what is the strongest wire rope in stock

Depending on the application, wire rope strength is determined on a case-by-case basis. 304 Stainless steel cable, for example, may not suit applications where excessive heat is present. Conversely, tungsten, the strong metal known on earth, will perform exceptionally well under extreme heat. Accordingly, the question isn’t necessarily, “what is the strongest wire rope?”, but rather, “what do you need to accomplish with mechanical cable?”

As discussed, mechanical engineers consider the material, diameter and the quantity of filaments that comprise the wire rope or miniature cable. So, these characteristics, taken in the aggregate, inform the choice of cable and its strength benefits.

304 stainless steel is among the strongest, and most popular materials used in the manufacturing of mechanical cable. While other grades of stainless steel prevail in wire rope and miniature cable making, 304, in the USA in particular, is extremely common.

Stainless steel cable is used in virtually all markets that use mechanical cable to achieve motion. Whether in endoscopic medical instruments, or an air-defense system, or even an implantable hip joint system, stainless steel is a staple. However, tungsten mechanical cable, common in the growing surgical robotics space, has swiftly supplanted stainless steel as the go-to ultrafine cable material.

Empirically, tungsten is the stronger material as compared with stainless steel alternatives. Pound for pound, tungsten, on the periodic table known as wolfram or simply W, is the strongest metal on earth. Thus, again speaking scientifically, it trumps stainless steel. But, for instance, in applications where tungsten properties aren’t as desirable, stainless steel will outperform the presumably stronger alloy. Say, the application is going to be implanted into a human’s hip joint. In this case, the non-corrosive properties of stainless steel, combined with its strength offering, makes it the ideal cable material for this surgical application. Furthermore, choosing stainless steel in this case promises a more cost-effective cable product because tungsten is dramatically more expensive.

However, if the tensile strength required of the application exceeds that of what stainless steel can yield, in a given diameter, say in the appendages of a surgical robot, tungsten is the stronger candidate. Tungsten will not compromise strength along tight turns, where miniature pulleys are required. But, if stainless steel were used to make tight radii, around extremely small pulleys, the material’s springiness may resist a given radius and perhaps compromise flexibility and subsequently lifecycle.

When determining if the cable is strong enough for the application, the filament diameter, along with the cable’s overall outer diameter (OD), contribute as well.

All mechanical cables comprise stranded wires. The larger the diameter of these wires, contributes greatly to the tensile strength achieved. So, in simplest terms, a tungsten surgical robotics cable, made from 201 wires, but at a diameter of .0005”, would not possess the strength of the same cable made from .0007” wires.

And while the difference between a single 7 and a 5 appears marginal, the difference in strength - going from .0005” to .0007” is dramatic. What’s more, adding larger diameter wires, even in constructions with fewer total wires in the cable strand, may yield more strength that more wires, albeit smaller ones, in comparably sized cable. So a 1x7 cable, which comprises seven total wires, at an outer diameter (OD) of .016” will actually yield more tensile strength that a 3x3, which comprises nine total wires, at an OD of .017”.

When two, or even 10 cables, are made from the same alloy, say tungsten, for instance, the quantity of wires, the design of construction of the mechanical cable, as well as the diameter of completed strand, all coalesce to determine strength.

Counterintuitive as it seems, adding more tungsten wires to a miniature cable, for instance, constructed in extremely small diameters, does not necessarily yield the engineer a stronger cable. Because adding ultrafine tungsten wires also adds flexibility to the completed cable, the engineer may accept some strength limitations in favor of significant improvement in malleability. While this is not always so, adding larger, but fewers filaments, provides the engineer a more rigid cable, but one more flexible around tight radii.

Strength of the mechanical cable, as is likely becoming clearer, is therefore not entirely determined by the size of the wires, nor the wire material, but the total sum of these and other variables.

When determining how much weight your mechanical cable can handle, engineers recommend using approximately 60 percent of the cable’s breaking strength. If the mechanical cable breaking strength is 100 pounds, for example, engineers would only use the cable to support 60 lbs. The higher the rated strength of the cable, the more force engineers can apply to it.

