6 x 19 |
A six-strand wire rope with 19 wires per strand. |
basket hitch |
A sling configuration formed from a grommet that is used to form a cradle for the load. Basket hitches are typically used in pairs. |
bend |
A type of knot that is used to join two pieces of rope. |
birdcaging |
Permanent damage to a wire rope from shock loads. Strain causes the strands of rope to protrude in the form of a birdcage. |
bridle hitch |
A sling configuration that is used to help balance a load by distributing the weight more evenly. |
cable-laid |
A rope lay configuration in which three right-hand hawser-laid lines are twisted in a left-hand direction. Cable-laid rope typically is used for heavy construction. |
choker hitch |
A sling configuration that is used for loads that are irregularly shaped and difficult to balance. |
clamp |
An end fitting used to secure hardware to the end of a rope. |
clove hitch |
A type of fastening in which a rope forms a noose around an object by looping it twice around the object, and pulling the ends of the rope tautly in opposite directions. |
connecting link |
A small, oblong metal ring used to attach slings to loads and lifting equipment. |
core |
The inner part of a rope around which strands are twisted to give the rope more strength. |
cotter pin |
A small, slender metal fastening used to hold a fitting in place. |
double sheet bend |
A fastening that is used on ropes of different thickness or rigidity. |
endless sling |
A rope, chain, or piece of synthetic webbing that forms an unbroken circle. Also known as a grommet. |
eye and eye |
A basic sling configuration made from a rope with an eye splice at each end. |
eye splice |
A type of splice that is used to make a permanent loop at the end of a rope. |
eyebolt |
A threaded bolt with a forged hole or loop at one end. |
fiber rope |
Rope made from thin pieces of material twisted to form a yarn. Fiber rope can be composed of natural fibers or synthetic fibers. |
figure-eight |
A larger, more complex type of overhand knot. |
fitting |
A piece of hardware used to reinforce and secure ropes. |
forged eyebolt |
An extremely rugged eyebolt designed for lifting heavy loads. |
fraying |
The unraveling of rope fibers caused by friction, prolonged use, or damage to the rope. |
grommet |
A rope, chain, or piece of synthetic webbing that forms an unbroken circle. Also known as an endless sling. |
hawser-laid |
A rope lay configuration in which three strands are usually twisted in a right-hand direction. |
headache ball |
A heavy ball attached to a hook to keep the lifting cable taut. Headache balls are typically used on cranes. |
hitch |
A type of knot that forms a noose around an object such as a pipe or a post in order to secure it. Hitches are meant to be temporary and therefore can be undone easily. |
hook |
A lifting device used to pick up loads with eyebolts attached. Hooks are usually used with chains, hoists, and slings. |
kinking |
Damage to wire rope caused by bending it sharply. |
knot |
A fastening that is formed by tying a rope to another object or to itself. A good knot should be easy to tie and untie, and it should hold without slipping. |
lang lay |
In wire rope, the strands and wires that are wound in the same direction. |
lay |
The direction in which the strands of a rope are twisted. |
link |
A metal ring used to attach slings to loads and lifting equipment. Links can be oblong, pear-shaped, or round. |
load |
The opposition to applied force, such as a weight to be carried or moved. |
long splice |
A type of splice that creates almost no increase in the diameter of the rope. Long splices are used for running through blocks or sheaves. |
master link |
A large, oblong link used to attach slings to loads and lifting equipment. |
natural fiber |
Material that comes from plants such as Manila, sisal, coir, and cotton. |
nylon |
An artificial material made from polymers. Nylon is extremely strong and resilient. |
overhand knot |
A simple type of fastening in which a rope is twisted into a loop, and one end of the rope is inserted through the loop. |
pear-shaped link |
A link in the shape of a pear that is used to connect chains. A disadvantage of pear-shaped links is that they can slip and be turned upside down, causing the narrow end of the link to bend and become weakened. |
pin |
A slender metal fastening. |
pivot |
To turn 180 degrees. |
polyester |
An artificial material used for its strength and resistance to ultraviolet deterioration. |
polyethylene |
An artificial material made from petroleum and natural gas. Polyethylene is used to make plastic bottles and bags. |
polypropylene |
An artificial material that is tough, lightweight, rigid, and resistant to chemicals. |
regular lay |
In wire rope, the strands and wires are wound in opposite directions from each other. |
reverse lay |
In wire rope, the strand wires are wound in the opposite direction of the wires in the adjacent strand. |
rigging |
The process of lifting and moving heavy loads with ropes, chains, and mechanical devices. |
ring |
A round link. |
saddle |
The removable bottom of a U-bolt clamp. |
safety latch |
A fastening that prevents the load from slipping off the hook. |
seizing |
A method of forming an extremely strong connection to a wire rope by wrapping and tightening a wire around the rope. |
shackle |
A U-shaped piece of metal that is closed at the end with a pin or bolt. |
short splice |
A type of splice that is extremely strong but increases the diameter of the rope. |
shoulder eyebolt |
An eyebolt used for increased strength when side forces impact the load during lifting. |
shroud-laid |
A rope lay configuration in which four strands are twisted in a right-hand direction around a central core. Shroud-laid rope is resistant to kinking. |
single sheet bend |
A fastening that is used on ropes of different thickness or rigidity. |
single-leg sling |
A sling configuration in which one end is fastened to a hook or shackle and the other suspends the load on a single line of rope or chain. |
sling |
A loop of material that connects the load to the lifting device. Slings can be made of chain, wire, metal mesh, natural, and synthetic materials. |
socket |
A type of fitting that can be installed and removed quickly and easily. |
splicing |
A method of joining two ends of rope by unlaying the strands, placing the rope ends together, and interweaving the strands. |
square reef bend |
A fastening that is used on ropes of the same diameter. |
standard eyebolt |
An eyebolt used only for vertical lifting. |
stopper |
A type of knot that forms a knob at the end of the rope. |
swivel |
To turn 360 degrees. |
synthetic fiber |
Material that comes from man-made substances such as nylon, polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene. |
thimble |
A small piece of hardware used to reinforce the loop in an eye splice. |
thread |
A raised, helical rib or ridge around the interior or exterior of a cylindrically shaped object. Threads are found on screws, nuts, and bolts and are used to fit parts or provide motion. |
throat opening |
The open area near the point of the hook. |
timber hitch |
A type of fastening in which a rope forms a noose around an object, and the end of the rope is looped several times through the noose to secure it. |
turnbuckle |
A fitting that allows a load to be leveled by adjusting the tension of wire rope. The end fittings of a turnbuckle can be eyes, hooks, or jaws, and they can be used in any combination, |
U-bolt |
A commonly used clamp that is placed over the rope, and a removable bottom is secured to the bottom of the clamp with two nuts. |
wedge socket |
A commonly used socket for applications in which the length of the rope is frequently altered. |
wire rope |
Rope made from strands of steel or iron. Wire rope is used for jobs that require the rope to be extremely strong and resistant to abrasion. |