what is wire rope sling in stock
Wire rope is constructed of multiple strands of wire that are twisted and braided together to form a spiral design or helix. Once the separate wires are shaped into a solid form, they become a single wire with greater strength because the individual wires equalize pressure and have greater flexibility than the individual strands.
To further enhance the strength of wire ropes, they are grouped and wound together to produce cables, which adds to their usefulness as a means of support, ability to lift, and give structural stability.
A key factor in wire rope is the lay of the strands, which can be regular or lang. With regular lay, or right and ordinary lay, the strands are wound from left to right with the wires laid in the opposite direction of the lay of the strands. With lang lay, the wires are wound in the same direction.
The structure and design of wire rope produces a final product that has superior strength, excellent strength flexibility, and the ability to handle constant bending stress as well as being weather resistant.
Wire rope is one of those products that has found a place in a wide variety of industries since it can be adapted and shaped to fit several applications. It can be found as a tow cable for boats and airplanes or in the movie industry as a harness for stunt artists. The varied uses of wire rope have made it an essential part of operations that require a rope with strength, endurance, and flexibility.
In the aerospace industry, wire ropes, or Bowden cables, connect pedals and levers in the airplane cockpit to send power to aircraft systems to control the airplane. The things that are controlled by wire ropes are propeller pitch, cowl flaps, and throttle. Wire ropes on aircraft are insulated to avoid vibrations.
Wire rope is extensively used in the auto industry for a wide variety of applications due to its versatility and strength. It is used for raising windows and opening and closing sunroofs. Other uses include steering wheels, cables, exhausts, springs, sunroofs, doors, and seat components. In the manufacturing process, wire rope is used to hoist vehicles, move large body parts, and on hoists and cranes.
The construction industry has a greatest reliance on wire rope because of the need to lift and lower heavy loads. Wire rope used in construction must have extremely high strength and exceptional performance for safety reasons and efficiency. Larger versions of wire rope are used for suspension bridges and supporting concrete columns.
The main use of wire rope in food processing is for lifting, moving loads, and other heavy tasks. Finished products or raw materials require being moved in storage units and processing centers. The strength and endurance of wire rope makes it possible to move these materials. Wire rope for food processing must be able to withstand regular chemical cleaning.
As with other industries, the oil and gas industry needs strong and reliable equipment for moving heavy equipment. In ocean drilling, machinery is dropped into the ocean using wire rope to securely hold devices to be dropped to extreme depths. Wire ropes are designed to withstand the extreme pressure and stress required. A further use of wire ropes for drilling operations is to maintain stability in the drilling lines. One of the unique features of oil rig wire rope is its length, which can exceed 10,000 feet.
A very common use for wire rope is mooring and towing of sea and freshwater boats and vessels. In the shipbuilding industry, wire rope is used to secure lifeboats as well as lower them into the water. On sailboats, wire rope is used to lift and lower sails. The benefit of using wire rope is its resistance to corrosion and rust caused by salt water and ocean mist.
The skiing industry, much like heavy equipment industries, uses wire rope to hold cars, lifts, or chairs to transport skiers up the mountain. This type of wire rope comes in several varieties depending on the size of the mountain. The benefits of wire rope for skiing is its dependability, guaranteed safety, and reliability. The main challenge of wire rope for use in sports is the weather conditions it must endure.
Since the beginnings of amusement parks, wire rope has been an essential part of attraction construction. It is used to bring roller coaster cars to the top of the ride, hold swings, and pull various vehicles through attractions. One of the main concerns of public amusement parks is safety since rides are filled with powerful machinery designed to operate continuously.
Making the dangerous and exciting shots in movies requires well planned safety precautions. One of the aspects of that planning is wire rope that is designed to protect performers when they are engaged in dangerous and life threatening shots. Dependable wire ropes are ideal since they have the flexibility, strength, endurance, and versatility to be adapted to any conditions.
In architecture and design, wire rope has been used for guard rails, balustrades, and roof construction. In innovative green buildings where plants grow along the surface of the building, the plants grow along specially designed vertical wire ropes that are capable of withstanding weather conditions.
A common use of wire rope is in railings, which are safe, durable, and provide a pleasing aesthetic appeal. The use of wire rope for railings provides protection without obstructing the view from a building. This aspect of wire rope is one of the reasons that it is used for large architectural projects since it blends into the structure without interiors with the architectural design.
The types of wire rope are determined by the number of wires in each strand and how many are in the rope, which is defined by a two number system with the first number being the number of wires and the second being the number of wires in each strand. For example, a 6x19 wire rope has 6 wires in 19 strands.
There are a wide variety of products that are produced using wire rope. The demand for wire rope products is due to its strength, durability, and reliability. Since the basic purpose of wire rope is to lift and move heavy materials and items, the most common type of wire rope product is the wire rope sling.
Though the construction of wire rope slings is very similar for all types, there are certain variations applied to slings to adjust them to fit different applications. Slings are configured in various ways to fit different types of loads. These changes are referred to as hitches.
Choker Hitch: In the choker configuration, one eye of the sling is attached to the lifting hook. The second eye is looped over the first sling eye to form a noose shape or choke. The load is placed in the choke loop.
Bridle Hitch: The multiple leg or bridle hitch style has more than one wire rope sling attached to equalize the load and control balance. They reduce load damage by using fixed points on the load and offer easier rigging when hooked into fixed lifting points. .
Single Part Wire Rope Sling: The eye for a single part wire rope sling is formed by looping the wire rope back on to the rope. The end of the rope is attached by a clamp or being woven by hand or mechanically into the rope body. Single part wire rope slings use a single wire rope to produce the sling.
