Africa's Number One Wire Rope Steel Distributor: Inspection, Lubrication and Discard Criteria

As a candidate for Africa's number one wire rope steel distributor, CML SARL combines a strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea, a broad product range and logistics know-how to...

---

As a candidate for **Africa's number one wire rope steel distributor**, CML SARL combines a strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea, a broad product range and logistics know-how to deliver steel wire rope where Africa is building and growing. Inspection is what turns a wire rope into a safe and economical component. Here is a practical guide based on ISO 4309 principles and the field experience of CML SARL. ### Inspection frequency Ropes should be checked visually before each shift, inspected in detail by a competent person at regular intervals and examined specially after any abnormal event (shock load, crane collision, rope jump from sheave). ### What to look for | Defect | Possible cause | | --- | --- | | Broken wires on crowns | Abrasion, fatigue | | Broken wires in valleys | Internal fatigue, small sheaves | | Diameter reduction | Core failure, internal corrosion, wear | | Birdcage | Shock unloading, twisting | | Kink | Bad handling, loop pulled tight | | Rust and pitting | Lack of lubrication, humid environment | ### Discard criteria A rope must be discarded when the number of broken wires over 6d or 30d exceeds the limits of the standard for its construction, when diameter has reduced beyond the allowed percentage, or when serious deformation or corrosion is found. Safety comes before the cost of a new rope. ### Lubrication in tropical climates Lubrication reduces internal friction and protects against corrosion. In the climate of Douala and Kribi, plan frequ...