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At Dynamica Ropes, all of our products are constructed as 12-strand braid, but they vary in fibres, cores and covers. Below you can see our standard products:

SK75 and SK78 outperform all the other HMPE fibres in measured strength ensuring a stable performance in your rope. Moreover, the creep lifetime under equal load and

Come backstage to the Dynamica Ropes production department and see how we produce rope, sling and tether solutions to match your needs and expectations.

The cable made by 7x7 strands core 304 stainless steel, which constructed of 7 wires per strand per each 7 outer strands. Stronger than 6x19 and 6x36.

100 Pcs Aluminum Crimping Loop Sleeve -- Easy to make a rope such as: create your own unique bird feeder, clothesline even hange a wind chime. Also can hung it from tree to tree as support for our string of lights around our campsite. Strong and sturdy but almost invisible

If you met any problem with the wire rope you got, feel free to contact us. We will try our best to make you happy with up to full amount money back service.

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.

From childhood, many of us have been conditioned to think of a machine as some device with gears, shafts, belts, cams, and assorted whirring parts. Yet, by the rules of physics, an ordinary pry bar is a simple machine, even though it has only one part.

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 fiber core can be made of natural or synthetic polypropylene fibers. Fiber cores offer greater elasticity than a steel core but are more susceptible to crushing and not recommended for high heat environments.

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.

With 250 feet of rope and a breaking strength of 3,700 pounds, this rope can take on your toughest jobs. Easily use it for towing, rigging, lifting, and fencing to get the job done right the first time. Handle this cable with confidence knowing that the PVC coating will keep your hands safe.

Made from 7 x 7 braided strands, this cable has the flexibility to fit anywhere and the strength to hang tough once it gets there. Don’t settle for weak cables. Get the job done right with the Jumbl 3/16” – 1/4” Galvanized Steel Wire Rope, 250 Ft.

Wire rope and cable, is there a difference? The terms are often used interchangeably, but are they different? Each is considered a machine. Wire ropes are usually ⅜” in diameter or larger, while cables or cords are smaller. Though this little distinction exists in aircraft and marine cables, wire ropes and cables are synonymous in most other ways.

A strand is made up of two or more wires twisted around a center wire. Each strand is made up of 7, 19, or 37 wires. Cable or wire rope is made when a group of strands is twisted around a center wire or rope. They are named for the numbers of wires and strands. A 7×7 cable has 7 strands with 7 wires in each strand wrapped around a central core. A 7×19 cable would include 7 strands with 19 wires in each cable.

Different wire rope applications require different demands for abrasion, strength, and corrosion resistance. Different materials are used to meet different needs. Sizes under ⅜ “ are considered aircraft cable, sizes over 3/8 “ in diameter are considered wire rope.Stainless Steel – Type 302, made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel alloy, is the most common grade because of its high strength and resistance to corrosion. When non-magnetic properties are required, type 305 is employed. Other common types used in wire rope are 304, 305, 316, and 321. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is the stronger of the two, so its cost is higher but well worth it.

Galvanized Carbon Steel – To protect from the elements, a coating of zinc is applied to wire ropes used in the making of this wire rope. It is the wire rope of choice when strength is necessary, but corrosion resistance is not significant enough to warrant the use of stainless steel. Galvanized carbon steel is the go-to for cost-effectiveness.

If you require flexibility, you need wires that have more strands, more strands equal more flexibility. Look for 3×7, 7×7, and 7×19; these will give you more flexibility. However, as the degrees of flexibility increase, the abrasion resistance decreases. These cables are most useful where you require continuous flexing. Basic cable construction:

1×19 cable – This cable is still reasonably flexible, yet it resists compressive forces. It is smooth on the outside, and sizes above 3/32” diameter are the strongest.

It is essential to correctly estimate the qualities necessary for the work the wire rope will be doing. To decide the importance of the essential attributes to do the job, you need to look for quality and figure out whether it can withstand how it will be used and the length of time it can be used in this capacity. In choosing a wire rope for the job at hand, these four things must be considered:Sufficient strength to lift the load and then some, keeping safety in mind. Always overestimate.

Whether it is a crane, a pulley, or some other machine, be sure to choose the proper size, construction, and grade of wire rope appropriate for the job.

