different tasks and areas togalvanized rope, this is because of its differing properties. Due to the fact that stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing to the eye it is popular for home interior projects likebalustrade on stairs, hanging shelves or other decorative features. As stainless is very corrosion resistant its outdoor use is endless, perfect for highlighting garden areas or as decking balustrades.

One of the main advantages is its corrosion resistance which increases as the chromium content is raised, or Molybdenum is added. This means it will not succumb to uniform corrosion and rust so can be used for applications where the rope may get wet, such as in marine environments. Indeed, our ropes are graded AISI 316 so they can be used in marine environments. They also comply with EN12385 and EN10264.

It also resists staining so the aesthetics of the wire rope will not change, making it an attractive choice for many interior design projects for things such as barriers and balustrades in public areas such as shopping malls and public attractions.

At Rope Services Direct, our range is second to none and we can supply you with stainless steel wire rope. If you would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01384 78004.

We also supply to the water treatment industries where it is constantly utilised in wet conditions. The marine and aviation sectors also these ropes for many tasks. More commercially these ropes are used in architecture and as safety barriers in public areas.

There are many different diameters available. They are commonly found in diameters ranging from 3mm to 76mm. It’s important to choose the right diameter as a 50mm rope would be no use round a pulley with a groove of 10mm.

One of the most important considerations is how you will use it. This is especially true if it is being used in the lifting industry, where if the rope fails then serious injuries can occur. It is of the upmost important that you examine the rope for signs of wear and if in any doubt, do not use. It is also a good idea to have a regular inspection and testing schedule, carried out by a suitably qualified person so that you know the rope is fit for purpose and safe.

Whatever type of rope wire you choose, it is important to be aware of the properties and construction of it so that you are using the correct rope and also enhances your safety knowledge.

In manufacturing it, hundreds of tiny metal filaments are wrapped, twisted and braided together to make the inner wires. These will then turn into strands by twisting together the smaller inner wires / filaments. Twisting strands in various ways around a central core is what makes the wire rope. It is how they are twisted which gives them their differing properties e.g. non-rotating, low stretch, higher breaking strength. There are also different constructions depending on left and right hand lay.

Note: The numbers used when describing a rope denote the number of wires and strands within it. For example, a 6 x 36 wire rope has 6 strands made of 36 wires. Likewise, a 7 x 19 has 7 strands with 19 wires. Strength and/or flexibility is provided when the strands are twisted around an inner core which can be steel wire or fibre core.

Due to their construction, it’s important to identify any broken wires or strands which could have severe consequences if used without inspection and testing. However, if a few strands break during a specific lift, it is more likely the intact wires and strands will hold the load whilst it is safely lowered – then the rope can be destroyed. It is this property which makes them safer than chains because if a chain link breaks then the load will likely fall.

There are many factors which can affect them, including bad coiling using pulleys and sheaves etc., grooves that are too big or too small, excessive pulling angles or twisting the rope in the opposite way to its ‘lay construction’, dirt ingress and poor lubrication to name but a few.

Handling it can impart numerous hazards. From metal splinters when cutting the rope to acute bruising if the rope abruptly recoils so vital safety strategies must be adapted when handling the product.

Before unreeling – make sure the floor space is clear so that the rope can be pulled off the reel in a straight line safely. The rope must always be pulled from the top, not the bottom of the reel and it should be pulled in a straight line which should minimise the danger of bending or kinking the wires, which will permanently damage it and make it unusable.

If it"s in a coil rather than a reel, then the only safe way to remove the rope is to carefully roll the coil in a similar way to pushing a child’s loop, again ensuring the surrounding area is clear of debris.

Equally, it can be damaged when it is being reeled back up again after use. You need to keep it wound tightly and wind it the same way the wire has been wound out which will avoid reverse bending of the rope. You should also ensure the wire is wound over the top of the reel to ensure it’s even and to avoid the bottom layers crushing.

Storage should be ideally on a rack, stand or pallet and not on the ground. It is also important to store the rope in a clean, cool and dry environment as moisture or condensation can develop amid the wires and begin the decay process rendering the rope unusable – waterproof containers and breathable tarpaulin like bags should ideally be used if the rope is stored outside.

