The primary purpose of inspecting wire ropes is to ensure that they will not break while being used. Inspections allow for repairs and replacements. Consider replacing any wire rope that has:
- Variations in diameter
- Broken wire
- Deformed Strands
- Changes in normal appearance
Replacing ropes when in doubt of their structural integrity is safe and smart. When working with wire ropes, it is better to be safe than sorry. Of course, purchasing new ropes cost money, but it costs substantially less than downtime, human injury, and broken structures. Basic wire rope inspections should include the examination of:
- Corrosion
- Broken Wires
- Peening
- Scrubbing
- External Wear
- Rope Lay
- Rope Diameter Reduction
- Internal Wear
It is important to note that some sections of wire rope can break up without any discernible warning. Non-visual breaks occur near the end terminations, and also at the parts where ropes enter and leave sheaves (boom hoists, semi-operational systems, and suspension systems). At these sections, the core of the rope is likely to fail, which will allow adjacent strands to start nicking.
With diligent maintenance, it is possible to extend the life of wire ropes. Preventative support can be used, which requires the cutting of an appropriate length of wire. For more information on wire rope NY, let us be your first call.
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