To find the wire rope or cable you need for the job, contact us atSilver State Wire Ropefor all of your wire rope and rigging needs. We have all sizes of cable and wire rope; whether you need it for aircraft, marine, or land use, we have it all!

In rigging, we all know that the setup is only as strong as its weakest link. Any failure is a potentially dangerous situation that puts your entire operation in jeopardy. Every component must be relentlessly reliable. Synthetic rope is one such tool that bears heavy responsibility. While incredibly strong and durable, it often immediately supports a load; if it were to fail, the results would be catastrophic.

You will likely never seeused in a rig as they are weaker and less durable than their synthetic counterparts. With this in mind, let’s discuss the advantages of synthetic rope.

Synthetic rope is made from nylon, polyester, or polypropylene fibers. These ropes can be made using one or a combination of these synthetic fibers. Much like a natural rope, these fibers are drawn out into strands and then woven together. The end result is a durable, strong rope that can bear markedly more weight and tension than its natural counterpart.

Because of the materials used, synthetic rope is better able to withstand friction, making it more durable. It should be noted that how much you use the rope and its length of service will directly affect how long it lasts. Sporadic use could see it surviving for up to 10 years, whereas heavy use will require replacement every year or two. Synthetic rope is great for outdoor uses, as it is resistant to rot and mildew that can arise from exposure to moisture.

Synthetic rope is useful for a host of additional purposes. Its resistance to moisture makes it ideal for use in marine applications, but it has various advantages outside of the rigging sphere. It serves as an excellent climbing rope due to its abrasion resistance – it can handle rough edges of the terrain without fail. This is also what makes it perfect for rigging in film and theater. Where creative problems often require creative solutions, crews know they can rely on these ropes to hold the scene together. Synthetic rope can also be used effectively in towing and hauling applications.

has been a leader in wire rope and rigging supplies in the Gulf Coast region since 1966. We provide quality supplies and reliable service to each one of our clients so they can meet the tough demands of the industry with confidence and excellence. We are happy to share our decades of experience to help you find the best solution for whatever undertaking you have in front of you. From synthetic rope and slings to wire rope and chains, we have a comprehensive product offering to completely outfit your rig.today to level up your operation.

Wire rope is arguably the most important asset that arigging equipment providercan supply. It forms the backbone of every operation, helping to execute every lift and move heavy loads with precision and security. Withoutwire rope, the rigging, overhead lifting and securement industries couldn’t meet demands.

For these reasons, it is absolutely crucial to make sure wire rope is properly maintained.Storing wire ropesafely and intentionally will help lengthen its working life and improve the safety of your daily operations. Keep reading to discover the key considerations and tips for storing wire rope.

The best method of storing wire rope is on a reel. This helps to maintain the shape and function of the rope over time by avoiding kinks and tangles, which can damage the integrity of the rope and reduce its safety and usefulness. Reels also help centralize wire rope into space-efficient units that can be transported and even stacked.

Once spooled onto a reel, it will be simple and easy to remove the desired length of wire rope when needed. Whether you are working with drilling rigs, cranes or winches, we recommend that you have your wire rope installed and removedby an  experienced professional.

Wire rope is a vital piece of equipment, and it should be stored as such. Water, salt, dust, steam, temperature extremes and chemical fumes canwreak havocon the structure and strength of wire rope. Therefore, store your wire rope supply in a cool, dry, covered, and well-ventilated place. An  indoor location is best, but if you must store wire rope outdoors, make sure it is covered with waterproof material.

Additionally, make sure no part of the rope is touching the ground, and that the base of the wire rope reel is elevated at least a few inches in case of flooding. Water immersion can cause the wire rope to corrode and its lubricant to wear off. . When in doubt, check with your rigging equipment provider about wire rope spooling to ensure it is done right.

Inspections of various pieces of rigging equipment are required by law on a regular basis – and wire rope is no exception. Work with your rigging equipment provider to have your wire rope inspected if it has been stored for an extended period of time. A full-scalerigging inspectioncan also help you determine where and how to store your wire rope on the front-end of a project. A qualified rigging equipment inspector will be able to address the quality and condition of all your rigging and lifting gear, furnishing detailed reports on their findings.