Wire ropes are lubricated during manufacture but further lubrication at frequent intervals should be done, especially if it’s being stored for long periods of time. This will help to shield it from moisture ingress.

You should try to keep the rope elevated, off the floor to allow good air circulation. Reduce the risk of the rope becoming contaminated with dirt, dust and other particles that may affect it.

Storing rope should be done in such a way that it will not be at risk from any accidental damage. Either whilst in storage or whilst removing the rope from the storage area.

Overall, always remember manufacturers guidelines and instructions should be followed at all times to keep safe and prolong the life of the rope. If you are unsure if a rope is fit for purpose, always get it inspected and load tested which ought to be done regularly anyway.

6 strands, nominally 19 wires per strand This class is the most widely used and is found in its many variations throughout many industries. With its good combination of flexibility and wear resistance, rope in this class is suited to the specific needs of many kinds of machinery and equipment. The designation 6x19 is only nominal; the number of wires ranges from 15 to 26. The following constructions are included in this class:

6x25 Filler Wire. In this construction, there are 19 main wires in each strand, plus six small filler wires. The filler wires are located between the outer layer of 12 wires and the inner layer of six. They provide support and stability to the strand. This construction is the best combination of flexibility and abrasion resistance found in the 6x19 Class.

6x19 Warrington. Each strand is made up of 19 wires. The outer layer of 12 wires has two different sizes of wire; the inner layer of six is one size of wire. The Warrington construction is somewhat less flexible than 6x25 Filler Wire, but more flexible than 6x21 Filler Wire.

6x21 Filler Wire. Each strand is made up of 21 wires. The rope has an outer layer of 10 large wires, an inner layer of five smaller wires and a still smaller center wire. There are five filler wires, located between the outer layer of ten wires and the inner layer of five. The 6x21 Filler Wire ropes are more wear-resistant but less flexible than Warrington, and less abrasion-resistant but more flexible than 6x19 Seale constructions.

6x26 Warrington Seale. This construction is composed of 26-wire strands. It has the same size outer wires as the 6x21 Filler Wire, with an inner wire configuration similar to the 6x36 Class ropes. Thus, it combines the wear resistance of a 6x19 rope with a flexibility between 6x19 and 6x36 Class ropes.

6x19 Seale. This construction has an outer layer of nine large wires, an inner layer of nine smaller wires and a single center wire. The Seale ropes are the least flexible of the 6x19 Class ropes. However, the large outer wires, solidly supported, provide resistance to abrasion and crushing.

The 6x36 Class of wire rope is characterized by the relatively large number of wires in each strand. Ropes of this class are more flexible than the 6x19 Class, but their resistance to abrasion is less than the 6x19 Class ropes.

The designation 6x36 is only nominal, as is the case with 6x19 Class. Ropes in the 6x36 Class may contain 27 to 49 wires per strand. Improvements in wire rope design, as well as changing machine designs, resulted in the use of strands with widely varying numbers of wires and geometry.

Larger wire ropes frequently incorporate a larger number of wires, resulting in a more complex geometry than found in the 6x19 or 6x36 Class wire ropes. WW’s 6x61 Class Bethlehem Mining Ropes generally are designed to comply with ASTM A 1023 geometry, although we added some innovations. WW strands the 6x61 Class Bethlehem Mining Ropes in a single operation, relying on dense, well fitted geometry to provide exceptional rope performance and the flexibility normally associated with 6x61 Class ropes.

The 6x61 Class ropes have a Seale-Filler Wire-Seale design, as shown in the cross sections below, containing from 50 to 77 wires per strand. WW further enhances Bethlehem Mining Rope performance by wire metallurgy and wire properties which are selectively modified to augment the specific rope geometries.

Many wire rope users have observed that heavily loaded ropes fail internally due to the failure of the IWRC. Such conditions illustrate that heavy IWRC stresses exist, which promote fewer fatigue cycles and create short rope life. WW designed Maxi-core to improve rope life under these conditions.

Maxi-core utilizes an IWRC design which features eight strands around a strand center. Maxi-core’s IWRC provides longer life, and, therefore, increases the overall service life of the rope. Because of its specialized IWRC, Maxi-core is resilient and able to accommodate shock loads better than conventional IWRC designs. Maxi-core also adds 33% more core support to the outer strands, thereby reducing internal stresses and promoting longer rope life. As with all Bethlehem Excavator Family Ropes, WW does not publish Maxi-core rope strengths. WW relies on specific rope improvements and specialized features to provide rope designs which give proven, superior field service.

