There are several types of wire rope terminals available on the market today. Not only that, but they also come in varying sizes and with different finishes. With so many factors to consider, some people struggle to find what they need. If you’re one of them, you can use this guide to quickly identify the right kind of wire rope pulley for your requirements.
A Brief Introduction to an Industrial Pulley System
This system consists of several components, including a single shank, plain ball, cylindrical, eye and fork end, and a stud and clevis pin. All this hardware also comes in different sizes and capabilities. That’s why you don’t want to choose just any industrial pulley system. Rather, you want one that performs optimally and safely.
Wire Rope Terminals
While pulleys use ropes to lift and position heavy loads, winches are ideal for pulling. Both of these rely on wire ropes to complete jobs. However, if not protected, the ends of the ropes can fray. If that happens, it can put both the load and workers at risk.
To prevent fraying, you need to use wire rope terminals. However, just like an industrial pulley system, there are different types.
Benefits of a Snatch Block Pulley
Whether you use a small or large pulley block, it’s essential to protect the ends of the wire rope. Many industries use this particular system due to its unique design and capabilities. Covered by a metal case, it handles heavy loads efficiently and safely. Along with lifting applications, it’s an excellent choice for winching. For that reason, a lot of companies in the vehicle recovery industry depend on it.
With a snatch block pulley, you can also reposition loads and redirect the winch line or the wire rope as needed. Whether lifting a load or recovering a vehicle, that takes some of the pressure off of the winch or pulley system. In addition, you can use a small or large block pulley to remove debris from job sites.
How to Select the Correct Wire Rope Terminal
Again, by using a snatch block pulley, your winch doesn’t have to work so hard. As a result, it’ll likely last longer.
The same applies to wire ropes. You can extend their lives and eliminate risks simply by using wire rope terminals. To feel 100 percent confident in your choice, use the information provided below and work with a trusted industrial product supplier.
The Direction of the Thread
Typically, wire rope terminals have threads. However, the direction of the threads varies. Some have right-handed threads that turn clockwise, while other types of terminals have left-handed threads that turn counterclockwise.
While this might not seem all that important, it is. That’s because you need to buy wire rope terminals with threads that coordinate with the job performed by your winch or industrial pulley system.
Inside Diameter
Before buying just any wire rope terminal for your winch or snatch block pulley, pay attention to its inside diameter. After all, terminals have a hollow space inside for feeding the wire rope through. So, you don’t want to buy a terminal with a one-and-a-half-inch diameter to accommodate a rope that’s two inches in diameter.
While small wire rope terminals may work for thinner ropes, these won’t do for industrial applications. If you need to use heavy-duty wire ropes for winching purposes or with your industrial pulley system, make sure to buy terminals with a larger internal diameter.
Class of Thread
Even the thread’s class matters. For wire rope terminals, you can choose from three main classes. These include 1A, 2A, and 3A. Each class represents the looseness or tightness of the threads on the outside of the wire rope terminal. Again, you need to select the appropriate one to match the internal threads.
High-Breaking Strength
Regardless if you use a winch to recover vehicles or a large block pulley system to lift and position heavy loads, you want to buy a wire rope terminal with a high breaking strength. That represents the maximum tensile strength the terminal can handle before it breaks.
This simple decision will alleviate all your concerns about breakage. For extremely heavy loads, choose a wire rope terminal with a 400 or even 500-pound high-breaking strength.
Surface Treatment
Here’s another consideration when investing in wire rope terminals. Choose those with a surface treatment. While you’ll discover several options, passivation is one of the more popular choices. That’s because it uses either citrus or nitric acid to remove contaminants from the terminals.
Manufacturers use metal to make wire rope terminals. For that reason, they’re at risk of corrosion if exposed to moisture. Not only that, but depending on the type of metal, they can sustain damage during operations. To prevent both corrosion and damage, always buy terminals with a protective surface treatment.
We Have Products for All Your Applications
For information about our wire rope pulleys and other lifting and rigging equipment, as well as our inventory and pricing, give us a call. We take pride in finding solutions that make a difference. For that reason, our team of experts can gladly answer all your questions and guide you through the selection process.
As a leading supplier of industrial products, we make it easy for customers to find everything they need to create and maintain productive and safe work environments. Whether you’re interested in buying a wire rope terminal, industrial pulley system, wire ropes, or even a 2-ton beam clamp, we can help.