At Southwest Wire Rope, our team has been serving the needs of the rigging, overhead lifting and securement industries with unwavering excellence for 56 years. If you’re searching for a rigging equipment provider, wire rope spooling and storage help or a certified inspector, turn to the professionals at Southwest Wire Rope. Our experienced team can provide insights and recommendations for the type of wire rope, end fittings, hardware, and operational procedures that best suit your facilities and equipment. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourservice offering.

Over the past 56 years, the rigging, overhead lifting and securement industries have changed dramatically. With the advancement of technology and digitization of data, alongside more capacity and power in today’s machines, the industry has reached a new level. Increased demand andeconomic pressuresare pushing today’s rigging operations harder than ever before, and around-the-clock productivity has become the norm.

While the past six decades have ushered in sweeping changes, some things have remained the same. For that entire time, Southwest Wire Rope has remained a stalwartrigging equipment providerwith a reputation for quality and service. We’ve been providing rigging inspections, testing, and the strongest wire rope on the market for years – and we have no intention of slowing down. Here’s how we continue to uphold and define industry standards.

To ensure that each facility and piece of operating equipment is up to code, rigging inspections are required by regulators. At Southwest Wire Rope, we employ a team ofcertified inspectorsthat can investigate every aspect of a rig, from the heavy machinery down to the shackles. With attention to detail cultivated by hundreds of years of combined rigging experience, our inspection team offers industry-leading guidance and professional recommendations. Reporting fromTESSALinkasset management software adds to our comprehensive service offering.

In addition to routine inspections, the Southwest Wire Rope team also performed destructive (break) testing of up to 1.7 million pounds from two separate locations. Need field spooling? We provide on-site installation and removal of wire and synthetic ropes on drilling rigs, cranes and winches. Through our steadfast commitment to raising the bar, we make sure our clients are meeting and exceeding all industry requirements.

At our core, we are rigging equipment providers, and we strive to strengthen our offerings and expertise on a daily basis. In 1983, we introduced our trademark proprietary brand of wire rope to the market, characterized by an iconic gold strand. Nearly 40 years later, “Gold Strand” wire rope is still recognized as the strongest and most reliable wire rope on the market.

Additionally, we have acomplete offeringof wire rope fittings, synthetic and round slings, chains, and other rigging hardware. We pride ourselves on being experts in the rigging equipment space, providing not only the tools to get the job done, but also the guidance to do it right.

But we don’t stop there. If one of our clients needs a skip pan, spreader bar, or other custom lifting device, we maintain a large inventory of heavy equipment for rent. We continue to reinforce excellence in all we do through the provision and outfitting of cutting-edge equipment solutions.

Finally, we continue to sharpen our skills and cement our place in the rigging industry by defending our reputation as the top rigging equipment servicer and provider in the industry. With every rigging inspection we complete and every client request we field, we seize the opportunity to build upon decades of excellence and provide exceptional products and services. Our team never shrinks back from the challenge. On the contrary, we relish the ability to enter new projects with the weight of a 56-year reputation on our shoulders. The responsibility to uphold and further this legacy informs everything we do – from the largest repairs, to the smallest reports.

Our team has been serving the needs of the rigging, overhead lifting, and securement industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for over half a century. If you’re searching for a rigging equipment supplier, or need your system inspected by a certified inspector, turn to the professionals at Southwest Wire Rope. Our experienced team can provide insights and recommendations for the type of wire rope, end fittings, hardware, and operational procedures that best suit your facilities and equipment. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourservice offering.

The commodity that “holds up” the rigging, lifting, and overhead securement industries is indisputably wire rope. Combining strength with flexibility, wire rope helps operations of all sizes move heavy loads where they need to go with safety and ease. Without enough properly tested and verified wire rope on hand, the output and productivity of the entire plant can grind to a standstill.

Because every project has different requirements, various types of wire rope are designed and fabricated to serve different purposes. With a variety of orientations, strengths, and load capacities, it’s important to know exactly which variety works best for your job. Here’s a breakdown of the major categories.

The “class” of wire rope refers to the number of wires that compose a strand, as well as how many strands surround the core. For example, 6×31 FC wire rope consists of 6 strands containing 31 wires each, which are wrapped around a fiber core.