Braided Wire Rope Sling: A braided wire rope sling is made by braiding wire ropes to form a sling. The increased number of strands enhances the strength of the sling and its load capacity. Braiding can be done with three to nine wire ropes.
Cable Laid Wire Rope Sling: Cable laid wire rope slings are made from combining several smaller wire ropes to form a flexible, easy to handle, and kink resistant sling.
Woven Eye Wire Rope Sling: For the woven eye version of a wire rope sling, the eye is formed by weaving the wire rope into itself after forming the loop. It is designed to reduce the chance of the sling catching or being hung up when lifting.
Thimble Wire Rope Sling: To add to the strength of wire rope slings and lessen the stress on a small area of the eye, a thimble, a U shaped piece into which the wire rope fits, is placed in the eye, which helps the sling to retain its natural shape. The thimble is positioned to prevent the hook or load from coming in contact with the wire rope.
Endless Wire Rope Sling:Endless wire rope slings are adaptable slings without a set wear point. They can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes and are used in applications where headroom may be a problem. Endless wire rope slings are made by splicing the ends of a piece of wire rope together or by tucking strand ends into the body to form a core with a tucked position the opposite of the core position. They are also referred to as grommet wire rope slings.
Coiled wire rope is made from bundles of small metal wires that are twisted into a coil. It comes in many varieties and is easy to store since it does not require a spool. Coiled wire rope is produced in coils. When it is not in use, it springs back into a coil, which makes it easy to handle.
Cable wire rope is a type of high strength rope, made of several individual filaments. These filaments are twisted into strands and helically wrapped around a core. One of the most common types of wire rope cable is steel cable.
Push pull wire rope assemblies are used to send force and are used in the aircraft, exercise, medical, automotive, and office equipment industries. Unlike using a single heavy wire, push pull assemblies made with wire rope are stiffer and have a larger bend radii for smoother motion of the wire.
Wire rope assemblies include wire rope and various parts and components that have been added to the wire rope to enhance its function. The connectors for a wire rope assembly are designed to connect the assembly to hooks, equipment, or machines as well as other wire rope assemblies. The central part of a wire rope assembly is the wire rope, which determines the type and kind of work the assembly can perform.
Wire rope lanyards are a standard wire rope product that have a multitude of uses. They are produced using the same process that is used to produce wire rope with the same numbering categorizing system. Lanyards are used to hold fasteners, hardware, or components to prevent loss of an item or prevent injury.
In many ways, wire rope is a form of machine with multiple moving parts. Normally, when we think of a machine, we imagine a device with a motor, drives, and gears. Wire rope does not have any of those components but does fit the definition of being a complex mechanism. It has moving parts that work together to move heavy materials and loads.
The main function of wire rope is to do heavy lifting, which is very dependent on wire rope slings. The type of sling is determined by the quality of the wire rope used to form them and whether several ropes have been braided or wound together.
Wire is the smallest part of wire rope but makes up the various strands. The composition of the wire can be steel, iron, stainless steel, copper, or other types of metal wires and are produced in different grades. The individual wires can be coated or bright, meaning uncoated.
Strands are sets of wires that are twisted together and are placed in a helical pattern around the core. The size of the wire determines its abrasive qualities with larger wires being more abrasive and less flexible than smaller ones.
The core is the center of the wire rope and serves as a support for the strands and helps the wire rope keep its position when it is under stress or bearing a load.
Lubrication is applied during the manufacturing process to reduce friction between the wires and strands as well as protection from corrosion and rust. The tight winding of the wires enhances the ability of the wire rope to retain the lubrication which is essential to its longevity.
The purpose of applying lubricant is to limit the friction between the cables to increase the useful life of the wire rope. In certain applications, such as space travel, lubricants can be hazardous and cause equipment to malfunction. In those instances, non-lubricated wire rope is used, which is referred to as dry wire rope or cable.
Of all of the products that are made from wire rope, slings are the most common and widely used. These looped wire ropes come in different varieties and grades depending on the type of wire used. Also, to enhance wire sling performance, several wire ropes may be wound together to form a sturdier and more reliable sling.
Flemish splicing is a method for repairing a wire rope and involves breaking the wire rope in half and tying it back together. In the Flemish method, the wire rope is tied back on itself and swaged down a sleeve over the unbroken wire rope to create the new eye.
Prior to placing the wire rope into the holding device used to shape the eye, a steel compression sleeve is placed on the rope, which will be used to secure and hold the eye.
Once the proper size is achieved, the unwound strands are rewound in the reverse order of their former positioning. If the wire rope has a right hand lay, it is rewound using a left hand lay. The opposite is true if the wire rope has a left hand lay, then it is rewound using a right hand lay. By using this technique, a friction mold is formed for the splicing of the sling.
Anti-rotational wire rope resists the forces of rotation by having opposing layers of helical stands. By winding the wire rope with oppositional strands, the wire rope is guaranteed to not unwind in clockwise or counterclockwise directions. The key to anti-rotational wire rope is to ensure that the outer diameter is static.
In the manufacture of anti-rotational wire rope, counter stranded filaments have vacant spaces between them. To make the wire rope anti-rotational, it is tightly twisted in the counterclockwise direction, which tightens the spaces between the filaments. If the wire rope is turned in a counterclockwise direction, the strands tighten around each other creating a spring force.
The tails and stray wires of the wire rope have to be straightened and properly formed before applying the compression sleeve. Once the sleeve has been placed, it is carefully checked to be sure that it is accurately engaged.
