Bundling Requirements of Wire Rope
Wire rope is a rope of strands. Each strand is made up of individual wires. The strands are then twisted together to form a rope. Bundling requirements are necessary to maintain the strength and integrity of the wire rope.
When a wire rope is bundled, the strands should be alternated and pressed down such that the strands stay in a tight bundle and are evenly stressed. The diameter of the bundle should be as small as possible without cutting into the strands. The outer wires of the strands should be pressed down and evenly spaced.
The tension in the wire rope should be balanced and checked with a tension gauge. A bundle should be tied off when the tension gauge reads more than 20% of the pressure applied. The tie-off should be strong enough to maintain the tension in the bundle.
The ends of the wire rope should be tied off at least three times. The end strands are tied together before bundling. The rope should then be tied or wrapped with a rope, cord, or string. It is important to use a material that is strong enough to maintain the tension in the bundle. This can be done with a loop knot or a coiling style of wrapping.
The bundle should be examined visual to make sure all of the strands are evenly distributed and that all strands are properly aligned. Any strands that may be protruding should be tucked back into the bundle.
Wire rope should be surface conditioned prior to bundling. This will help to reduce corrosion and wear. Any rust, dirt, or debris should be removed and a protective coating, such as grease, should be applied to the wire rope before bundling.
Bundling of wire rope should be done by a qualified rigger. The rigger should be familiar with the proper techniques for bundling and how to maintain tension in the bundle. Improper bundling of wire rope can reduce the rope’s strength and cause breakage or failure.
When bundling wire rope, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and procedures to ensure that the rope is secure and that the tension is maintained. Proper bundling of the wire rope will help to extend its service life, while reducing the potential for failure or breakage.