This plastic jacket acts as a cushion or shock absorber between adjacent main strands and at main strand-to-IWRC contact points. The improved internal support is especially significant for ropes subjected to continual bending stresses and fluctuating loads (shock loading). Reduction of wear and damage at internal contact points results in longer and more predictable service life.

Compacted Strands: Beth Pac Beth Pac refers to rope manufactured by compacting each individual strand before closing the rope. In comparison to conventional wire rope, Beth Pac has a higher metallic area, improved crushing resistance and a smoother surface contacting sheaves and drums.

Beth Pac is offered in Excavator and Excavator-AR in diameters 21/4" through 23/4" in 8x36 construction for hoist ropes. Beth Pac can be combined with other Bethlehem Mining Rope features, such as En-core. For more information and help in determining your need for Beth Pac and other available sizes, please contact WW’s Sales and Engineering Departments.

BXL is furnished as right regular or lang lay, Form-set, IWRC wire rope manufactured in the 6x19, 6x36 and 8x36 Classes. Available grades are Excavator and Excavator-AR. For specific information, please refer to the table. For information on smaller diameters for mining applications, please contact our Customer Service Department.

BXL provides the characteristics common to Bethlehem Mining Rope, enhanced by the plastic-infusion. BXL starts with WW’s special wire grades used in the manufacture of mining rope. Excavator grade is designed to provide excellent resistance to bending fatigue, such as those conditions found with hoist ropes. Excavator-AR is intended for those applications where more abrasive operating conditions exist, such as in drag line applications. Enhanced by plastic infusion, BXL offers several improved features.

Improved fatigue resistance is one key feature of BXL. BXL’s polymer cushions each wire and strand, minimizing interstrand and interlayer nicking. BXL also offers improved abrasion resistance. The polymer acts as a barrier between the individual strands, preventing penetration of any adverse material, such as dust, dirt and metal particles. The polymer also distributes and reduces contact stresses between the rope and sheave, reducing the wire rope wear normally associated with uncoated wire rope. Perhaps the most important feature of BXL, however, is the polymer’s ability to maintain the balance of the rope. When a rope is in operation, or simply wound upon a drum, the rope’s components move and adjust accordingly.

Due to the nature of wire rope, this movement may cause accelerated wear, and in uncoated rope, may also produce a flattening or ovaling of the rope. The polymer in BXL minimizes this movement by locking the individual wires and strands in place. With the rope’s holding its intended shape during operation, operating stresses such as vibration are evenly distributed to all wires and strands, thereby reducing fatigue breaks and increasing service life.

This rope is particularly suitable where severe crushing and abrasion on a drum occur, or where a higher strength design is required than can be obtained with a similar round strand rope. The triangular strand shape not only provides better resistance to crushing, but also offers a greater exposed surface area for contact with sheaves, drums or underlying areas of spooled rope.

This feature, combined with Lang lay, distributes the abrasive wear over a greater number and longer length of wires. The broad, smooth surface of the rope also helps to minimize wear on drums and sheaves.

We make a full line of tail ropes customized to meet your requirements of strength and weight to balance your friction hoist system. Please contact your salesman or customer service with your specifications and we will supply a quotation to meet your needs.

The use of wire rope, sometimes called steel cable, steel sling rope, or steel rigging wire, is extremely popular in the material handling industry. Wire ropes come in a huge variety of designs and constructions, all suited for different lifting applications. Each type of wire rope has benefits and drawbacks. What all wire ropes have in common however, is that they are made up of steel wires which form individual stands. These strands are laid in a helical pattern around a fiber or steel core to form the rope. Different wire configurations and strand structures offer specific benefits to fit virtually any rigging application. These benefits include:

Selecting the correct wire rope for your rigging application often requires the rigger to make a compromise between different steel cable properties. For example, a wire rope with a small number of large outer wires will be more resistant to crushing, but less resistant to bending fatigue. Conversely, a wire rope with a larger number of small outer wires will be more bending fatigue resistant but less crushing resistant. These differences not only change the way the wire rope is used but they also change the way the wire rope is to be properly cared for.