Prior to placing the wire rope sling in the swaging die, the die has to be thoroughly lubricated. Once the die is set, the wire rope‘s compression sleeve and the wire rope are compressed using several hundred thousand pounds of force. The swaging process alters the dimensions of the wire rope and compression sleeve to form a tight connection for the correct diameter for the sling connection. As force is applied, the compression sleeve is turned so that pressure is evenly applied.
There are several types of metal wires that are used to produce wire rope, which include steel, stainless steel, galvanized, aluminum, nickel alloy, bronze, copper, and titanium. Carbon steel is the most common type of wire rope material.
Wire ropes are made using uncoated bright wire, which is high-carbon steel. The type of steel depends on the requirements of the wire and its tensile strength and its fatigue and wear resistance.
Galvanized wire rope is treated with zinc to prevent corrosion and can be used in harsh conditions and environments. It is a cost effective alternative to stainless steel but does not have the same corrosion resistance. Galvanized wire rope is stronger than stainless steel of the same grade and size. Vinyl coated galvanized wire rope is easy to handle and flexible.
Stainless steel wire rope is corrosion and rust resistant. It is available in types 316 and 304 with 316 having greater corrosion resistance. Stainless steel wire rope can be used for marine applications, acidic environments, and other demanding conditions. It is produced with the appropriate tolerances and composition to meet the needs of the application.
Multiple strands of copper are braided into a round hollow shape, which is pressed into the desired width and thickness. Copper wire rope has exceptional flexibility, an exceptional life span and can be used as part of electrical components.
Bronze wire rope inhibits sparking and is corrosion resistant. It is made from preformed wire to ensure that it maintains its shape and does not unravel when cut. Bronze wire rope is abrasion resistant and very flexible with a crush resistant core.
Inconel wire can be used in applications that reach temperatures as high as 2000° F and is oxidation and corrosion resistant. It is non-magnetic and has excellent resistance to chloride based corrosion cracking. Inconel wire rope can be used with nuclear generators and chemical and food processing.
Titanium wire rope comes in several grades with grade two being 99% pure. It is easily formable and weldable. Titanium wire rope is commonly used in chemical processing and marine hardware.
For wire rope to perform properly, it needs to have proper care. Wire rope is an essential tool necessary to perform a wire range of lifting and moving jobs. It is important that it be handled, treated, installed, stored, and treated correctly to prolong its life and perform to the highest standards.
Seizing should be completed on both ends of the wire rope, which will protect it from loosening. If this is done improperly, the wire rope can become distorted. Wire rope that is properly seized evenly distributes the load.
Wire rope is stored on reels or coils and has to be carefully handled when it is being removed. To ensure excellent performance, the wire rope should not be dropped during removal. If the reel or coil is dropped or damaged, it can make handling the wire rope difficult and cumbersome. As the wire rope is removed from the reel, check to see that the reel is rotating as the wire is removed.
Wire rope is depended on for heavy lifting and is trusted to keep a load and people safe. As with all heavy duty equipment, wire rope must have a regular inspection schedule and be visually assessed during use.
Broken Strands – An easy way to check for broken strands is to run a cloth over the length of the wire. Broken strands that are found in critical areas, such as parts that pass through pulleys or sections that are regularly flexed, rubbed, or constantly worked must be replaced and repaired.
Internal wear – This can be tested by flexing the wire rope, which indicates if the interior has deteriorated, experienced fatigue, or become distorted.
For wire rope to perform at the highest level, it has to be stored in a well ventilated environment that is dry, covered, and not in contact with the floor. The avoidance of high moisture or damp conditions is an absolute necessity. While the wire rope is in storage, it should be moved regularly to keep the lubricant from wearing off.
Though lubricant is applied during the manufacturing of wire rope, it wears off during use. Lubrication is the key to the performance of wire rope because it helps prevent abrasion as the wires rub against one another. Relubrication should be applied after the original lubricant has worn off.
Wire rope is a tool and must be cleaned regularly as with any form of machinery. This can be accomplished with different types of petroleum solvents and a wire brush. Mechanical methods of cleaning can include compressed air or a steam cleaner. Once the cleaning process is completed, the wire rope should be lubricated for protection.
There are several substances that can harm a wire rope. They include salt water, brine, acid, various gasses, and humidity. To avoid the intrusion of these negative effects, when a job is completed and the wire rope is to be stored, it should be cleaned, lubricated, and placed in proper storage.
When wire rope is being removed from a spool or being spooled, the operation must be performed smoothly with the spool rotating at a constant speed and rhythm. This will help prevent kinking or binding.
When a wire rope shows a reduction in diameter, has broken wires, kinks, nodes, flattened surfaces, out of place outer wires, damage from heat exposure, corrosion damage, or the formation of unexpected loops, it should be removed and replaced or be repaired.
Wire rope is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as part of the regulations for cranes and derricks in construction as part of 29 CFR 1926.1413, which went into effect on November 8, 2010.
The inspection of wire ropes is on three levels: shift, monthly, and annually. Shift and monthly inspections can be completed by an approved operator, while annual inspection must be completed by certified personnel.
As with the shift and monthly inspections, the annual inspection follows the guidelines for the shift inspection. This inspection must be completed by certified personnel. The entire surface of the wire rope has to be inspected, with attention to:
Annual inspections can be excused if it is not possible due to the wire ropes setup or configuration or the location of the work site. It must be completed within six months. If any deficiencies are found, the wire rope must be repaired or removed. For some deficiencies, it is possible to keep the wire rope in use but have them regularly monitored.
