Wire Rope Maintenance: 7 Ways to Extend Its Life

Steel wire rope is a consumable, but with correct use and maintenance its life can be extended several times over. Especially on cranes and lifting equipment, regular maintenance both reduces cost and improves workplace safety.

1. Lubricate regularly

The lubricant applied during manufacture diminishes over time. Periodic lubrication with a penetrating rope lubricant suited to the rope type reduces friction between the wires and prevents internal corrosion.

2. Use the correct sheave and drum diameter

When a rope runs over sheaves that are too small, the wires bend excessively and fatigue breaks start early. Follow the sheave-to-rope diameter ratio recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

3. Check sheave grooves

Worn or narrow grooves pinch the rope, reduce its diameter and deform the strands.

4. Store correctly

Keep reels off the ground, covered, in a dry and well-ventilated area.

5. Unreel the rope correctly

Unreel by rotating the reel; pulling the rope off the side of the reel creates twist and kinks.

6. Inspect periodically

Regularly check for broken wires, diameter reduction, corrosion, crushing, birdcaging and kinks, and keep records. Lifting ropes should be inspected by competent persons in accordance with ISO 4309.

7. Replace on time

Do not keep using a rope that has reached its discard criteria on the basis that “it will do a little longer”. To identify the equivalent rope, use our diameter measurement guide and explore our lubricated steel wire rope options.