Steel Wire Rope
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Professional Steel Wire Rope - Marine & Industrial Cable
Steel wire rope is a versatile, high-strength cable consisting of multiple steel wires twisted together to form strands, which are then laid around a core to create the finished rope. From galvanized wire rope for general rigging to stainless steel cable for marine applications, quality steel wire rope provides exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion for lifting, rigging, and structural applications. US Rigging offers professional-grade steel wire rope in various constructions, materials, and sizes, engineered for reliable performance in marine rigging, industrial lifting, architectural cables, and demanding wire rope applications.
What is Steel Wire Rope?
Steel wire rope is constructed from individual steel wires that are twisted together to form strands. Multiple strands are then laid (twisted) around a central core to create the complete rope. This construction provides exceptional strength, flexibility, and durability. The core can be fiber (natural or synthetic) for flexibility, or independent wire rope core (IWRC) for maximum strength and resistance to crushing.
Key Characteristics of Steel Wire Rope
- High Strength: Exceptional breaking strength for demanding applications
- Durability: Resists abrasion, crushing, and fatigue
- Flexibility: Can bend around sheaves and drums
- Minimal Stretch: Low elongation under load
- Long Service Life: Properly maintained wire rope lasts for years
- Predictable Performance: Well-documented strength and characteristics
- Various Constructions: Different designs for specific applications
- Cost-Effective: Economical for high-strength applications
Wire Rope Construction
6x19 Construction
General-purpose construction with good balance of strength and flexibility. The most common construction for many applications.
Key Features:
- 6 strands with 19 wires per strand (approximately)
- Good balance of strength and flexibility
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Most versatile construction
- Good for general rigging and lifting
7x7 Construction
Flexible construction commonly used for aircraft cable and small-diameter applications.
Key Features:
- 7 strands with 7 wires per strand
- Very flexible
- Good for small diameters (1/16" to 3/8")
- Common for cable railing and architectural cables
- Aircraft cable construction
7x19 Construction
More flexible than 6x19, commonly used for cable railing, architectural cables, and marine rigging.
Key Features:
- 7 strands with 19 wires per strand
- Very flexible
- Good for applications requiring flexibility
- Popular for cable railing systems
- Marine and architectural applications
6x36 Construction
Extra flexible construction for applications requiring tight bending around small sheaves.
Key Features:
- 6 strands with 36 wires per strand (approximately)
- Extra flexible
- Good for small sheave diameters
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Crane and hoist applications
Wire Rope Materials
Galvanized Steel Wire Rope
Steel wire rope with zinc coating for corrosion protection. The most economical option for general use.
Key Features:
- Zinc coating provides corrosion protection
- Most economical option
- Good for outdoor use
- Adequate for many marine applications
- Requires regular maintenance in harsh environments
Stainless Steel Wire Rope
Superior corrosion resistance for marine and harsh environments. Premium option for long service life.
Key Features:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Ideal for saltwater marine applications
- 316 grade for maximum corrosion resistance
- 304 grade for freshwater and general use
- Higher cost but superior longevity
- Attractive appearance for architectural applications
Bright (Uncoated) Steel Wire Rope
No protective coating, suitable for dry indoor applications only.