Wire rope is a form of metal tool that is constructed of multiple strands of wire that are twisted and braided together to form a spiral design or helix.
To further enhance the strength of wire rope, they are grouped and wound together to produce cables, which adds to their usefulness as a means of support, ability to lift, and give structural stability.
The types of wire rope are determined by the number of wires in each strand and how many are in the rope, which is defined by a two number system with the first number being the number of wires and the second being the number of wires in each strand.
Wire rope features many individual wires that form a strand. Multiple strands are wrapped around a core to create the wire rope. The amount of wires in the strand and strands wrapped around the core will determine the flexibility of the wire rope, as well as abrasion resistance for its given application.
Equally as important as the basic construction of the wire rope is going to be the diameter. That diameter determines the working load limit of that sling. Furthermore, when identifying your wire rope sling or choosing what one you want, your supplier has to confirm the sling’s:Length
The length of the sling is measured by the bearing point of one end to the bearing point of the other end. Also, when using a wire rope sling, it’s important to know the eye size.
With Mazzella 7-Part™ Wire Rope Slings, our specialists have found customers are confused by the component rope used and the finished diameter. Anytime you’re reviewing an inspection report or purchasing a sling, you want to identify the component rope. That will determine the finished diameter of the slings.
A rigger will actually break the wire rope in half, and then, tie it back together, or Flemish it back on itself. Then, we’ll swage down a sleeve over the remaining part of wire rope to create the eye.
Our specialists have found over time that steel erectors have preferred to use the hand-tucked eyes because of their ease of use. They slide under beams much easier than Flemish-eyed slings. Also, they don’t get caught like the knuckle of the swaged sleeve could.
Each tag must have the following information:Name or trademark of manufacturer of the slingIf repairs are done, the entity performing those repairs are required to put their name/trademark on the sling tag
Not all slings will have serial numbers or multiple hitch capacities, but they’re critical pieces of information for your field operators to have when they’re executing lifts.
When determining wire rope bridle, you want to choose the correct master link, or pear link, along with the proper size, so it can fit over your crane hook. Also, at the bottom of the wire rope bridle, you want to determine the proper components you’ll need to make safe, successful lifts.
Also known as grommets, you’d want to use these types of slings when lifting a capacity above the capabilities of an eye-and-eye sling. Endless slings can be used in applications where headroom is an issue because they can be manufactured smaller than an eye-and-eye sling.
This refers to the thickness of the wire rope strands used to make the sling, which can be specified in inches or millimeters. Diameter determines the working load limit of that sling.
Most wire rope slings are single-leg configurations, but multi-leg sling assemblies, often called bridles, can be ordered in double, triple, or quad leg configurations.
Based on your needs and types of lifts, you’ll need to know if the multi-leg slings will be connected through hooks or a master link. Also, you’ll want to know if it’s being thimblized.
Learning more about the different parts and terms associated with this product will allow you to determine if will meet the needs of your company and help you conduct safer overhead lifts.
Wire rope slings have been used extensively for years and were once the industrial lifting sling of choice. Wire rope slings, sometimes referred to as wire cable slings are more robust and durable than nylon slings and also have higher temperature limits.
Wire rope slings with an independent wire rope core (IWRC) can withstand contact and exposure temperatures up to 400 degrees (F). Wire cable slings with fiber cores should never be exposed to temperatures in excess of 180 degrees (F). Wire rope slings of all types should never be used at temperatures below -40 degrees (F). Wire rope rigging slings with fiber cores (FC) are rated at reduced capacities when compared with an equivalent size, wire choker with an independent wire rope core (IWRC). They are generally fabricated from 6 x 19 or 6 x 37 construction wire cable. The constructional numbers refer to the number of strands (6) that are helically wound around a core. The core supports the strands of the wire rope lifting sling and can either be an independent wire rope core (IWRC) or a fiber core (FC) made from hemp or sisal. Smaller diameter wire rope slings feature 6 strands with 19 wires in each strand. Larger diameter industrial lifting slings will generally feature 6 strands with 37 individual wires in each strand. The 6 x 37 construction is more flexible than the 6 x 19 construction, but not as abrasion resistant.
Wire cable lifting slings used by the crane, rigging and material handling industries are available in many different styles and constructions to meet your needs. Custom made slings and special order slings are shipped daily from our factory. The most popular wire lifting slings are Single Body slings featuring a 6 x 19 or 6 x 37 Construction, Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS) Wire Rope with an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC). These slings are sometimes referred to as wire chokers, Permaloc wire rope slings, wire cable slings, Flemish eye slings, single leg slings, eye and eye slings or eye & eye slings due to the loop or eye that is formed on each end of the wire sling.
There are different grades and strengths of steel used to manufacture the individual wires that make up the sling. The most popular for sling fabrication is (EIPS). Metallurgists continue to improve the tensile properties of steel with new, corresponding designations such as EEIPS (Extra-Extra Improved Plow Steel). Single leg, Flemish Eye/Mechanical Splice, Wire Slings provide additional security, superior to return loop wire slings should the swage sleeve become damaged during use. Single Body Wire Cable slings are available in 15 different types which feature different combinations of plain loops, three types of thimbles (crescent, standard and slip through) and rigging hooks. Thimbles greatly improve sling longevity by protecting the rope at connection points. We offer two types of single leg wire slings that feature a sliding choker hook that is placed between the sling eyes. Industrial lifting slings with sliding choker hooks make removal of the cable sling from the load, quick and easy. Type 14 lifting slings feature a lifting loop on one end and a thimble on the opposite end to engage the sliding choker hook. Type 15 lifting slings features plain loops each end. View the 15 single leg wire sling types available .
