How to Choose the Right Wire Rope — Complete Guide

1. What is the wire rope used for?

• Lifting heavy loads? → Use strong ropes like6x36WSor8xK26WS.

• Vertical hoisting (like tower cranes)? → Use anti-rotation rope like35WxK7or19x7.

• For marine or wet places? → Use galvanized or plastic-coated ropes.

2. Choose the right rope construction

3. Choose the rope core

4. Choose the right diameter

• Bigger diameter = higher breaking load

• Always use a safety factor:

  • Lifting: ×5

  • People: ×7

  • Offshore: ×6

5. Ask for certificates

• Mill Test Certificate (MTC)

• Breaking Load Report

• EN12385 or ISO9001

✅ Example

For a 10-ton tower crane:

• Use35WxK7anti-rotation wire rope

• At least 20mm diameter

• IWRC or EPIWRC core