Here at Tri-State Rigging Equipment we pride ourselves on providing our customers with only the highest quality steel wire ropes, from only the most reputable manufacturers. We can provide you with any rigging product on the market so if you cannot find what you are looking for, or if you don’t know exactly what you need, call or email our sales team to speak with a rigging product specialist.

The wires of a cable rope are the smallest component and are twisted together to form individual strands. Wires can be constructed in a variety of materials and grades, all affecting the properties offered by the cable rope. These materials include:

These different materials and grades affect the cable rope’s strength, bending fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and curve of the wire rope.

The strands of the steel cable consist of two or more wires and are laid in a helical pattern around the core. The way strands of steel cable are laid affect the properties offered by the steel cable.

The job of the core inside a steel cable rope is to support the strands and keep them in place relative to each other when bending and when under load. Wire rope cores can be made of a variety of materials including natural fiber, synthetic fiber and steel.

The lubrication of a steel cable rope is extremely important and often overlooked. Wire rope lubricant is added during the manufacturing process and penetrates the wire rope throughout, core included. The purpose of wire rope lubrication is twofold. First, it reduces friction between wires and strands. Second, it provides corrosion resistance to wires, strands and the core. A lack of proper lubrication is very serious and is cause to remove any and all affected wire rope from service.

In a preformed steel wire rope, the wires and strands are manufactured into the helical shape they will take when the wire rope is constructed. Preformed wire rope offers more flexibility and fatigue resistance than non-preformed wire rope. This allows the rigging wire to be uniformly spooled on a drum.

When riggers talk about the lay of a rope, they are talking about two things. One, the way the wires are laid to form a strand (right or left), and two, the way the strands are laid around the wire rope core (regular, lang, or alternate).

Regular Lay: The wires are parallel with the core of the rope. The direction of the wires is opposite to the direction of the strands. Compared to lang laid wire rope, regular lay offers more crushing and rotation resistance, allowing it to spool better on a drum.

Lang Lay: The wires are laid at an angle to the wire rope core. The direction of the wires is the same as the direction of the strands. Compared to other wire rope lays, lang lay offers more bending fatigue and abrasion resistance.

Wire ropes can be constructed using one of the five main strand patterns or a combination of two or more of the basic strand patterns. The wire rope strand pattern refers to the number of wires per layer, the number of layers, and the size of the wires. The strand pattern of a wire rope is a very important determining factor when it comes to choosing the correct wire rope for your specific rigging application. The five basic strand patterns are:

Filler Wire: This strand pattern is constructed by laying two layers of same sized wires around a center. The outer layer will have 2x the amount of wires than the inner layer. In the valleys of the inner wires are small filler wires to fill in the gaps between the inner and outer layers.

Seale: A layer of same sized wires smaller than the center wire is laid around the center. The outer layer consists of the same amount of wires as the inner layer but bigger in size. The outer wires lay in the valleys of the inner wires.

Warrington: This strand pattern consists of two wire layers. A layer of wires is laid around a same sized center wire to form the inner layer. The outer layer is formed by laying wires of alternating sizes, big and small, around the inner layer. The larger outer wires lay in the valleys of the inner wires and the smaller outer wires lay on the crowns of the inner wires.

Combination: A combination wire rope strand pattern is constructed by combining two or more of the strand patterns above to form a single unique strand pattern.

Fiber cores offer riggers more flexibility due to their natural or synthetic polypropylene fibers. This also means, however, that fiber core wire ropes are more susceptible to crushing and are not suitable for high heat environments.

In environments that exceed 180° F, a steel wire rope core should be used. Steel wire rope cores can be either an independent wire rope or an individual wire rope strand. Steel wire rope cores offer greater support for the strands and wires of the steel cable when compared to fiber cores.

The classification of a wire rope is based on the number of strands, as well as the number of wires in each strand. Below is a table of the most common wire rope configurations arranged in specific classifications.

In addition to the general classifications of steel wire rope, here at Tri-State Rigging Equipment, we also offer a wide range of specialty wire rope constructions. These include:

Rotation Resistant Wire Rope: This special construction of steel cable rope is designed to resist twisting and turning while under load. Rotation resistant wire rope must be specially cared for to prevent introducing twist into the rope.