We will not sell you a sliding choker hook without a hook latch, but there are many that will! Stainless Steel Wire Rope Slings provide the sling user with improved corrosion resistance and are also readily available. Cable Laid Wire Rope Slings with a galvanized finish are also available. Cable Laid Wire Slings are much more flexible than equivalent sized, single body wire slings. The flexibility of industrial lifting slings that feature a cable laid construction is a direct result of the small diameter, aircraft cable used in the fabrication of the wire sling. Size for size, cable laid lifting slings are not as strong as equivalent sized, single body, wire chokers. Cable laid wire slings can be equipped with many of the same options available for single body slings.
In addition to our standard lifting slings, custom made slings are also readily available. Cable laid slings are also referred to as Ultra flexible cable laid slings, steel strand and E-Z Flex Cable Laid wire rope slings. Wire Rope Bridle Slings are available in two leg bridle, three leg bridle and four leg bridle designs. A master link is used to collect the multiple wire cable sling legs, while providing a connection point to the hoist line. Bottom “connectors” such as masterlinks or eye hoist hooks (with latches) are most commonly used to engage the load. Custom made bridle slings are also readily available.
In addition to wire bridles we also offer a complete line of strand laid grommets and swaged socket assemblies. Slingmax® Wire Rope Slings are as revolutionary to wire cable slings as Twin-Path® Extra, high performance fiber slings are to polyester roundslings. That makes sense, because both products are patented inventions from the mind of Dennis St. Germain, Sr. Without a doubt, Mr. St. Germain has done more for the sling, crane and rigging industries than any other. It all started years ago with the Tri-Flex® Sling which provides professional riggers with a great combination of strength and flexibility. Tri-Flex® wire rope slings provide substantial savings due to the materials used and the tremendous labor savings realized in the fabrication process. Tri-Flex® cable slings were also the genesis of T&D Ultra-Flex® slings which are used extensively in the power generation, transmission and distribution industries.
Gator-Laid® wire rope slings and Gator-Max® wire cable slings are the most efficient, heavy lift slings available. Both the Gator-Laid® wire slings and Gator-Max® lifting slings feature 12 parts of wire in the sling eye and meet all the requirements of the Wire Rope Technical Board and the United States Navy. Gator-Flex® wire rope slings and Gator-Flex® wire rope grommets are heavy lift slings used extensively by the oil and gas industries for both land based and off shore rigging. Gator-Flex® wire slings offer sling users the greatest flexibility available for a heavy lifting sling. Gator-Flex® grommets not only provide flexibility, but can be fabricated for applications requiring minimum sling lengths.
Like all of our nylon web slings and polyester round slings, wire rope slings need to be inspected on a regular basis to ensure the safety of sling users. Poor inspection practices can lead to devastation, injury and death. Please refer to the inspection and usage information that is available in our Rigging Resource Guide or on our web site. Read and understand the warnings that accompany all our products. Remember, ignore a warning leads to much mourning.
All wire chokers shipped from Lift-It have a heavy duty, metal sling tag attached. There is no additional charge for this as we have always felt it is our duty to provide robust sling tags. Others may use cloth or synthetic materials which sometimes come off the sling, before it’s even used! Others fill in the information with magic marker that is not so magic. The tag is just as important as the wire cable, the way the Flemish eye is fabricated and the way the mechanical sleeve is swaged. If a vendor wants to charge you extra for a metal tag, run as fast and as far as you can from them and contact the sling experts at Lift-It Manufacturing, where profit margins are not maximized by supplying labels that should be used on clothing.
While wire cable slings are more robust and durable than nylon lifting slings or polyester roundslings, wire slings are not cut proof. Wire slings need to be protected from damage like all industrial lifting slings. Only materials of sufficient strength, thickness and construction must be used to prevent damage. Do not use gloves or cardboard. Use protection devices that have been designed to resist the effects of cutting and abrasion. Wire Rope Saddle Protectors are readily available; Click Here
Did you know wire ropes were used as far back as the 1830s for mining hoist applications? Nowadays, we can use steel ropes for many different applications such as lifting and hoisting in elevators and cranes, and for mechanical power transmission. US Cargo Control’s wire rope slings are an excellent choice for heavy-duty jobs as their fabrication offers excellent abrasion resistance and heat resistance for extreme conditions.
Although these slings are beneficial for the lifting and rigging industry, there are a few specifications to know before purchasing them. Continue reading what is wire rope, what are important specifications to look for, and how it’s different from cable rope.
These slings carry different properties that can determine their performance. Wire rope is constructed where a strand consists 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. Once the wires are formed, they all come together to create greater strength and flexibility.
These slings work well for lifting, hoisting, towing, or anchoring loads. They’re manufactured in a variety of configurations, with 6×19 and 6×36 being the most common. When you see 6×19 or 6×36 from our website, these numbers represent the number of wires making up the strand and the number of strands wrapped around the core.
For example, a 6×19 indicates that there are 19 wires making up a strand, and 6 strands wrapping around the core. To learn more about our 6×19 wire ropes, look into our bestselling 1/2″ Galvanized Wire Rope EIPS IWRC, 1/2″ Stainless Steel Wire Rope IWRC T304, and 1/2″ Bright Wire Rope EIPS FC.
