Wire ropes date back to the 19th century and still have an essential purpose today. Wire rope specifications are crucial to construction workers, miners, and workers that use heavy machinery.
Here’s all you need to know about wire rope specifications for your next project.
Wire Rope
Wire rope is known for its strength, durability, and different sizes and materials. These wires aren’t simplistic; they’re layered from the inside out. Their strength is at their core.
The layers inside of wire ropes include:
- Single strand wiring wrapped in a helix
- Fiber or steel
- Layered wires
- Lubricant
All wire rope is different. The less wire makes the rope thin and easier to bend. More wire makes for a stronger and more stiff rope. Learning about the different types of wire ropes helps you better understand their purposes and which ropes you need to get the job done.
Wire Rope Functions
All wire ropes offer different functions such as:
- Longevity
- Strength
- Corrosion/damage resistance
- Weight capacity
- Weather resistance
Types of Wire Rope
Having the correct wire rope is vital to your project. Wire ropes are made out of different types of metals. Here are the metals:
- High carbon steel
- Galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
Stainless steel wire rope is 8% nickel and 18% chromium, which protects against rust. Galvanized steel has a nylon coating that protects against corrosion. When you’re looking for ropes to use in high-friction uses, you may want to consider a wire rope with a nylon coating.
Things that May Influence Your Choice
- The amount of flexibility in the rope
- The weather
- The weight
- Visibility
- Demographic
Taking all these into consideration will help you choose the right wire rope.
The Right Rope
At Silver State Wire Rope, we pride ourselves on providing you comprehensive wire rope and rigging solutions. We offer a full range of conventional and custom-engineered rigging products and solutions. We also have rigging equipment for rent! If you’re looking for wire rope or have any questions, feel free to give us a call!