Compacted Strand Wire Rope: This special type of wire rope is constructed using compacted outer strands. The outer strands are run through rollers or a die before the rope is closed. This increases the density of the outer stands and gives the steel cable rope a smoother outer surface. Compacted strand wire ropes offer greater strength and durability than standard round wire rope.

Swaged Wire Rope: Unlike a compacted wire rope, a swaged wire rope is compacted using a swaging machine after the wire rope had been closed. The outer wires of a swaged wire rope can be either compacted or round. Like compacted strand wire rope, swaged wire rope offers more strength and durability when compared to similar sized round wire ropes, however, it offers less bending fatigue resistance.

Plastic Coated Wire Rope: This type of wire rope is coated in a layer of plastic to protect the rope from abrasion, wear, and environmental factors. A drawback to plastic coated wire rope is that the plastic coating covers the strands and wires making it harder to inspect the wire rope.

Plastic Impregnated (PI) Wire Rope: A plastic impregnated wire rope is filled internally with a matrix of plastic that fills the gaps between wires and strands. This plastic filling reduces internal friction and improves bending fatigue resistance.

Plastic Coated or Plastic Filled IWRC Wire Rope: This type of wire rope features an independent wire rope core that is either filled or coated in plastic. This reduces internal friction in the wire rope and gives the wire rope greater bending fatigue resistance.

Tri-State Rigging Equipment is a service provider and distributor for all steel wire rope and steel cable for rigging and lifting, serving clients from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico and especially focused in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma.

Galvanized wire rope is categorized by number of strands in its construction. We supply most of them but we concentrate on the two major categories of galvanized (and ungalvanized or bright) wire rope. These “classes” are referred to as 6x19 and 6x36. Within each category of galvanized wire rope there are different “constructions” illustrated in the tables below.

Wire rope, galvanized and ungalvanized is used for many kinds of projects and applications. No matter the application galvanized wire rope must be used properly to insure the safest working conditions. All of our galvanized wire rope is manufactured to meet or exceed Federal Specification RRW-410 and is mill certified.

All of these general purpose wire ropes are available in full reels, custom cut sizes or as part of a custom made wire rope sling. Contact us today for more information.

Galvanized wire rope also comes in different strength categories (IPS and EIPS) and different cores (FC or fiber core and IWRC or independent wire rope core). Relevant data for each is listed in the table below.

HSI is a leader in the wire rope manufacturing industry. Since 1930 when founder Ted Hanes began splicing wire rope for local contractors in Buffalo, we have been dedicated to constructing the highest quality wire rope available.

Wire rope is a durable piece of machinery consisting of several multi-wired strands wrapped around a central core. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor environments, as an incredibly strong and durable rope with resistance to environmental hazards like water, sunlight, heat, and chemicals.

Wire rope consists of a core around which a number of multi-wired strands are “laid” or helically bent. There are two types of cores for wire rope: fiber and wire cores. Fiber cores are made of synthetic fibers, while wire cores are either an Independent Wire Rope Core or a Strand Core. The core provides support and maintains the position of the outer strands during operation.

Any number of multi-wired strands can be laid around the core. The most common arrangement is six strands around the core, as this construction gives the best balance of positive attributes. In general, ropes constructed with more wires have increased flexibility, while ropes constructed with fewer wires have superior resistance to abrasion.

The size, grade, and construction of wire rope needed should be considered when choosing a rope for your application. To learn more about selecting the correct wire rope, wire rope design factors, and to see a comprehensive overview of wire rope, see our Wire Rope Information page.

If you have questions about which wire rope is best suited for your job, please call our product experts at 1-888-426-3755 and we will be happy to advise you on a solution.

HSI standard wire ropes come in a full range of sizes, grades, and constructions. The most common classifications for standard wire rope are 6x7, 6x19, and 6x37. They may be ordered in bright or galvanized finishes, IPS and EIPS grades, right or left lay, and regular lay or lang lay.

