Even the sturdiest wire rope has a lifespan. However, just because old wire rope is no longer suitable for an intense rigging operation does not mean it cannot be reused.

Here are some creative ways to repurpose rope that still maximize safety.

Landscaping

Old wire rope is not dependable if it is being used to hoist heavy objects, but can still be used for many on-the-ground applications such as landscaping.

From hanging comparatively lighter objects such as planters or creating garden borders, wire rope is a cost-effective solution to building complex structures or erecting a fence. It also creates an eye-catching, utilitarian look in your yard that is still functional.

Marine Applications

Wire rope can be repurposed in aquatic environments in ways that cause less wear and tear. Examples include mooring lines, dock access ladders or even decorative elements on sailboats.

Remember that wire rope is more likely to corrode in a marine environment, so no matter how you decide to repurpose it, continue to lubricate and perform other corrosion prevention measures. Inspection services can help you identify signs of fatigue and whether it is time to swap your rope out entirely.

Home Goods

Wire rope can be repurposed for your home. It can be used for indoor wall hangings, such as rope bookshelves, plant hangers and baskets.

Wire rope is also used for outdoor decorations. String up a hammock, build a rope chair swing or incorporate it into a wind chime or bird feeder. If you have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, transform sections of wire rope into grates to create sturdy, long-lasting surfaces.

Farm Equipment

Wire rope that is no longer good for industrial rigging operations can still be used on a farm. For example, sections of wire rope make excellent chains for towing heavy loads and equipment. It can also be fashioned into animal enclosures, fencing and pulley systems.

While farming equipment may not be as heavy as what you lifted on your rigging site, it can still put a lot of strain on your wire rope. Perform load testing to ensure your rope can handle the load before beginning your work.

Get More Out of Your Wire Rope

Wire rope has a lifespan beyond rigging operations. As long as you are following best safety practices, repurposing wire rope is a sustainable, cost-effective way to get the most out of your rigging equipment.

When it’s time to restock your wire rope, Southwest Wire Rope has you covered. We provide industry-leading rigging gear and on-site inspection services to keep your operation moving.

Have questions or need custom products? Reach out to us today.

Rigging inspections are crucial for keeping your job site safe and compliant. Regular inspections help to identify hazards and prevent accidents – but what happens on the day of the inspection, exactly?

Here is a comprehensive review of what you can expect during your rigging inspection.

Pre-Inspection Prep

It’s important to have maintenance records, equipment manuals and other relevant documents ready before the inspector arrives. Make sure they are complete, up to date and legible.

Additionally, remove any debris from your work site and place all of your equipment back in its proper position. An organized job site plays more of a role in safety than most realize, and creates less of a red flag for inspectors when they arrive.

Visual Inspection

Inspections typically begin with a visual assessment of your rigging equipment. The inspector will examine your crane, wire rope, slings, tags, cables, chains, hooks, shackles and other rigging components for signs of wear and tear.

Common examples of wear on rigging equipment include corrosion, kinks and abrasion on wire rope, cranes with improper fluid levels or tire pressure and visibly warped or deformed equipment. Debris, spills and errant equipment on your work site will also be noted, along with improperly-labeled tags.

Load Testing

Load testing is exactly what it sounds like, and is a crucial part of any rigging inspection. It involves subjecting the lifting equipment to a load to ensure it can handle that load safely.

These tests are performed through a variety of methods, including weights and hydraulic equipment. After planning and setup, the inspector will apply a predetermined load in increments while measuring data such as strain and deflection.

Inspectors will also observe how your equipment handles its maximum load capacity in what is known as a peak load test.

Final Verdict

The data your inspector gathers is analyzed to determine which of your equipment needs to be repaired or swapped out. The inspector may also determine the need for operator training to ensure a safe and compliant work site. Promptly address recommendations from inspection services and schedule follow-up inspections for continued safety.

Get Prepared With Southwest Wire Rope

By understanding what goes on during a rigging inspection, you can better prepare your site for the visit and ensure safer lifting operations. Southwest Wire Rope offers on-site field inspection services, load testing and more to ensure work-site safety.

The advice of a qualified expert can help you ace your rigging inspection with flying colors. Contact Southwest Wire Rope today to learn more.

In the rigging and lifting industries, proof tests are regularly performed to ensure that the equipment to be used can withstand the load it was manufactured to handle. These tests are performed for several reasons – specification requirement, manufacturer’s recommendation, and customer request are the most common.

Why Proof Test?

As mentioned, we perform proof tests for a variety of reasons. One such test commonly performed in the business is a proof load test. A heavy-duty undertaking, a proof load test unveils the true strength of a piece of rigging or lifting gear. Here’s everything you need to know about this specific type of test, as well as how to keep your crew safe during one.

What Is a Proof Load Test?