Key Features:
- No corrosion protection
- Indoor use only
- Most economical option
- Will rust if exposed to moisture
Core Types
Wire Rope Core Options
- Fiber Core (FC): Natural or synthetic fiber, most flexible, good for general use
- Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC): Wire rope core, strongest, best resistance to crushing and heat
- Wire Strand Core (WSC): Single strand core, balance of strength and flexibility
Common Applications
Marine Applications
- Standing rigging
- Running rigging
- Anchor rodes
- Mooring lines
- Deck hardware
Lifting & Rigging
- Crane cables
- Hoist ropes
- Slings
- Guy wires
- General rigging
Architectural & Construction
- Cable railing systems
- Architectural cables
- Structural cables
- Deck railing
- Tension systems
Industrial Applications
- Elevators
- Mining equipment
- Oil and gas
- Material handling
- General industrial use
Choosing the Right Steel Wire Rope
Key Considerations
- Application: Marine, lifting, architectural, or industrial use
- Load Requirements: Breaking strength must exceed maximum loads with safety factor
- Environment: Stainless steel for marine, galvanized for outdoor, bright for indoor
- Flexibility Needs: 7x19 for flexibility, 6x19 for general use, 6x36 for extra flexibility
- Diameter: Based on load requirements and hardware compatibility
- Core Type: Fiber for flexibility, IWRC for strength and crushing resistance
- Abrasion Resistance: Fewer, larger wires provide better abrasion resistance
- Fatigue Resistance: More, smaller wires provide better fatigue resistance
Wire Rope Safety & Inspection
Inspection Guidelines
- Broken Wires: Count and document broken wires
- Wear: Check for abrasion and diameter reduction
- Corrosion: Look for rust, pitting, or corrosion
- Kinks: Check for kinks, bird caging, or core protrusion
- End Fittings: Inspect terminations for damage
- Lubrication: Verify proper lubrication
Retirement Criteria - Retire Wire Rope If:
- Broken wires exceed ASME/OSHA limits
- Diameter reduction exceeds 6-10%
- Severe corrosion or pitting present
- Kinks, bird caging, or core protrusion visible
- Heat damage or discoloration present
- Rope has been shock loaded
- Any doubt exists about rope integrity
Maintenance
- Regular Lubrication: Apply wire rope lubricant periodically
- Proper Storage: Store on reels, avoid kinking
- Avoid Overloading: Never exceed working load limit
- Proper Sheave Size: Use adequate sheave diameter (minimum 20:1 ratio)
- Regular Inspection: Inspect before use and periodically
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 7x7 and 7x19 wire rope?
Both have 7 strands, but 7x7 has 7 wires per strand (49 total wires) while 7x19 has 19 wires per strand (133 total wires). 7x19 is more flexible due to the smaller, more numerous wires, making it better for applications requiring flexibility like cable railing. 7x7 is stiffer but adequate for many applications and is the standard aircraft cable construction.
Should I use galvanized or stainless steel wire rope?
For saltwater marine applications, use stainless steel (316 grade) for maximum corrosion resistance and longevity. For outdoor applications with occasional moisture, galvanized wire rope is adequate and more economical. For indoor dry applications, bright (uncoated) steel is the most economical. The extra cost of stainless steel is worth it for permanent marine installations.
What is the minimum sheave diameter for wire rope?
The sheave diameter should be at least 20 times the rope diameter for general applications, with 30:1 or higher preferred for longer rope life. For example, 1/4" rope needs a minimum 5" sheave diameter. Smaller sheaves cause excessive bending stress and reduce rope life. Check manufacturer recommendations for your specific application.
How do I calculate the working load limit?
Working Load Limit (WLL) is typically the breaking strength divided by a safety factor. For general rigging, use a 5:1 safety factor minimum. For critical applications or dynamic loads, use 8:1 or higher. Always consult applicable standards (ASME, OSHA) and manufacturer specifications for your specific application.
How often should I lubricate wire rope?
Lubrication frequency depends on usage and environment. For active use, lubricate every 3-6 months. For harsh environments or heavy use, lubricate more frequently. Use wire rope lubricant that penetrates to the core. Proper lubrication reduces internal friction, prevents corrosion, and significantly extends rope life.
Professional Steel Wire Rope from US Rigging
US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience, we offer professional-grade steel wire rope in various constructions, materials, and sizes, engineered for reliable performance in demanding applications.
Our steel wire rope collection includes galvanized and stainless steel wire rope in 6x19, 7x7, 7x19, and 6x36 constructions with fiber core and IWRC options. Whether you need stainless steel cable for marine standing rigging, galvanized wire rope for industrial lifting, or flexible 7x19 cable for railing systems, we have the quality wire rope for strength, durability, and long service life.
Browse our steel wire rope selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade steel wire rope and marine cable you can depend on.