This specification covers stranded steel wire ropes of various grades and constructions manufactured from uncoated or metallic coated wire and cord products manufactured from metallic coated wire. Dimensional characteristics include the diameter and lay length of the rope. Mechanical property requirements include: rope breaking force, spinning loss factor, and stretch; and wire torsions, tensile strength, tensile grade, and level. Cores of stranded ropes shall normally either be of steel or fiber composition. All wire ropes shall be lubricated and impregnated in the manufacturing process. Wire finish may be final-galvanized rope or drawn-galvanized (zinc coated) rope. Rope workmanship and finish; testing and compliance; acceptance tests; and packaging and identification are also detailed.

1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for the more common types of steel wire ropes. Included in this specification are wire ropes in various grades and constructions from ¹/₄ to 3¹/₂ in. [6 to 89 mm] manufactured from uncoated or metallic coated wire. Also included are cord products from ¹/₃₂ to ³/₈  in. [0.8 to 10 mm] manufactured from metallic coated wire. For specific applications, additional or alternative requirements may apply.

1.2 The values stated in either inch-pounds or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.