INTERNAL ROPE EXAMINATION

Any time interior damage, broken wires or core failure is suspected, a section of rope should be opened for internal examination. This may be accomplished without destroying the rope's future usefulness if due care is exercised and wires are not kinked or notched.

A rope can be opened for internal inspection only when completely relaxed. Using due care, work a marlin spike beneath two strands and rotate the spike to expose the core and under side of strands. Use an awl to probe for broken wires and examine inner surfaces.

If the rope has an independent wire rope core (IWRC), look for broken wires on the under sides of strands where the strands contact the IWRC. Look for excessive nicks or broken wires in the strands caused by contact between adjacent strands or with IWRC. Also examine the IWRC for broken wires.

In the case of fibre core ropes, examine the core for excessive breakage of fibres. If short pieces of fibre, less than 1/4 inch long, fall out of the core, it is breaking up. Such short, broken fibers sometimes indicate the rope is being over-loaded, pinched in tight sheaves, or subjected to other abuse.

If a rope has been opened properly and carefully, and internal condition does not show cause for removal, strands can be returned to their original working positions without distorting the rope or impairing future usefulness.