The configurations will offer different benefits for certain applications. In general, a smaller number of large outer wires offers better wear and corrosion resistance, while a larger number of small wires provides a better level of flexibility and fatigue resistance. Continue reading to learn which wire rope fits your job.
There are different versions of wire rope slings, ranging from single leg to 4 legs, as well as braided wire rope and domestic wire rope slings (manufactured in the U.S. with Crosby® hardware). When looking at the types of slings we offer at US Cargo Control, be sure to consider how much versatility and capability you need.
For example, a braided wire rope has increased flexibility and friction to grip loads over a regular wire rope. Adding an additional leg to the sling can add additional versatility and strength.
This is the measurement of the rope’s diameter and can be displayed in inches or millimeters. These sizes commonly display different strand patterns where the number of layers, wires per layer, and size of the wires per layer all affect the strand pattern. Wire rope can be constructed using one of the following patterns below or using two or more patterns.
Warrington – this construction has two layers of wires around a center with one diamter of wire in the inner layer, and two diameteres of wire alternating large and small in the outer layer.
The type of lay refers to the way the wires are laid to form a strand. They’re how the strands are laid around the core which can be regular lay, long lay, or alternate lay.
The wires line up with the axis of the rope. This is where the wires are twisting in one direction, and the strands in the opposite direction create the rope. Regular lay is less likely to untwist and less likely to crush.
This is the opposite of regular lay where the wires form an angle with the axis of the rope. The wires and strands spiral in the same direction and run at a diagonal to the centerline of the rope. Lang lay is more flexible and resistant to abrasion than regular lay wire ropes. The only con is this type of lay will be more likely to twist and crush than the regular lay.
Sometimes known as reverse lay, this type of lay consists of alternating regular lay and long lay strands. This unites the best features of both types, and it’s using relatively large outer wires to provide an increase of abrasion resistance.
This refers to the protective coating that’s applied to the wire rope. There are three types of finishes which are galvanized (zinc-coated), stainless steel, and bright (unfinished steel).
The grade of the rope means the grade of steel being used. The plow steel strength calculates the strengths of most steel wire ropes. Some classifications include Improved Plow Steel (IPS), Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS), Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS), Galvanized Improved Plowed Steel (GIPS), and Drawn Galvanized Imrpoved Plow Steel (DGEIP).
EIPS is 15% stronger than IPS, and EEIPS is 10% stronger than EIPS. Along with that, GIPS and DGEIP wires can add corrosion resistance to your application, but DGEIP wires have a higher break load than GIPS.
The type of core is what makes up the center of the wire rope. There are three types of core: Fiber Core (FC), Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC), and Wire Strand Core (WSC).
A fiber core can be made of synthetic polypropylene fibers. The fiber cores offer greater elasticity than a steel core, but are more susceptible to crushing. This isn’t recommended for high heat environments.
A steel core can either be an independent wire rope or individual strand. The steel cores can provide adequate support, or in an operating environment where temperatures can exceed very high heat.
Wire and cable ropes are terms that are often interchangeable but do have one varying difference. Wire rope refers to the diameters that are larger than 3/8 inch. Sizes smaller than this are classified as cable rope or even cords. Regardless of the size difference, cable and wire rope are still classified as a “machine.” Even a group of strands laid around a core would still be called a cable or wire rope.
We know the importance of quality when it comes to lifting supplies. We carry a variety of rigging hardware, as well as lifting beams and spreader bars that are designed to lift heavy loads safely and efficiently. If you’re interested in other lifting slings, check the other types of slings we carry like nylon slings and chain slings.
Contact our sales team at US Cargo Control today at 866-444-9990. Our team of product experts is here to answer any questions about rigging hardware, lifting slings, and more.
When it comes to using wire rope slings in or on your jobsite, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make sure that your wire rope sling is ready for use and that it will last for years to come. For starters, be sure to designate a qualified person to inspect all of your slings, fastenings, and attachment each day before use for damage or defects. A thorough inspection of your wire sling should check for:
By regularly performing these inspections that check the condition of your rope, you’ll not only be able to give your wire rope sling the care and maintenance that it needs to work at its best, you’ll be protecting your entire team and jobsite from the potential dangers that can occur if a wire rope sling snaps during use.
Wire rope slings are a type of lifting sling. The end fitting includes soft eyes, thimble eyes, and a big range of hooks. The legs on the sling can range between having 1-4 legs with the number of legs determining what weight and sized item the assembly can carry. The maximum safe working load can also accommodate different sling methods which is another reason you need to give consideration to what you want the slings to carry as the number of legs can vary depending on the weight of the load.
There are 11 different types of endings that can be used which include; fused and tapered, ferrule secured thimble hard eye, ferrule secured soft eye, flemish eye, captivated shackle, aster ring, sling hook, self-locking hook, foundry hook, swivel sling hook, and swivel self-locking hook.
All these wire rope sling endings offer something different to accommodate your required load and it"s important that you get the right one. If you"re unsure about what sling ending is right for you, please contact Lifting Equipment Store USA so we can assist you in purchasing the right ones.
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, wire rope slings 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. It should be noted that a sling manufactured with a fiber-core is usually more flexible but is less resistant to environmental damage. Conversely, a core that is made of a wire rope strand tends to have greater strength and is more resistant to heat damage.
Wire rope may be manufactured using different rope lays. The lay of a wire rope describes the direction the wires and strands are twisted during the construction of the rope. Most wire rope is right lay, regular lay. This type of rope has the widest range of applications. Wire rope slings may be made of other wire rope lays at the recommendation of the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.
