Rigging & Lifting Gear, Cebu
Steel Wire Rope
Wire rope is made by laying individual wires into strands, then laying those strands around a core. The construction is written as strands by wires, so 6x19 means six strands of nineteen wires each. More wires of a smaller size make a rope more flexible; fewer, thicker wires make it more resistant to abrasion. The core is either fibre, which cushions the strands and keeps the rope flexible, or steel, which adds strength and resists crushing.
Specification
Sizes and variants
6x12 galvanized, hemp core
A light, flexible construction with a fibre core.
Range of diameters in millimetres and inches
6x19 galvanized and ungalvanized
The general-purpose construction, balancing flexibility and wear resistance. Available with hemp or steel core.
From 3mm (1/8 inch) upward
6x25 ungalvanized, steel core
A filler-wire construction, more flexible than 6x19 at the same diameter.
Range of diameters in millimetres and inches
6x37 galvanized and ungalvanized, steel core
The most flexible construction, for smaller sheaves and tighter bends.
Range of diameters in millimetres and inches
- Finishes
- Double galvanized, or ungalvanized improved plow steel
- Cores
- Hemp centre (HC) or steel centre (SC)
- Measured by
- Diameter in millimetres and inches
- Rated by
- Breaking load, quoted in tons
Availability varies by size. Other sizes can often be sourced on request.
Checking a price?
Steel prices move with the market, so published figures date quickly. Send a list of sizes, grades, and quantities for a current quotation.
Applications
Where it is used
- Cranes, winches, and hoists
- Lifting slings
- Guy lines and standing rigging
- Marine and fishing applications
- Towing and mooring
Questions
About steel wire rope
What do the numbers in 6x19 mean?
The first number is how many strands are laid around the core, the second is how many wires make up each strand. So 6x19 is six strands of nineteen wires. More, finer wires give a more flexible rope that bends around smaller sheaves; fewer, thicker wires give better resistance to abrasion but less flexibility.
Should I use a hemp core or a steel core?
A hemp or fibre core cushions the strands, keeps the rope flexible, and holds lubricant. A steel core resists crushing, stands up to heat better, and gives a higher breaking load at the same diameter. Steel core is the usual choice under heavy or repeated load; fibre core where flexibility matters more.
What is the difference between galvanized and ungalvanized rope?
Galvanized rope is zinc-coated to resist corrosion, which matters outdoors, at sea, or anywhere damp. Ungalvanized improved plow steel is uncoated and is normally used where the rope is protected, regularly lubricated, or replaced often.
What is breaking load, and how much of it can I use?
Breaking load is the tension at which a new rope fails in test conditions. It is not a working limit. Safe working load is a fraction of it, set by a design factor that depends on the application and the governing standard, and lifting people or critical loads uses a much larger factor than static duty. Never plan a lift against breaking load.
How do I know when a wire rope should be retired?
Broken wires, corrosion, flattening, kinks, birdcaging, a reduction in diameter, and damage at the terminations are all reasons to take a rope out of service. Inspection intervals and discard criteria are set by the standard that applies to your equipment.
Looking for other sizes or grades? See the full Rigging & Lifting Gear range.
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