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Always choose a strong, durable rope
with limited elasticity and long service life.
When selecting and using a rope it is
essential to choose the proper size and
type for each job need. The material,
tensile strength and recommended
working load are critical factors.
Polyester ropes such as Tuff Pull™ and
Super Tuff Pull™ are preferred for cable
pulling because of their low elasticity, high
strength and endurance as compared to
other types of rope.
•
Working load rating
represents the
maximum pulling load to which the rope
should be subjected. It increases with rope
diameter and is calculated for rope in good
condition with appropriate splices under
normal service. Note that working load
guidelines are void under conditions of rapid
or sudden load changes.
•
Tensile strength
is the average breaking
point of new, unused rope. While it gives
some indication of the rope’s ability to
withstand sudden or shock loads, tensile
strength decreases over time as the rope is
used and should
not be relied upon as an
indication of working strength.
All synthetic rope under load will recoil if it, or a fitting
(chain, hook, bolt, etc.) fails. The snap-back action will
propel the rope – and any still-attached metal fittings –
at high speed. Serious injury to persons or property in
the vicinity is possible.
Always check all fittings, splices, connectors,
etc. before using rope.
Do not allow anyone to stand directly in line with
rope under tension!
Avoid using rope that shows signs of wear, such as
frayed ends, broken yarns or pulled strands. Open the
strands of braided rope and look for powdered fiber, a
sign of internal wear. When fibers show wear, the rope
should be respliced or downgraded. A heavily-used
rope will often become compacted or hard, a sign of
reduced strength. If in doubt, destroy the used rope
and replace it.
Do Not Overload the Rope
Reverse the rope, end-for-end, between uses. Also,
alternate the lay of the rope around capstan and
sheaves from job to job.
Repeated hauling of a line over a capstan in a
counterclockwise direction changes the twist of each
strand, causing hockles or backturning that cannot be
removed. Repeated clockwise hauling stiffens the rope
and causes it to kink easily.
Rough surfaces and sharp edges can severely damage
rope. Do not pull rope over sharp bends or angles.
Make sure chocks, capstans, sheaves and pulleys are
free of burrs and rust and rotate freely.
Keep the rope surface clean. Do not drag it over rough
ground; dirt and grit will work into and cut inner fibers.
Line of Pull
Avoid damaging storage and use conditions that can
weaken rope:
•
Store rope in a clean, dry area.
Keep coils off
dirt or concrete floors. Instead, store it in well-
ventilated racks.
•
Keep rope away from chemical contact or fumes.
Solvents, acids and alkalis can damage rope,
especially natural fibers.
•
Avoid exposing rope to excessive heat
(in
excess of 140° F) in either use or storage. Heat
weakens rope, even after it has cooled. Also, avoid
friction heating caused by slippage around winches
or sheaves.
Observe Recommended Practices for Safe
Handling and Proper Care of Pulling Rope.
Handle loads slowly and smoothly to avoid sudden
strains or shock loads, which can exceed the rope’s
breaking strength. Such “dynamic loading” occurs
when a load is picked up, stopped, moved or swung,
and may subject the rope to two or three times its
normal working load. The affect is greater on low-
elongation types of rope and on shorter lengths of
rope, although high-elongation ropes can recoil
dangerously if broken.
Vary Rope Application to Distribute Wear Evenly
Avoid Abrasive Conditions
IMPORTANT! Store Rope Properly
If a Rope Breaks Under Tension,
it Can Recoil Causing Serious Injury!
Inspect Rope Thoroughly Before Use
Strength
Elasticity
Super Tuff™
and Tuff Pull™
PolyPro
Nylon
Super Tuff™
and Tuff Pull™
PolyPro
Nylon
Select the Right Rope
for the Job.
Danger Zone
