Right and Wrong Ways of Handling Wire Rope




Fig. 1 - Wrong Way

"UNPACK from this end," and even more detailed directions are frequently found on packing cases and crates containing machinery-the more complex the machine, the more definite the directions for unpacking and "setting-up" or installing.

The same care is necessary in handling wire rope -- machine there is a wrong way and a right way to "unpack" or handle it.

When wire rope is received from the manufacturer, care should be taken to prevent damage in handling it prior to actual installation, or operation in service.

It is probable that a wire rope is never intentionally mishandled during the process of installation. A word of caution, however, will not be amiss. A wire rope should not be handled like a manila rope because of its structural difference.

And yet, when we recall the seaman's expression of uncoiling manila and other fiber ropes according to the direction of the sun, we realize that there is a right and wrong way for this type of rope, too.

Fig. 2 - Correct Way

If the wire rope is received in coils, do not lay the coil flat and pull the rope from the coil as is shown in Fig. 1. This method will produce a spiral effect-many ropes are ruined in this way. The coil should be unrolled like the rolling of a hoop as illustrated in Fig. 2 or unreeled from a swift (Fig. 3) and straightened out its full length before attempting to pass it around a sheave.

Fig. 3 - Correct Way

Wire rope received on a reel should be jacked up on a shaft (see Fig. 4) or placed on a swift as shown in Fig. 5 at a point convenient to the installation, and the rope slowly pulled off the reel. Fig. 6 shows the wrong way to unreel. This produces a spiral effect which remains permanently in the rope. If you pull the rope off over the sides of the reel as indicated, the result is a kink.

Fig. 4 - Correct Way

Fig. 5 - Correct Way

The correct methods (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5) should be strictly adhered to when handling new ropes. Other methods generally result in the spiral condition shown, which in turn usually produces a kink in the rope. A kink may be straightened out, but not without leaving a permanently damaged and weak spot in the rope. Ropes sometimes fail to give the good service they are qualified to give because of damage resulting from careless handling. It is always advisable to keep the rope taut and not allow the ends to rotate. In the installation of a Lang Lay rope, under no condition should it be wound directly from the coil to the drum. Lay out its full length in front of the drum before installation. A reel of Lang Lay rope should be set up in an unobstructed path, as straight as possible, and as far away as practicable, in line with the drum, so that it can be pulled off straight. The rope is then in the best possible position to be reeved over the sheaves and wound on the drum.

Fig. 6 - Wrong Way

If the drum is not grooved. particular care should be exercised in winding the rope in a true helical spiral, and in doing this it is most important that the proper helix be started. After the proper start is made, each additional wrap around the drum should be lightly driven to position. Care should also be taken to see that the seizings on the other end of the rope are not disturbed while winding.

Large Lang Lay ropes when installed on shaft hoists, require special instructions, which are made up to suit the individual conditions of each installation. A Lang Lay rope is generally recommended for a specific operating condition and maximum service can only be obtained by following the specific suggestions given for such installations.

Fig. 7 - A 6x19 rope badly kinked.

Fig. 8 - The same rope with kink partially removed. Notice, however, that rope is permanently injured and will not give maximum service	Fig. 9 - This illustrates a 6x7 rope which failed due to excessive kinking.