Wire rope and steel rope is a strong, resilient material regularly used in the lifting industry. It has many different uses, from lifting to moving to general logistics, and it is longer lasting than other solutions while also very good value for money. There are various advantages to using steel rope over other kinds of materials – find out more about using steel rope in the lifting industry and how it can serve you well.
Steel rope can have many uses, from architectural to aesthetic. However, one of the most popular uses is in the lifting industry where it is implemented because of its strength, resilience and cost. Steel rope is most often used alongside:
- Cranes – the rope is used to move and lift loads that are lifted by cranes
- Winches – steel rope and wire rope can be used to pull loads that are being moved by a winch
- Hoists – steel rope can be used with many different types of hoists, both electric and manual, to lift and move loads of all kinds of shapes and sizes
- Lifting slings – if a sling is paired with wire rope it can be used to lift loads more safely and more efficiently
Steel rope might also be used to secure loads and hold them in place safely because it is rigid and strong. This can be useful for moving loads in transit as well as for securing them while they are being lifted and moved by a crane or hoist.
How to Use Steel Rope Safely and to Look After it in Everyday Processes
Steel rope can make lifting safer and simpler but it does need to be used in the correct way. Lifting anything is not something that can be done by untrained operators using incorrect equipment so always be sure that processes are carefully thought out, especially in the lifting industry. If you are considering the use of steel rope or stainless steel rope it is important to purchase equipment with the right specifications. Here are some of the key considerations:
- Rope breaking strength, which is important for the weight of the load
- Corrosion resistance
- Suitability for the task in hand. Lifting equipment is not one size fits all so the right specifications are essential and multiple ropes may be needed.
- Average usage. As with any rope, sling or hoist, steel rope’s general use needs to be considered to match it to its purpose.
- Working conditions. Are there specific considerations that will need to be taken into account due to certain environments?
- The type of spooling on the drum
- Length of the rope and whether it will be sufficient
- The finish and whether the steel rope needs to be galvanised
Buying steel rope from a professional supplier is an important part of guaranteeing quality. It should be purchased for a specific purpose to ensure it will meet needs fully, and it should be well maintained once you have it and are using it, even if it is not used on a regular basis.