Regular inspection and maintenance significantly improves the service life of wire rope slings and other lifting equipment. Wondering how to maintain and clean your steel wire ropes? We’ll show you how!
Wire ropes are heavily lubricated during production to protect them against corrosion. This lubrication also serves to noticeably improve the friction coefficients between the rope elements (wires/strands) and between the wire rope and the sheave or drum. This considerably increases the wear resistance of a rope. However, it should be noted that this factory-applied lubrication only lasts for a limited time and must be checked and replenished regularly
It is important that the wire rope is lubricated right from the start and not only after the first damage has occurred.
Of course, this always depends on the operating conditions (duration of use, external influences, etc.). Relubrication must be carried out at the right time. You can ask our technical department about this. Particular attention should be paid to the areas of the bending areas. If the rope cannot be relubricated for operational reasons, for example, a shorter contact time must be expected. At the same time, the inspection and monitoring intervals may also have to be adjusted.
We will be happy to advise you on choosing the right relubricant. Please note that the lubricant must be compatible with the manufacturer’s product. Ask us now!
Common methods of relubrication:
a. by brush or glove (= most common)
b. in the area of the rope pulley(s) through drip lubrication
c. Passing through a lubricant tray
d. High-pressure lubrication at 30 bar to ensure that the lubricant can also penetrate into all cavities of the wire rope.
In addition to regular rope lubrication, clean the outside of the ropes from time to time. This applies in particular to wire ropes that are used in highly aggressive environments. This also applies if chemically active substances are stored within the company. Effective cleaning is relatively laborious without the right tools. Among other things, devices with rotating brushes and downstream compressed air are recommended here. Of course, we are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Would you like to find out more about rope technology? Register now for training courses on this topic!