General purpose wire rope– the variety most commonly used for daily rigging operations such as lifting, overhead securement, pulling, and establishing tension – most often contains six strands and an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC). Each of these strands can contain anywhere from 16 to 49 wires, with more wires increasing the flexibility of the rope.

General purpose wire rope can range in diameter from ¼ inch to 6 inches, with larger diameter  ropes having breaking strengths of hundreds or even thousands of tons. For a detailedwire rope strength chart, consult our cataloghere.

Most cranes and some overhead lifting and securement devices require specialized wire rope that prevents the load from rotating. This is often achieved by having layers of compacted strands, oriented in a tightly-knit pattern around a core and layed in alternating directions. For example, the Oliveira NR Maxipact PPI contains 18 outer strands, forming wire rope that can be effectively implemented in a non-rotating environment at temperatures from -50°C to +80°C.

Compacted varieties of crane wire rope provide increased fatigue resistance, strength, stability, and abrasion resistance. Often considered thestrongest wire ropeon the market, these types of wire rope are perfect for mining, industrial, construction, logging, and oilfield applications.

Other rotation resistant varieties come in 19×7 and 8×19 classes with an IWRC; for more detailed information, view thewire rope strength chartand select Wire Rope > Crane.

Finally, in addition to customized lengths and types of wire rope, a qualified rigging equipment provider can also supply pre-fabricatedwire rope slings. These slings are outfitted with eyes or sockets that affix the load to a lifting device. Wire rope slings come in dozens of orientations, sizes, and diameters, allowing for ultimate customization when outfitting your rigging operation. Check out the catalog or connect with a rigging equipment professional for guidance and to place your custom order

The professionals atSouthwestWire Rope have been serving the needs of the rigging, overhead lifting, and securement industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence since 1966. If you are in the market for industry-leading lifting gear, or need your system inspected by a certified inspector, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. Our experienced team can provide insights and recommendations for the type of wire rope, end fittings, hardware, and operational procedures that best suit your facilities and equipment. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourservice offeringand get in touch.

The lifting industry is not just about machine strength. Success in this business also requires precision, planning, endurance, poise, and training. In a highly competitive market that faces increasing pressures on a monthly basis, only the fittest lifting operations will continue to thrive in changing economic headwinds.

In addition to the competence and experience of your crew, your equipment is the largest differentiator between your lifting operation and the competition. Investing in material that is built to stand the test of time by aleading supplierwith an illustrious reputation will help ensure your machinery runs smoothly. In short, you need the best andstrongest assetsin order to thrive in the lifting business. Here are some of the most important components that will help you achieve that goal.

Cut to precision lengths in dozens of diameters, customizedwire ropecan help bring your operation to the next level. For more than 50 years, the team at Southwest has been helping the industry’s biggest players outfit their facilities with the best wire rope in the business. Our technicians can work alongside you to help determine the optimal thickness and orientation for your operation.

Not all chains are created equal. Every chain is tested to ensure it lives up to the Southwest legacy. Our team is familiar with every major type of chain configuration and linkage, so we can help you secure heavy loads and maximize your lifting potential while keeping your crew safe.

Synthetic round and synthetic web slings are the crucial components that keep your operation tightly bonded while remaining fluid and flexible. With various colors, lengths, and strengths available, the possibilities are quite literally endless.

When it comes to lifting gear, every sling, strap, link, wire rope strand, and piece of hardware is vital to the overall success of the operation. Investing in customized below-the-hook products that are expertly fitted to your unique needs and capacity will help make your facility safer and your equipment more effective.

The professionals atSouthwesthave been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for industry-leading lifting gear, or need your system inspected by a certified inspector, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourservice offeringand get in touch.

In the rigging and lifting industries, proof tests are regularly performed to ensure that the equipment to be used can withstand the load it was manufactured to handle. These tests are performed for several reasons – specification requirement, manufacturer’s recommendation, and customer request are the most common.

As mentioned, we perform proof tests for a variety of reasons.One such test commonly performed in the business is aproof load test. A heavy-duty undertaking, a proof load test unveils the true strength of a piece of rigging or lifting gear. Here’s everything you need to know about this specific type of test, as well as how to keep your crew safe during one.

