10 qualities to demand when buying wire rope

Wire rope has come to be one of the most useful and adaptable pieces of lifting equipment available to dozens of industries around the world. Its structure and composition see it being used to help lift heavy weights, as electrical cables, and even being used for structural support. This means that, naturally, it is designed to be strong, adaptable, and resilient to whatever conditions it will be subject to. That being said, you must, as with any product or piece of equipment that you purchase, demand certain qualities when purchasing it. We’ve listed 10 of these below.

#1 Its length and diameter

The rope can be manufactured in a wide range of lengths, sizes and diameters, a critical fact given the vast number of tasks it is used for. Modern day machines and state-of-the-art facilities, like our very own that we have here at Rope Services Direct, mean that wire can be produced to your exact specifications. Wire rope can come manufactured to your specific length requirements   Make sure that when purchasing, it is the exact length and diameter that you need!

#2 Your rope complies with all necessary regulations

There are various laws, rules and regulations that apply to the use of lifting gear and equipment, and it is important that your supplier complies with these. Examples of these can be seen in the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) regulations and the Lifting equipment at work; a brief guide handbook.

#3 The core of your wire rope

Wire ropes are constructed by wrapping wires and strands around a strong internal core, typically fibre, although this varies. Ensure that the core is both the one that you asked for, and that it is also strong enough to handle the task that it will be subject to.

#4 Its strength

Like pretty much all pieces of lifting gear and lifting equipment, wire rope can have varying levels of lifting strengths and breaking points. Make sure you know exactly the weight of the loads that you want to lift before buying, but also that this is the strength of rope you need when purchasing.

#5 The level of element resistance

It is designed to have a higher level of resistance to things such as corrosion and rust than other pieces of lifting gear and equipment. This is particularly important as much of the work that it does is outdoors with more of the elements. Make sure you demand that your rope has this quality when purchasing it. Make sure that your wire rope is rust resistant if you’ll be working outside  

#6 The level of abrasion resistance

The rope will often be run over sharp or rough edges, which will cause a natural abrasion. As with the elements, the equipment has a stronger resistance to abrasion than many other pieces of lifting gear, but make sure you confirm this with your sales rep.

#7 Its compatibility

It is often utilised with many other different pieces of lifting gear and end terminations, helping it to be used for a wide variety of tasks. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll be using the lifting equipment for, then you’ll be able to figure out exactly what other items you need and if your equipment is compatible with them.

#8 The wire rope has been finished correctly

The end of your rope will need to be spliced, and it’s important that this has been done in the right way so as to prevent any fraying. Manufacturers who know what they’re doing should have no problem with this, but do check that the whole of your rope, including the rest of the length of it, all looks in good working order.

#9 Have you got the right type of rope?

There are different types that are designed for different functions. For instance, we stock anti-spin, trailer ropes and galvanised wire rope, all designed with a different purpose, so make sure you get the one that you asked for!

#10 What if something goes wrong?

In the unlikely event that there is a problem, make sure that you ask the manufacturer what you should do. All rope is designed to last for a long time, so with regular inspections, you should have no problems.

Are you looking at buying rope equipment?

Now that you know exactly what you should be looking out for, perhaps you are interested in acquiring some for your own application or industry? If that is the case, please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our expert team here.    

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