Storage

Store coils and reels off the ground on timber battens, under cover, in a dry and well-ventilated area. Keep rope away from corrosive chemicals, welding fumes and direct sunlight. Rotate stock on a first-in, first-out basis and leave the original wrapping in place until the rope is needed.

Unreeling and uncoiling

Never pull a coil from the side, and never lay a reel flat and roll rope off it. Mount the reel on a shaft or turntable and rotate it as the rope pays out, or stand a coil upright and roll it along the floor. A rope that is pulled over the flange forms loops that close into kinks, permanently distorting the strands.

Cutting and seizing

Apply a seizure — tightly wound binding wire — on both sides of every cut before the rope is severed. This holds the strands and wires in place and prevents the ends from unlaying. For a rope that will be spliced or fitted with a ferrule, use two seizures each side of the cut line.

Installation

Reeve the rope so that it bends in the direction it was laid, and do not reverse the direction of bending between the drum and the sheaves. Keep sheave and drum diameters within the rope’s specified D/d ratio, and make sure grooves are the correct size and free of wear. Avoid any contact with sharp edges or abrasive surfaces.

Inspection and maintenance

Inspect at regular intervals for broken wires, wear, corrosion, deformation and evidence of heat damage. Record the findings against the rope’s identification so that deterioration can be tracked. Lubricate in service where the rope is not of a pre-lubricated or coated construction, and replace the rope when discard criteria are reached.

Handled correctly, a steel wire rope delivers a long, predictable service life. For rope-specific storage or installation guidance, contact our engineering team.