People use wire ropes because they are strong and reliable. Just because they are known to perform well does not mean that they are exempt from damage and breaking. With use, most gear breakdown slowly with wear-and-tear, but those damages can be delayed if ropes are given tender, love, and care (TLC).
Taking proper care of our tools and equipment ensures their endurance and longevity. Not only that but it also dramatically increases the safety of those using the rope and the surrounding environment.
Below, we want to take the time to highlight a few easy tips for caring for ropes. Implementing these care techniques takes time now, but it will pay off in the long run.
The most important thing to do is inspect and examine your ropes (all of them). During inspections, people need to look and feel for any minor changes in the appearance or feel of the cable. Make sure that only trained professionals examine ropes because only they know what to look and feel for. Before each shift, ropes should be checked. Every several months, ropes should be taken down and inspected from end-to-end.
Make sure that ropes are adequately lubricated. With use and time, the lubrication that came preinstalled in the rope begins to evaporate and dry out. As this begins to happen, ropes become easily breakable. Chafe gear and rigging gear become damaged when working with ropes that do not have adequate lubrication.
Wire Rope
Ropes should always be stored in areas that are well-ventilated, covered, and dry. They should be kept elevated off the floor in case of flooding. Moisture will severely damage ropes with extended exposure.
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