While all wire ropes are constructed of multi-wired strands wrapped around a core, cable laid wire ropes take this construction a step further, wrapping several wire ropes, each with their own core, around a central wire rope. This results in a rope constructed with very small wires in reference to its finished nominal dimension which will offer greatly improved flexibility and kinking resistance.

Compact wire rope consists of wire rope strands that have been compacted to reduce the diameter of the strand and increase its density. The resulting rope has superior strength and abrasion resistance compared to standard wire rope, as well increased lateral compression strength. Typical applications for compact wire rope include crane lines, as compact rope can more easily fit into a sheave; and logging applications.

Extra high strength and corrosion resistant galvanized guy strand cable is an extremely sturdy wire rope used to hold structures in place in the construction and transmission industries, as well as a safety barrier cable and guard rail strand. Typical applications include telephone poles and other positioning applications where a sturdy and non-flexible rope is needed.

Commercial grade galvanized aircraft cable is a general purpose wire rope that is used in many industries for its increased corrosion resistance and strength. The galvanized coating on this wire rope provides lubrication while adding a protective layer against abrasive environments. Contrary to its common name, aircraft control cable, commercial grade GAC cannot be used in aircraft control applications.

Rotation resistant wire ropes are constructed with outer strands twisted in the opposite direction of the inner strands, causing the layers to counteract each other’s twist. This prevents rotation of the load during applications where precise lifting or positioning is required. Rotation resistant ropes are available in a full range of sizes, grades and constructions. Swivels are not recommended for use with rotation resistant wire rope.

Rotation resistant wire rope refers to a series of steel ropes which minimizes the tendency to spin or rotation under load. These wire ropes boast special design - the outer layer is twisted in the reverse direction of inner layers for counteracting torsional forces generated from multi-layers of strands.

To achieve the resistance against the spin and rotation, all wire ropes are composed of at least two layers of strands. In general, more layers a rotation resistant wire rope has, more resistance it will boast. For example, 2-layer ropes is much easier to spin and rotate than 3-layer ones. Meanwhile, if one end of free rotation is allowed, 2-layer rope can only develop 55% to 75% of its breaking strength comparing with 95% to 100% of 3-layer ropes.

The 3-layer rope with more outer strands is capable to distribute more radial pressure onto inner layers and ideal for larger mobile such as all tower cranes.

Wire ropes with 8 to 10 strands & 2-layer constructions without reversely twisted inner strands have very similar appearance to rotation resistant wire ropes, but they are not.

Rotation resistant wire ropes are considered to be less stable needing to be handled and installed with great care. They must be taken to avoid high loads with small diameter sheaves.

Bright steel wire rope refers to general wire rope without surface treatment, free from zinc, tin, copper and other types of metallic coatings. So they are normally lubricated with grease to protect the wire rope from corroding.

Whether you are using boom pendants, raising lines, cranes or other devices for your construction project, having strong wire ropes is essential to executing your job safely and efficiently. That’s why we offer dependable, top-of-the-line wire ropes for your specific needs. We’ll work with you to identify the best thickness and type of rope for your project so you can complete it correctly and on schedule.

Weoffer a variety of wire ropes and wire ropeassemblies for your particular needs. Our wire ropes are available in both spelter socket and swaged socket assemblies. Our types of rope include general purpose wire rope, rotation resistant wire rope, galvanized wire rope and stainless steel wire rope. Whatever your application, we have the type, size and strength of rope you need.

Understanding the basics of wire rope will help guide you on how to choose the right wire rope for your job. Application, required strength, and environmental conditions all play a factor in determining the type of wire rope that is best for you.

But when it comes to buying wire rope, the various numbers and abbreviations that describe the different types of wire rope can be confusing. EIPS wire rope, 6X19 IWRC wire rope, and lang lay wire rope are just some of the many variations available. But what does it all mean?

Displayed as inch or fractional inch measurements, the size indicates the diameter of the rope. Industry standards measure the rope at its widest point. A wide range of sizes are available from 1/8” wire rope to 2-1/2” wire rope. Thicker sized wire rope has a higher break strength. For example, our Wire Rope has a 15,100 lb. break strength while our Wire Rope has a 228,000 lb. break strength.

The numbers indicate its construction. For example: in wire rope, as shown above the first number is the number of strands (6); the second number is how many wires make up one strand (19).

