Finding the right wire rope and rigging supplies for your company needs is one of the most important safety precautions you can take. While you may assume that all types of wire rope are practically the same, understanding the individual wire rope specifications and uses is crucial. Without this information, you’ll never make the right decisions to keep your employees and premises suitably protected.
Let’s take a quick look at the different types of wire rope and their capabilities below.
Various Types of Wire Rope and Their Uses
General purpose rope
Available in a variety of sizes, diameters, and strengths, general purpose rope offers great flexibility and wear resistance. It is commonly found throughout a host of industries and can be used with a diverse range of equipment and machines.
A 6 x 26 rope is the most popular option within the 6 x 19 classification due to its flexibility. Meanwhile, products within the 6 x 37 classification, including the 6 x 49 SWS Warrington Seale, boast a third layer making them a regular choice for traveling cranes and mining equipment.
Special wire ropes
Special wire ropes take many forms but commonly share anti-spin and non-rotating properties. This makes them a great option when handling heavy loads, although they aren’t quite as flexible which can lead to some limitations regarding their function.
The special wire rope is designed by using six strands wrapped around the core in one direction. This is then wrapped by an additional layer of 12 strands in the opposite direction. They are available in various sizes and grades, giving you control when finding the right solution for your needs.
Galvanized cable and stainless steel
Galvanized cable shares many of the same properties as general purpose rope. However, it is coated in zinc to make it less vulnerable to rust and corrosion. It is a more affordable alternative to stainless steel solutions, although it might not be suited to harsher situations.
Stainless steel wire ropes boast the same pulling strength as the galvanized and general purpose rope options. But the corrosion resistant materials make it the strongest option under tough conditions, which can lead to greater longevity and safety in tough working environments.
Ultra-pac
Ultra-Pac wire ropes are built to offer an even greater breaking strength as well as superior fatigue. They boast a larger rope wire that has been put through a rotary swager to bring it back to size. Meaning it packs a far mightier punch than its size would suggest.
The fact that they are designed to produce reduced internal friction means that they will last longer. This makes them the ideal solution for machines that are used on a daily basis and carry heavy loads.
Tech-35
Tech-35 wire ropes are designed to offer the greatest rotation resistance possible. This makes it the perfect option when using a Swivel or similar machinery. In fact, persisting with the general purpose rope solution could be putting your employees and assets at risk.
We Have Your Wire Rope Solutions
If you’re still unsure of which wire rope and rigging supplies you need, our experts are here to help. We can provide guidance on the safest and most secure wire rope supplies for your project or business. Contact us to discuss your options today.
