Information & FAQ
Zia Wire Rope & Supply is always eager to share helpful information and answer questions for clients so they can make informed decisions when purchasing our products and working with our team during service appointments.
What is wire rope, exactly?
Wire rope is made of individual metal wires laid (twisted) into strands, which are then laid together to form the rope itself — engineered to carry heavy loads with flexibility and strength.
How do I select the right wire rope sling?
Choosing the correct wire rope sling depends on the load, the rigging configuration and the working environment. The Associated Wire Rope Fabricators publish a helpful guide covering four key factors to consider.
Where can I learn more about wire rope?
For a fun, illustrated introduction to wire rope, check out "The Wonders of Wire Rope" — a classic educational piece on how wire rope is made and used.
How do I order a certified chain sling?
The following information should be given on orders or inquiries for certified chain slings:
- Size — specified by the size of the material from which the chain is made, determined by the working load limit required.
- Reach — the length, including attachments, measured from bearing point to bearing point.
- Type — select and specify the proper type of sling for your application.
- Attachments — unless otherwise specified, standard master links and hooks are used. If you need something other than standard, provide a complete description or drawing of the requested substitute.
- Coupling — for alloy chain slings, choose (W) welded or (M) mechanically coupled.
How should chain slings be inspected?
The proper selection, application, care and inspection of chain slings used in hoisting can produce efficient, economical handling operations with minimum hazard to persons and property.
Schedule periodic link-by-link inspection of chain slings, based on frequency of use, severity of service conditions, and the nature of the lifts being made:
- Clean chain prior to inspection, to make damage or defects more easily seen.
- Hang chain vertically, if practical, for preliminary inspection. Measure reach accurately (bearing point of master link to bearing point of hook) and check it against the reach shown on the tag.
- Inspect link by link for bent, gouged, nicked, worn or elongated links.
- Look for cracks, scoring or marking that could weaken links — transverse markings are the most dangerous.
- Check for severe corrosion.
- Remove from service any sling with excessive link wear.
- Check master links and hooks for all of the above faults, especially excessive throat opening on hooks.
It is strongly recommended that chain slings showing faults by the above inspection method be immediately removed from service and returned to the manufacturer for repair.
What options are available for wire rope slings?
Several options are available for wire rope slings:
- Rigging hardware attached to the end terminations — eye hooks, thimbles, standard eyes, sorting hooks and more.
- Wire rope diameter, construction, grade and finish, if other than standard.
- Master link and hook size, if other than standard.
To order sling legs, choose the correct size, determine the length needed, and specify the end fittings required. Two, three and four-leg spreaders are fabricated with oblong master links unless otherwise specified. The most common end terminations for wire rope slings are standard eyes, heavy-duty thimble eyes, swage sockets and spelter sockets.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to walk you through ordering, inspection or testing details.