When it comes to wire rope basics, regular lay also refers to right lay or ordinary lay. This indicates that the strands pass from left to right across the rope and the wires in the rope lay in opposite direction to the lay of the strands. This type of construction is the most common and offers the widest range of applications for the rope.

This term indicates that the wires twist in the same direction as the strands. These ropes are generally more flexible and have increased wearing surface per wire than right lay ropes. Because the outside wires lie at an angle to the rope’s axis, internal stress is reduced making it more resistant to fatigue from bending. This type of rope is often used in construction, excavating, and mining applications.

Independent wire rope cores offer more support to the outer strands and have a higher resistance to crushing and heat. Independent wire rope core also has less stretch and more strength.

Many of our customers use our rope and our wire rope clips to create rope assemblies. Check out of video blog on Wire Rope Clips to Wire Rope Assemblies to learn more.

For any questions on our wire rope products, call (877) 923-0349 or email customerservice@uscargocontrol.com to speak with one of our product experts.

Wire rope is a complex mechanical device that has many moving parts all working in tandem to help support and move an object or load. In the lifting and rigging industries, wire rope is attached to a crane or hoist and fitted with swivels, shackles or hooks to attach to a load and move it in a controlled matter. It can also be used to lift and lower elevators, or as a means of support for suspension bridges or towers.

Wire rope is a preferred lifting device for many reasons. Its unique design consists of multiple steel wires that form individual strands laid in a helical pattern around a core. This structure provides strength, flexibility, and the ability to handle bending stresses. Different configurations of the material, wire, and strand structure will provide different benefits for the specific lifting application, including:Strength

However, selecting the proper wire rope for your lifting application requires some careful thought. Our goal is to help you understand the components of a wire rope, the construction of wire rope, and the different types of wire rope and what they might be used for. This will allow you to select the best performing and longest-lasting wire rope for the job at hand.

A wire rope is, in reality, a very complicated machine. A typical 6 x 25 rope has 150 wires in its outer strands, all of which move independently and together in a very complicated pattern around the core as the rope bends. Clearances between wires and strands are balanced when a rope is designed so that proper bearing clearances will exist to permit internal movement and adjustment of wires and strands when the rope has to bend. These clearances will vary as bending occurs, but are of the same range as the clearances found in automobile engine bearings.

Understanding and accepting the “machine idea” gives a rope user a greater respect for rope, and enables them to obtain better performance and longer useful life from rope applications. Anyone who uses a rope can use it more efficiently and effectively when they fully understand the machine concept.

Wires are the smallest component of wire rope and they make up the individual strands in the rope. Wires can be made from a variety of metal materials including steel, iron, stainless steel, monel, and bronze. The wires can be manufactured in a variety of grades that relate to the strength, resistance to wear, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and curve of the wire rope.

Strands of wire rope consist of two or more wires arranged and twisted in a specific arrangement. The individual strands are then laid in a helical pattern around the core of the rope.

The core of a wire rope runs through the center of the rope and supports the strands and helps to maintain their relative position under loading and bending stresses. Cores can be made from a number of different materials including natural or synthetic fibers and steel.

Lubrication is applied during the manufacturing process and penetrates all the way to the core. Wire rope lubrication has two primary benefits:Reduces friction as the individual wires and strands move over each other

The number of layers of wires, the number of wires per layer, and the size of the wires per layer all affect the strand pattern type. Wire rope can be constructed using one of the following patterns, or can be constructed using two or more of the patterns below.Single Layer – The most common example is a 7 wire strand with a single-wire center and six wires of the same diameter around it.

Filler Wire – Two layers of uniform-size wire around a center with the inner layer having half the number of wires as the outer layer. Small filler wires, equal to the number in the inner layer, are laid in valleys of the inner wire.

Seale – Two layers of wires around a center with the same number of wires in each layer. All wires in each layer are the same diameter. The large outer wires rest in the valleys between the smaller inner wires.

Warrington – Two layers of wires around a center with one diameter of wire in the inner layer, and two diameters of wire alternating large and small in the outer later. The larger outer-layer wires rest in the valleys, and the smaller ones on the crowns of the inner layer.

On a preformed wire rope, the strands and wires are formed during the manufacturing process to the helical shape that they will take in a finished wire rope.

