Chapter 8 – Wire Rope Slings

Wire Rope, Not Cable

What is the difference between the two?

Wire rope is a modern invention without it we would be in the dark ages. Our cranes would not be able to function efficiently.

Wire rope is commonly used as:

• slings
• lifting apparatus on cranes

There is more to wire rope than meets the eye.

Difference Between Wire Rope and Cable

A wire rope is a machine. It has many moving parts that are integrate to it’s proper operation.

In order for a wire to perform it’s work each wire must be allowed to displace itself. Allowing for the stresses involved in lifting loads and travelling around the sheaves without effect or damage under normal conditions.

Defects in the wire rope may be hidden in the center where corrosion or overloading may impact it’s condition. Stretching of the core may cause a change in the outside diameter or protrusion or bird caging as shown in these pictures.

The difference between a cable and a wire rope is that the wire rope has a core at the center and
cable does not.

Types of Wire Rope

There are many different types of wire rope. The specific wire rope used on any hoist can only be determined by:

a.) hoist or crane manufacturer
b.) Wire rope manufacturer

It is permissible to have some fraying of wires, the number of wires within a lay length and within one strand is limited by the wire rope type and size – Check with manufacturer.

Maximum Safe Working Loads

Dimensions and weights given below are nominal, not to be used as a basis for your lifting application but to give you a general idea.