Wire rope slings are made from various grades of wire rope, but the most common grades in use are Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS) and Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel (EEIPS). These wire ropes are manufactured and tested in accordance with ASTM guidelines. If other grades of wire rope are used, use them in accordance with the manufacturer"s recommendations and guidance.
When selecting a wire rope sling to give the best service, consider four characteristics: strength, ability to bend without distortion, ability to withstand abrasive wear, and ability to withstand abuse.
Rated loads (capacities) for single-leg vertical, choker, basket hitches, and two-, three-, and four-leg bridle slings for specific grades of wire rope slings are as shown in Tables 7 through 15.
Rated loads for a sling in a choker hitch are the values shown in Table 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, or 15, provided that the angle of the choke is 120 degrees or more (Fig. 2). Use the values in Fig. 2 or those from the sling manufacturer or a qualified person for angles of choke less than 120 degrees.
Ensure that slings made of rope with 6×19 and 6x37 classifications and cable slings have a minimum clear length of rope 10 times the component rope diameter between splices, sleeves, or end fittings unless approved by a qualified person,
Ensure that braided slings have a minimum clear length of rope 40 times the component rope diameter between the loops or end fittings unless approved by a qualified person,
Ensure that grommets and endless slings have a minimum circumferential length of 96 times the body diameter of the grommet or endless sling unless approved by a qualified person, and
Perform welding of handles or other accessories to end attachments, except covers to thimbles, before assembly of the sling. Ensure that welded end attachments are proof tested by the manufacturer or a qualified person. Retain the certificates of proof test and make them available for examination.
Do not use wire rope clips to fabricate wire rope slings, except where the application precludes the use of prefabricated slings and where the sling is designed for the specific application by a qualified person,
Although OSHA"s sling standard does not require you to make and maintain records of inspections, the ASME standard contains provisions on inspection records.[3]
Use damaged slings only after they are repaired, reconditioned, and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person using the following criteria:
Ensure that wire 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. When D/d ratios (Fig. 4) are smaller than those listed in the tables, consult the sling manufacturer. Follow other safe operating practices, including:
Ensure that multiple-leg slings are selected according to Tables 7 through 15 when used at the specific angles given in the tables. Ensure that operations at other angles are limited to the rated load of the next lower angle given in the tables or calculated by a qualified person,
When D/d ratios (see Fig. 6) smaller than those cited in the tables are necessary, ensure that the rated load of the sling is decreased. Consult the sling manufacturer for specific data or refer to the WRTB (Wire Rope Technical Board) Wire Rope Sling Users Manual, and
Ensure that all portions of the human body are kept away from the areas between the sling and the load and between the sling and the crane or hoist hook,
When using a basket hitch, ensure that the legs of the sling contain or support the load from the sides, above the center of gravity, so that the load remains under control,
Ensure that the load applied to the hook is centered in the base (bowl) of the hook to prevent point loading on the hook, unless the hook is designed for point loading,
Before initial use, ensure that all new swaged-socket, poured-socket, turnback-eye, mechanical joint grommets, and endless wire rope slings are proof tested by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.
Permanently remove from service fiber-core wire rope slings of any grade if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).
Follow the recommendations of the sling manufacturer when you use metallic-core wire rope slings of any grade at temperatures above 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) or below minus 40 degrees F (minus 40 degrees C).
We supply Wire Rope Slings that are manufactured to order in the UK. Our range is so vast with various different types of wire rope avaliable at custom lengths with your desired end terminations such as thimble eyes, sling hooks, C-hooks and more.
Our sales team are here to help you select the right wire rope sling and provide an offer and design that meets not only your expectations but also the budget you have in mind. We ship direct from manufacturer to end user to ensure costs are kept to a minimum saving you time and money. Call today for a free Wire Rope Sling quotation.
The PMI Wire Rope Sling are excellent temporary and semi-permanent ANSI certified anchors. The Iridescent blue tubing makes for easier cable inspections. The breaking strength of 5000 pounds allows for versatility on the job or in a rescue kit. The rope sling is ANSI Z359 certified. OSHA 1926.251(a)(2)(i) states that material handling equipment "Has permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicates the recommended safe working load" For our material handling slings, please see our Lifting and Rigging Slings.
The Crosby Group has a reputation for reliability and exceptional quality control as one of the leading manufacturers for lifting and rigging hardware. We are an established provider of slings, rigging, and a wide variety of both commercial and industrial applications. We stock a wide range of wire rope slings and connections in a variety of different sizes and styles. We can also fabricate a sling to meet your project’s specific requirements.
Wire rope is often used in slings because of its strength, durability, abrasion resistance and ability to conform to the shape of the loads. In addition, wire rope slings can lift materials with increased temperatures. The use of wire rope slings is one of the most important pieces of rigging hardware used in lifting and hoisting operations within the manufacturing industry. These slings connect the load to the lifting device and are available in a wide range of applications. When selecting a wire rope sling that gives the best service, consider four characteristics: strength, ability to bend without distortion, ability to withstand abrasive wear, ability to withstand abuse.
Wear: If excessive wear exists, remove from service. Wear is excessive if throat, eye of hook and other critical areas of hardware have more than 5% wear.
All slings and attachments need to be inspected by the user handling the sling every day they are in use. A routine inspection needs to be performed at least once every 6 months (or per legal requirements), along with a record of the inspection.
We recommend having a highly-qualified person specific for the proper inspection of slings and all attachments. A verification of zero defects should come first before using the slings for the day. This person should have routine inspections where service conditions warrant and are determined by:How often the sling is used
Refer to the applicable standards such as ISO 4309 with specific discard criteria and guidance regarding the number of broken wires.Conduct inspections of wire rope slings at least every 12 months.