A proof load test is just what it sounds like: it proves whether a piece of rigging equipment can bear the load it is designed to. The test is administered in a controlled, measured fashion with a particular multiple of the maximum designed load (generally 1.1 to 1.5 times) and a specified length of time. After the test is completed, the operator will issue a certification confirming the workable load of the wire rope or other rigging component in question.

Whether the rig is overdue for a full inspection, the newly minted wire rope is being put to the test, or older equipment is being evaluated to determine if it is still fit for use, a proof load test is an immensely valuable tool. Every rigging component in the operation should be tested regularly, and a proof load test is one of the most complete and strenuous methods for doing so. Testing also helps keep the rigging equipment and the business as a whole within the boundaries of the OSHA, Department of Labor, and manufacturers’ codes that govern the industry.

The best way to keep your employees safe during a proof load test is to entrust the entire ordeal totrained professionals. Proof load tests are incredibly dangerous if not done with the proper equipment and control measures, as breakage can occur.

AtSouthwest Wire Rope, we provide proof load testing and destructive (break) testing of various lifting devices up to 1.7 million lbs. Proof load testing can be performed using specialized rigging and custom built test jigs that replicate the ultimate field installation of complex and highly engineered products. As you can imagine, this specially designed equipment is operated by industry veterans. By outsourcing the tests to an industry partner like Southwest, you can keep your crew out of harm’s way.

In reality, the advent of performing the test and verifying the strength of the equipment is also keeping your crew safe. Using wire rope or lifting gear until failure is a dangerous proposition and never recommended. Instead, get your equipment certified with a proof load test and gain the peace of mind your professionals deserve.

Don’t leave the safety of your equipment to chance. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer in-depth product knowledge and inspection services will save you hours of confusion and stress when it comes to meeting code – all while maintaining the safety of your crew.

The professionals atSouthwesthave been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging and lifting gear, need your system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourservice offeringand get in touch.

Lifting hundreds of tons of material on a daily basis requires a lot: high-quality gear, a competent and well-trained team, efficient systems, and a drive to succeed.

Due to the nature of the industry, the regulators at OSHA and other regulatory bodiesalsorequire a lot. In the lifting space, safety always comes first. Meeting the codes that govern the operation of your plant or rig are in your best interest…but this can also be a time-consuming and difficult task.

In order to stay in business and run at maximum capacity, your lifting gear needs to be meeting or exceeding code at all times. Here are some tips for handling this simply and effectively – so you can focus on getting things done.

When it comes to lifting gear, one faulty sling, strap, link, wire rope strand, or other piece of hardware can put the entire operation in jeopardy. Investing in equipment that isand is backed by the quality and reputation of awill help ensure your machinery runs smoothly. Codes were developed in the first place to protect your crew from dangerous breakage, equipment wear, and malfunctions, so starting with the best materials is the most effective way to ensure you’re always in line with recent codes.

A destructive or “break” test measures the tensile strength of wire rope by using magnetic and hydraulic arms to pull opposite ends of the rope apart. The test continues until the wire strands begin to fail, and eventually, the wire rope gives out. This is an extremely loud and dangerous endeavor – a break test should never be conducted without the proper equipment and certifications. Work with an industry provider who can conduct a wire rope break test usingin a safe and controlled setting. The results of this test will be printed on a load testing certification, which will help you satisfy regulations.

When it comes to your health, you trust the expert opinions of medical professionals to give you a diagnostic update after performing the relevant tests. In the lifting industry, on-site inspection services serve the same purpose for determining the health and safety of your operations.

Working with a provider who offersservices will keep your lifting gear in check. A qualified inspector will issue reports and grades on the strength and condition of your lifting gear, so you have a clear idea which elements need replacing. Regulators mandate these inspections as well, so scheduling the inspection in and of itself is necessary to meet code.

Every rigging and lifting operation is required to furnish and maintain a comprehensive set of safety procedures that regulate the facility, its equipment, and the personnel involved. If your team has grown, you have brought new equipment into service, or your operational procedures have changed, your safety protocols need to be updated to reflect this. In addition to updated manuals and emergency procedures, educating your staff on the fulfillment of these duties is vital. An incomplete set of protocols or an untrained staff is grounds for immediate shutdown, so consult with a lifting industry provider for guidance on development or updating of your plans.

