What Are the Most Common Causes of Wire Rope Failure in the Field?

Wire Rope: We Don’t Always Think About It But It Is So Critical Wire rope is one of those things you don’t even realize how much you truly depend upon it. It is sturdy and able to carry heavy stuff. But wire rope can sometimes break, and this breaks can be very very dangerous. There are a number of causes of failure of a piece of wire rope, and in this article we’ll look at those reasons to understand the processes in which it can fail.

The Silent Enemy of Wire Rope

One of the common causes of failure of wire rope is the so-called corrosion problem. Corrosion occurs when the metal in the wire rope begins to dissolve due to water or other elements in the air. It can be difficult to spot because it occurs inside the rope, but it can weaken the rope and make it prone to breaking. And that is why wire rope should always be checked for any corrosion before it is used or replaced.

Overloading Wire Rope

Another thing which often causes failure in wire rope is when it’s used to hoist loads that are too heavy for it. All wire ropes have a maximum weight they can support without breaking. If we attempt to lift anything heavier, we might break the wire rope, with disastrous consequences. If that is the case, you need to make sure at all times what is the EN and US weight of the wire rope and not to use it for lifting if it exceeds the weight.

Gradual Deterioration of Rope Strength

Every once in a while, wire rope can begin to wear out prematurely, even if we are using it the right way. This can occur as a result of friction and minor bends in the rope. When this occurs, the rope may become weakened and more prone to snapping. That is why you should always check wire rope and replace it when there are any signs of fatigue.

The Dangerous Impact of Bending Over Again and Again

Wire rope is designed to be tough and pliable, but if it is bent too many times in the same place, it can lose strength and snap. It happens because we lift the object in the same way over and over, using the wire rope. The bends in the rope can begin to fatigue and lead to failure over time. In short, this is why it is always to our best interest to change the way the wire rope is being used and not extreme work one area.

Don’t Overlook Wire Rope That Can Cause a Disaster

The third most common reason is people are not taking care of the wire rope. When we don’t check wire rope, or replace it when necessary, it can be unsafe to work with. In fact, this can eventually become disastrous failure where the wire rope snaps all of a sudden and wreaks a lot of havoc. That’s why it is important to always maintain the wire rope and to keep it in good condition.

In summary, galvanized chain there are several causes for wire rope to fail in service. Corrosion, overloading, natural wear and tear, repetitive bends and underuse, can all lead to failure of the wire rope and helluva problems. It’s another story to keep your wrist as the most essential part of wire rope in mind, inspect it and replace it when it’s expired. In this way, we can avoid failure of the wire rope and avoid an injury to everyone. Stay safe, when using wire rope always safety first! We hope you have enjoyed this article on LoadStar!