WIRE ROPE MAINTENANCE
1. Rope should be stored to prevent damage, contamination, and deterioration.
2. Rope shall be unreeled or uncoiled in a manner to avoid kinking of or inducing a twist in the rope.
3. Before cutting rope, means shall be used to prevent unlaying of the strands.
4. During installation, care should be observed to avoid dragging of the rope in dirt or around objects that
will scrape, nick, crush, or induce sharp bends.
WIRE ROPE REPLACEMENT CRITERIA
1. No precise rules can be given for determination of the exact time for rope replacement since many
factors are involved. Once a rope reaches any one of the specified removal criteria, it may be allowed
to operate to the end of the work shift, based on the judgment of a qualified person. The rope shall be
replaced after that work shift, at the end of the day, or at the latest time prior to the equipment being
used by the next work shift.
2. Removal criteria for the rope replacement shall be as follows:
• in running ropes, 12 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay or four broken wires in one
strand in one lay (
diagram L
);
• one outer wire broken at the contact point with the core of the rope, which has worked its way out
of the rope structure and protrudes or loops out from the rope structure;
• wear of one-third the original diameter of outside individual wires;
• kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or any other damage resulting in distortion of the rope structure;
• evidence of heat damage from any cause;
• reductions from nominal diameter greater than 1/64” (.4 mm) for 1/4” (6.35 mm) diameter rope or 3/16”
(4.76 mm) diameter rope.
3. Broken wire removal criteria applies to wire rope operating on steel sheaves and drums. However,
results of internal testing have shown that rope replacement follows the same criteria regardless of
sheave or drum material.
4. Attention shall be given to end connections. Upon development of two broken wires adjacent to a
socketed end connection, the rope should be resocketed or replaced. Resocketing shall not be
attempted if the resulting rope length will be
insufficient for proper operation.
5. Replacement rope and connections shall
have strength rating at least as great as the
original rope and connection furnished by
the hoist manufacturer. A rope
manufacturer, the hoist manufacturer, or a
qualified person shall specify any deviation
from the original size, grade, or
construction.
CAUTION
Rope should be maintained in a well-lubricated condition. Gorbel recommends using chain and cable
penetrating oil for lubrication. Lubricant applied as part of a maintenance program shall be compatible
with the original lubricant (PreLube 6). Lubricant applied shall be of the type that does not hinder visual
inspection. Immediately after inspection, lubricant shall be applied before rope is returned to service.
Those sections of rope that are located over sheaves or otherwise hidden during inspection and
maintenance procedures require special attention when lubricating ropes. The object of rope lubrication is
to reduce internal friction and to prevent corrosion.
WIRE
(7 WIRES PER STRAND)
STRAND
CORE STRAND
Diagram F. - 19x7 Preformed Wire Rope Composition
Diagram L.
19x7 Preformed Wire Rope Composition.
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9/18 - Rev. U