Preformed rope can be advantageous in certain applications where it needs to spool more uniformly on a drum, needs greater flexibility, or requires more fatigue-resistance when bending.

Direction and type of lay refer to the way the wires are laid to form a strand (either right or left) and how the strands are laid around the core (regular lay, lang lay, or alternate lay).Regular Lay – The wires line up with the axis of the rope. The direction of the wire lay in the strand is opposite to the direction of the strand lay. Regular lay ropes are more resistant to crushing forces, are more naturally rotation-resistant, and also spool better in a drum than lang lay ropes.

Lang Lay– The wires form an angle with the axis of the rope. The wire lay and strand lay around the core in the same direction. Lang Lay ropes have a greater fatigue-resistance and are more resistant to abrasion.

A steel core can be an independent wire rope or an individual strand. Steel cores are best suited for applications where a fiber core may not provide adequate support, or in an operating environment where temperatures could exceed 180° F.

The classifications of wire rope provide the total number of strands, as well as a nominal or exact number of wires in each strand. These are general classifications and may or may not reflect the actual construction of the strands. However, all wire ropes of the same size and wire grade in each classification will have the SAME strength and weight ratings and usually the same pricing.

Besides the general classifications of wire rope, there are other types of wire rope that are special construction and designed for special lifting applications.

Some types of wire rope, especially lang lay wire rope, are more susceptible to rotation when under load. Rotation resistant wire rope is designed to resist twisting, spinning, or rotating and can be used in a single line or multi-part system.

Special care must be taken when handling, unreeling, and installing rotation resistant wire rope. Improper handling or spooling can introduce twist into the rope which can cause uncontrolled rotation.

Compacted strand wire rope is manufactured using strands that have been compacted, reducing the outer diameter of the entire strand, by means of passing through a die or rollers. This process occurs prior to closing of the rope.

This process flattens the surface of the outer wires in the strand, but also increases the density of the strand. This results in a smoother outer surface and increases the strength compared to comparable round wire rope (comparing same diameter and classification), while also helping to extend the surface life due to increased wear resistance.

A swaged wire rope differs from a compacted strand wire rope, in that a swaged wire rope’s diameter is compacted, or reduced, by a rotary swager machine after the wire rope has been closed. A swaged wire rope can be manufactured using round or compacted strands.

The advantages of a swaged wire rope are that they are more resistant to wear, have better crushing resistance, and high strength compared to a round strand wire rope of equal diameter and classification. However, a swaged wire rope may have less bending fatigue resistance.

A plastic coating can be applied to the exterior surface of a wire rope to provide protection against abrasion, wear, and other environmental factors that may cause corrosion. However, because you can’t see the individual strands and wires underneath the plastic coating, they can be difficult to inspect.

Plastic filled wire ropes are impregnated with a matrix of plastic where the internal spaces between the strands and wires are filled. Plastic filling helps to improve bending fatigue by reducing the wear internally and externally. Plastic filled wire ropes are used for demanding lifting applications.

This type of wire rope uses an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) that is either filled with plastic or coated in plastic to reduce internal wear and increase bending fatigue life.

Remember, wire rope is a complex piece of mechanical machinery. There are a number of different specifications and properties that can affect the performance and service life of wire rope. Consider the following when specifying the best type of wire rope for your lifting application:Strength

When you select a piece of rope that is resistant to one property, you will most likely have a trade-off that affects another property. For example, a fiber core rope will be more flexible, but may have less crushing resistance. A rope with larger diameter wires will be more abrasion resistant, but will offer less fatigue resistance.

At Mazzella Companies, we offer all different kinds of wire rope from all of the leading manufacturers. We sell the highest-quality domestic and non-domestic rigging products because product quality and operating safety go hand-in-hand. We have one of the largest and most complete inventories of both domestic and non-domestic rigging and lifting products to suit your lifting needs.

If you’re looking for a standard or custom specified wire rope for your lifting project, contact a Lifting Specialist at a Mazzella Companies location near you.

We stock well over 2,000,000 feet of wire rope in our various locations … ready for immediate delivery! We provide wire rope assemblies, and manufacture bridge cables, crane cables, steel mill cables, and thousands of OEM assemblies.