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All end attachments have one
characteristic in common: they restrict, to some degree, the free movement
of wires at the end of the rope. This impairment of the ability of wires
to adjust and move at the end can ultimately result in breakage of wires
at the point where restriction occurs.
As a result, broken wires are a primary concern when inspecting end
attachments on a rope. A single broken wire is usually reason to question
continued use of the rope and more than one is usually sufficient cause
for rejection.
Broken wires may be more difficult to locate at end fittings than in
other sections of rope. An awl used to pick and probe at the point where
strands enter the end attachment can often expose broken wires not otherwise
visible.
Another problem frequently encountered at end fittings is corrosion
or rust. Such corrosion can easily conceal broken wires. If corrosion
is left to accumulate it can erode the surface of wires to weaken them
or restrict normal wire movement.
Inspection of rope ends should also include the condition of the actual
attachment. Worn eyes, missing thimbles, bent or opened hooks, worn
clevis pins and any other type of distortion, abrasion or noticeable
damage should be reported.
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