A proof load test is just what it sounds like: it proves whether a piece of rigging equipment can bear the load it is designed to. The test is administered in a controlled, measured fashion with a particular multiple of the maximum designed load (generally 1.1 to 1.5 times) and a specified length of time. After the test is completed, the operator will issue a certification confirming the workable load of the wire rope or other rigging component in question.

Why Proof Load Testing Is Critical

Whether the rig is overdue for a full inspection, the newly minted wire rope is being put to the test, or older equipment is being evaluated to determine if it is still fit for use, a proof load test is an immensely valuable tool. Every rigging component in the operation should be tested regularly, and a proof load test is one of the most complete and strenuous methods for doing so. Testing also helps keep the rigging equipment and the business as a whole within the boundaries of the OSHA, Department of Labor, and manufacturers’ codes that govern the industry.

Entrust the Proof Load Test to Professionals

The best way to keep your employees safe during a proof load test is to entrust the entire ordeal to trained professionals. Proof load tests are incredibly dangerous if not done with the proper equipment and control measures, as breakage can occur.

At Southwest Wire Rope, we provide proof load testing and destructive (break) testing of various lifting devices up to 1.7 million lbs. Proof load testing can be performed using specialized rigging and custom built test jigs that replicate the ultimate field installation of complex and highly engineered products. As you can imagine, this specially designed equipment is operated by industry veterans. By outsourcing the tests to an industry partner like Southwest, you can keep your crew out of harm’s way.

In reality, the advent of performing the test and verifying the strength of the equipment is also keeping your crew safe. Using wire rope or lifting gear until failure is a dangerous proposition and never recommended. Instead, get your equipment certified with a proof load test and gain the peace of mind your professionals deserve.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Rigging and Lifting Industry Partner

Don’t leave the safety of your equipment to chance. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer in-depth product knowledge and inspection services will save you hours of confusion and stress when it comes to meeting code – all while maintaining the safety of your crew.

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging and lifting gear, need your system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our service offering and get in touch.

Lifting hundreds of tons of material on a daily basis requires a lot: high-quality gear, a competent and well-trained team, efficient systems, and a drive to succeed.

Due to the nature of the industry, the regulators at OSHA and other regulatory bodies also require a lot. In the lifting space, safety always comes first. Meeting the codes that govern the operation of your plant or rig are in your best interest…but this can also be a time-consuming and difficult task.

In order to stay in business and run at maximum capacity, your lifting gear needs to be meeting or exceeding code at all times. Here are some tips for handling this simply and effectively – so you can focus on getting things done.

Start with the Right Equipment

When it comes to lifting gear, one faulty sling, strap, link, wire rope strand, or other piece of hardware can put the entire operation in jeopardy. Investing in equipment that is built to stand the test of time and is backed by the quality and reputation of a leading supplier will help ensure your machinery runs smoothly. Codes were developed in the first place to protect your crew from dangerous breakage, equipment wear, and malfunctions, so starting with the best materials is the most effective way to ensure you’re always in line with recent codes.

Break Test Your Wire Rope

A destructive or “break” test measures the tensile strength of wire rope by using magnetic and hydraulic arms to pull opposite ends of the rope apart. The test continues until the wire strands begin to fail, and eventually, the wire rope gives out. This is an extremely loud and dangerous endeavor – a break test should never be conducted without the proper equipment and certifications. Work with an industry provider who can conduct a wire rope break test using specialized equipment in a safe and controlled setting. The results of this test will be printed on a load testing certification, which will help you satisfy regulations.

Get an On-Site Inspection

When it comes to your health, you trust the expert opinions of medical professionals to give you a diagnostic update after performing the relevant tests. In the lifting industry, on-site inspection services serve the same purpose for determining the health and safety of your operations.

Working with a provider who offers on-site inspection services will keep your lifting gear in check. A qualified inspector will issue reports and grades on the strength and condition of your lifting gear, so you have a clear idea which elements need replacing. Regulators mandate these inspections as well, so scheduling the inspection in and of itself is necessary to meet code.

Know Your Safety Protocols

Every rigging and lifting operation is required to furnish and maintain a comprehensive set of safety procedures that regulate the facility, its equipment, and the personnel involved. If your team has grown, you have brought new equipment into service, or your operational procedures have changed, your safety protocols need to be updated to reflect this. In addition to updated manuals and emergency procedures, educating your staff on the fulfillment of these duties is vital. An incomplete set of protocols or an untrained staff is grounds for immediate shutdown, so consult with a lifting industry provider for guidance on development or updating of your plans.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Lifting Industry Partner

Keeping your lifting gear at max capacity while satisfying the regulations of OSHA and other regulatory bodies is not something you should pursue alone. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer in-depth product knowledge and inspection services will save you hours of confusion and stress when it comes to meeting code.