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Correct wire rope anchorage
This page explains how to anchor and wind wire rope.
Correct wire rope anchorage
Rope tends to twist or unlay in the opposite direction to which it was 'laid up' (formed). The selection of the correct side on which to anchor the rope is important for good spooling.
How to anchor and wind rope
There is a simple guide to help you anchor and wind rope correctly:
- Imagine your hand represents the drum and your thumb represents the anchorage point
- Stand behind the drum
- Hold out your hand so your thumb is pointing to the rope anchorage position
- If your palm is facing upwards, the rope should be underwound
If your palm is facing downwards, the rope should be overwound.
Use the image below as a guide. View the image below from the rear of the winch drum. Whichever way your thumb points is the rope anchorage position.
How to wind rope
Always view the rope assuming you are standing behind the reel and the rope end is being pulled away from you.
Should rope be overwound or underwound?
Follow the crane manufacturer's recommendation about whether drums are overwound or underwound.
The lay of the rope and whether the drum is overwound or underwound are what decide where the rope is to be anchored.
The top layer on a multi-layered drum must not be closer than two rope diameters to the top of the flange when the drum is full.
Right-hand laid rope overwound
An incorrectly wound drum can affect:
- the anchorage
- brake
- drive mechanism to the drum.
This can result in mechanical failure.
Always refer to the manufacturer's operation manual.
Rope wraps
The rope should lay neatly on the drum. There should be a minimum of two full turns on the drum at all times. Some winch manufacturers may require more turns as a minimum on the drum at all times.
Grooved drum
Correct anchor point
Rope anchorage
The rope should be anchored to the drum with a fixed mechanical anchorage. Do not rely on the frictional grip on the drum. Refer to manufacturer's specifications and Australian Standards. Here are some examples:
Rope anchored to a drum
Example of frictional grip
Do not rely on friction grip.