Any wire rope slings that have damage and have resulted in distortion of the structure including Kinking, Crushing, Unstranding, Bird Caging, Strand Displacement, or Core Protrusion, must be removed from service.
If there is evidence of defect or deterioration, remove the sling from service immediately. Do not use worn or damaged slings or attachments. Discard or repair them.
They may look simple, but wire rope slings play a critical role in various industries, including construction, shipping, material handling, and rigging.
The unique physical properties and resistance to abrasion make it easier to use these slings with shackles, hooks, and swivels for a variety ofmaterial handling applications. They also provide strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion or elements.
However, this seemingly simple lifting device comes with a unique structure and functional properties. Let’s take a look at the complete anatomy of wire rope slings.
A typical wire rope sling consists of a wire rope made from small individual steel wires twisted together. Both ends of the wire rope are looped together individually to form a sling. The wire rope is the fundamental component of a sling.
These slings come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and tensile strengths. The most common ones are those with an eye loop swaged on both ends of the sling.
A typical heavy-duty wire rope has multiple small twisted strands made from various grades of steel. The configuration and number of these strands changes, depending on how complicated the pattern is.
Usually, a typical rope comes with hundreds of outer wire strands covering the core strand. All these strands move together as well as independently, providing the wire rope with the necessary strength and flexibility. The mechanics of this movement are quite complex.
A wire is the smallest part of a wire rope. You can use different types of metals, including stainless steel, iron, steel, and bronze to make the wires. The grade of the material used for making the wire depends on strength, abrasion resistance, and durability required for the intended application.
You can create a strand by twisting two or more wires together tightly in a precise pattern. Again, the weaving pattern will be determined by the end-application of the rope.
It is made from steel or natural and sometimes synthetic fibers. The strands go around the core, which offers support when the rope bends or is attached to the load.
As mentioned, strand patterns are critical as they determine the strength, durability, and abrasion resistance of the rope. Usually, the strand consists of the number of wires per layer, the number of layers of wires, and the size (diameter) of the wires in each layer.
As the name suggests, this type of pattern consists of only one layer of wires around the core, all having the same size or diameter. There are usually six strands covering a core, totaling the number to seven.
It comprises two layers of wires wrapped around the core. The inner layer usually has six wires, while the outer layer has twelve with equal diameter. Six filler wires with a smaller diameter are used to fill the gap between the two layers of strands.
Like the filler pattern, this one also has two layers of wires surrounding the core. However, wires in the inner layer have a smaller diameter compared to the ones in the outer layer. The outer wires rest in the troughs of inner smaller wires.
This pattern also consists of two layers of wires. However, only the inner layer has wires with a uniform diameter. The ones in the outer layer have two sets of wires, one with a bigger diameter and the other with a smaller one.
In the outer layer, the bigger wires rest in the troughs of the inner layer, while the smaller ones rest on the crests on the wires in the inner layer.
This is one of the most common types of layering patterns. In this, the strand layering and the wire layering are in opposite directions. This arrangement provides the wire rope slings with exceptional resistance to crushing forces and offers better spooling.
In this type of structure, the wire layering and the core layering are in the same direction. However, the wires form an angle with the rope axis. This arrangement provides a higher resistance to fatigue and abrasion.
In this type of structure, manufacturers use both regular and lag layering in a suitable combination. However, alternate layering is designed for specialized applications only.
This is the most popular wire rope sling. In this type of loop, the spliced end of the rope is tied around the body of wire rope slings using a metal sleeve. The Flemish eye splice is best suited for six-strand ropes.
However, if you are using these loops with other types of wire ropes, you need to use aluminum or loop-back (turn-back) steel sleeves. The regular sleeves often cause an electrochemical reaction, which speeds up the deterioration process.
In this loop, an aluminum sleeve is pressed using fabrication over both rope parts. The integrity of the pressed sleeve solely determines the strength of these wire rope slings. You can also add thimbles to these slings.
This is similar to aluminum sleeve loop-back splice. However, it uses steel sleeves with a slightly smaller diameter. It can also be used for making stainless steel rope slings of a larger rope diameter.
The rope gets inserted into the fitting bore, and it then gets swagged onto the rope. With this method, you can attach open and closed sockets, buttons, threaded studs, and load hooks directly to the rope. The process results in a high-efficiency bond.
This is a type of socket that is attached to one or both ends of a wire rope to form a sling. The strength of these sockets is the actual rope strength.
As you can see, wire rope slings are a complex piece of lifting device, although they look simple. Hopefully, understanding their structure will help you know how they can offer the required strength, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, crushing, and fatigue. It will also help you choose the right sling suitable for your application. Do tell us why and how you use these slings in your industry in the comments section.
Dy-pac® 18 The 18 series is a compacted rotation resistant rope construction consisting of a inner part with an outer layer of strands spun in the opposite direction.
SWR specialise in the design, specification and manufacture of wire rope slings and assemblies for a large range of industries. Our UK facility can produce slings ranging from 1mm to 52mm in rope diameter which conform to BS EN 13414-1: 2003. We also have a large stock of wire rope and fittings to choose from. Need something more specific? No problem, we can even design bespoke fittings and create tailored solutions on request.
All wire rope slings are produced with their own ID numbers to ensure full traceability under our ISO9001 production system. In-house testing also means we can proof load and destruction test your slings and wire rope. Rest assured, everything that leaves our facility meets the highest possible standards.
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