Keeping your lifting gear at max capacity while satisfying the regulations of OSHA and other regulatory bodies is not something you should pursue alone. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer in-depth product knowledge and inspection services will save you hours of confusion and stress when it comes to meeting code.

The professionals athave been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging and lifting gear, need your system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourand get in touch.

Today’s rigging operations are expected to perform at their best around the clock. With demand surging andenormous growthforecasted for the industry, the main concerns are often lift capacity, output, and production time. However, when heavy machinery and powerful devices are involved, safety always comes first.

At the core of any reputable rigging operation is a dedication to the safety and security of its crew. At the end of the day, your people will determine the performance of your rig, so you need to protect them.

Rigging equipment is complex and advanced, but it still requires qualified professionals to run at its best. Your team members are your most important asset, so choosing a crew that is situationally aware and intentional in their actions goes a long way in creating a safe environment on the rig. Every worker should know the standard operating procedures for safety-related events and always put the safety of their colleagues ahead of performance.

We’ve all heard that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In the rigging business, one faulty sling, strap, link, or wire rope strand, or piece of rigging hardware can jeopardize your entire operation. Investing in equipment that iscrafted to lastand backed by the quality of aleading supplierwill help ensure your machinery runs smoothly and your crew is protected from breakage or equipment wear.

Instead of relying on theintuitionthat your rigging operation is safe, you can have peace of mind byprovingit. Working with a rigging services provider who can offer Proof Load Testing, Break Testing, andon-site inspectionswill keep your rigging operation certified to the industry standard. To schedule a test today, clickhere.

When you first went into the rigging business, you were undoubtedly required to develop a comprehensive set of safety procedures that relate to facility management, personnel, and equipment operation. As your team has grown and your inventory has changed, it’s important to keep your safety protocols updated. If you need help developing safety procedures tailored to your rigging operation and equipment,get in touchwith the team at Southwest today.

Keeping your operation safe yet productive is not an endeavor you should pursue alone. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer years of industry experience and in-depth product knowledge on every piece of specialized equipment will save you hours of confusion and stress. As your operation changes to meet current demand, work with a provider who can help outfit, secure, and optimize your rigging and lifting facilities with special attention to the safety of your crew.

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging equipment, need your rigging system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourproductsandservicesorcontact a reptoday.

When you think about the major adjectives that describe a rigging operation, one of the first and most important answers would be “strong.” Strength is not only the defining feature of an effective rigging operation, but also the key to increased load capacity, and thereby output, which leads to higher profit margins and wages. Strength, then, is what we’re after.

One of the most reliable ways to increase the strength of a rigging operation is by investing in high-quality wire rope. Formed from a steel core and wrapped with concentric wire strands, wire rope is an extremely versatile asset that can bear hundreds of thousands of pounds of load, yet remain flexible. For more than 50 years,Southwest Wire Ropehas been supplying some of the strongest and most recognizable wire rope products on the market.

To determine the true strength of wire rope, though, we need to put it to the test. Destructive or “break” testing can be dangerous, but is a useful measuring tool to gauge the strength of wire rope. Here’s everything you need to know about break testing.

Put simply, a destructive or break test measures the tensile strength of wire rope by using magnetic and hydraulic arms to pull opposite ends of the rope apart. The test continues until the wire strands begin to fail, and eventually, the wire rope gives out. This results in an extremely loud explosive noise and frayed metal remnants, which can be extremely dangerous. At the conclusion of the test, the true strength of the rope is evident based on the load reading at the point of breakage.

A break test should absolutely never be conducted without the proper equipment, certified staff, and safety protocols. If you are unsure whether you can perform a break test at your rigging site, then the answer is undoubtedly no. Only specialized machinery operated by trained professionals is fit to manage a destructive test, and attempting a DIY test is a recipe for a regulatory violation and a potential safety hazard.

The only way to know the true strength of a piece of wire rope is to perform a break test in a certifiedtesting facility. As wire rope specialists, the team at Southwest is trained in conducting safe, effective tests of all of our products. If you need your wire rope certified, are curious about the capacity of your rigging system, or are interested in stronger products, we can help. In addition to testing, Southwest is a leader in on-site rigging inspections, rental equipment, field spooling, and other services. Get in touch with a rigging professional today to learn how we can helpoutfityour rigging operation for maximum performance.

