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Winches sheaves and purchases for flexible steel wire rope
Sheave inspection
Find out how to inspect sheaves and which sheave areas to check.
Sheaves should be inspected regularly. The following areas should be checked:
Flange
Pay attention to the sheave groove and flange. Any cracks or chips on the flange can cut the rope as it lays into the groove.
Groove
The groove should be checked for wear. Wear can cause reduction of the groove diameter and give an uneven bearing surface for the rope.
Bearings
All sheave bearings should be checked for lubrication. Badly lubricated sheaves cause extra friction in the wire rope system and wear on the wire rope, sheave pin and bearing.
Pin
The pin should be prevented from rotating with the sheave. Some sheave pins only have a small cotter pin which fits into a recess on the cheek plate.
The cotter pin sometimes shears and allows the pin to turn with the sheave. Rotating pins should not be used as they turn and can cut through the cheek plate.
Measuring sheave profile
Ropes can be damaged beyond repair if operated in incorrectly grooved or damaged sheaves. Always check sheave profile with gauge before fitting a new rope.
Sheave condition best practice
Measuring sheave profile
Example of measuring sheave profile