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging equipment, need your rigging system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourproductsandservicesorcontact a reptoday.

In the rigging world, we are always pushing for “more.” More lift power, more loads, more hours on the rig, etc. This industry is full of diligent, hard workers who strive to get the absolute most out of their crews and their equipment.

One such way that many operators attempt to increase output is by increasing the capacity of each load. More productive loads means jobs get completed faster and more efficiently, and the next project can begin. So, how can we increase the strength and speed of our operation through better lift capacity? Keep reading to hear some ideas from the veterans atSouthwest Wire Rope.

The same principles that govern lifting motions of your body apply to lifting loads as well. Lifting a small weight near your torso is much easier than lifting the same weight when your arm is fully extended. The added tension in an extended arm makes the job more difficult. As the boom of your crane extends and becomes more angled, load capacity decreases substantially.

The obvious method to increase your lift capacity is to invest in a larger, stronger crane. Beyond purchasing new power equipment, however, there are various approaches to making the most of your crane.

Changing the type, thickness, or orientation of yourslings and chainsetup can make a dramatic difference. Increasing the diameter by one-eighth of an inch, for example, can increase your nominal strength by 12 tons.

At Southwest Wire Rope, we’ve spent the past56 yearsbecoming experts in fabricating the highest quality rigging and lifting products on the market. From rope and chains, to synthetic web and round slings, along with all the hardware you’ll need, we can help you outfit your crane with the best equipment to ensure it’s running at maximum capacity. If you need guidance on which attachments work best for you, we’re here to help.

bringing in arigging consultant. An on-site inspector is vital to staying within the codes of the various regulators, but can also provide valuable advice on which hardware and lifting products might be useful to increase your capacity.

Working alongside a rigging expert who has both practical knowledge on the operation of cranes as well as industry expertise on the outfitting side of the business can pay dividends. Our team will help you create the best lifting solution for your business through our decades of experience backed with rigorous testing.Get in touchwith us today to get started.

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging equipment, need your rigging tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, we can help. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse ourproductsandservicesorcontact a reptoday.

Wire rope is a steel cord that is flexible and extremely strong. Typically, these types of cables are used for hoisting, anchoring heavy loads, towing, and running gondolas. One of the most critical parts of the rope is the core, but that does not mean that the outside material is not essential. When shopping for wire ropes, the three most commonly used materials are Bright, Galvanized, and Stainless Steel. Below, we will go over some of the essential differences between the three types of materials.

Bright: these ropes are made from wire that does not have coatings. Rotation resistant bright wire rope is a type of bright steel, which is designed to reduce rotating while under loads. Frequently, the rope is used in single part lines, and also in situations that require ropes to resist cabling in multiple systems.

Galvanized: Drawn Galvanized wire rope has the same pulling strength as Bright, but Hot Galvanized does not. Depending on the environment, this material can be a great economical alternative to buying stainless steel wire rope.

Stainless steel: this is the highest quality wire rope available. It is not as strong as the above ropes, but stainless steel will last longer in all settings.

I need to read all the other answers to be sure this has not already been said but, by the measure specified it will unquestionably be rope, for an interesting reason: they said BY WEIGHT.

Since chain has to loop around each link, it basically gets half the strength an identical piece of wire would get that hadn’t been cut into teeny circles.

So even though one solid big wire is generally much stronger than a bundled bunch of little ones of the same overall diameter (which I’m almost certain is true, because it contains more metal), a chain of ANY material is going to be much less strong per unit weight than a straight line of that same material.

On the other hand, it’s complicated because a chain is effectively TWO wires holding a load simultaneously, with single-wire-thick linkages between the sets of double wires. This might in fact reverse our answer, and I’d love to know more about the physics of those curved linkages if anyone can explain.

At the end of the day, my guess is that, per unit weight, wire rope and solid wire are about the same strength when they’re made of the same material, or that wire rope is stronger because of the cross-sectional area, but only per unit weight. And that both are somewhere between 1.1 and 1.9 times as efficient as chain, which was clearly designed for superior durability and flexibility and handleability at larger scales where wire gets unwieldy.