- Wire Rope Products
Wire Rope Products
- Lifting Slings
- Cargo & Ratchet straps
- Fittings
Fittings
- Fibre Rope
- Tools
- Assemblies
- Balustrade Wire
- BLOGS
- CONTACT
The majority of overhead cranes will use wire rope for the hoisting system, however it is not one rope for all. Wire ropes for overhead cranes come in numerous constructions and diameters and should be chosen to suit the original rope from your hoist to ensure safety.
Most steel rope used on overhead crane hoists will be of a compacted nature. During the compaction process each strand is pulled through a die, this flattens out the wires and presses them into each other to reduce any voids between the wires and strands.
Compacted rope has many benefits, firstly it makes the rope smaller in diameter when compared to ropes with the same breaking load that have not been compacted. Secondly because of the void reduction then are more crush resistant and thus are ideal for multi- layer coiling around hoist drums. Furthermore compaction makes the outer surface smoother and reduces surface contact stress on the wires.
Plastic Impregnated rope (PIR) provides internal wire stress resistance by filling all voids to prevent wires from rubbing against each other.
Another type of construction offers rotation resistance to prevent unwanted spin when a load is attached. These ropes have multiple layers with each one laid in the opposite direction to the next.
Each construction type has a different number of strands and wires with a range of diameter options. Here is some basic information on each overhead crane hoist ropes we can supply. For the full specifications see the documentation tab above.
ALL ROPES ARE COMPACTED and GALVANIZED
Standard Ropes
6x36 IWRC Hoist Rope
Ideal for light to medium duty lifting tasks this 6x36 with an independent wire rope core has 6 main outer strands, each incorporating 36 wires. 30-62mm diameter options.

PIR – Plastic Impregnated Overhead Crane Hoist Ropes
Plastic impregnated ropes (PIR) fill internal voids, thus reduce internal friction.
8x19 PIR Hoist Rope
Smaller diameters from 6.5 to 15mm available. A flexible, crush resistant rope with internal and external abrasion resistance and improved rope behaviour. 2160 breaking strength. (for guided systems only)

8x26 PIR Hoist Rope
The outer layer has 8 strands with 26 wires in each, the inner core is a 7x7 construction with plastic impregnated material between inner and outer layers. 16-32mm diameter options. (for guided systems only)

8x31 PIR Hoist Rope
More flexible than the 8x19 due to more wires. 34-58mm diameter options. 8X17 centre core, fully compacted with PIR. Ideal for heavy duty tasks. (for guided systems only)

8x36 PIR Hoist Rope
The most flexible 8 strand PIR rope, available in diameters from 60mm to 65mm with 1960 breaking strength. (for guided systems only)

High Performance PIR Overhead Crane Hoist Ropes
Each rope features high breaking resistance, crush resistance and bend fatigue resistance. Plastic Impregnation, Warrington Core and fully compacted.
9x17 PIR Hoist Rope
With a Warrington core this rope is ideal for heavy duty applications. 16-19mm diameter options in 1960 or 2160 breaking strength rope.

9x26 PIR Hoist Rope
20mm to 32mm diameter options available. Featuring a Warrington core and Plastic impregnation between layers of compacted strands.

9x31 PIR Hoist Rope
From 34mm up to 50mm diameters available in this high performance rope. 1960 and 2160 breaking strengths are available.

9x36 PIR Hoist Rope
Our largest 9 strand PIR hoist rope with diameter options from 52mm up to 64mm in 1960 or 2160 breaking strength.

Rotation Resistant Overhead Crane Hoist Rope
Ideal for high lift hoisting tasks these high performance ropes feature rotation resistance (RR), compacted strands and a Warrington Steel Core.
24x7 RR Hoist Rope
8 to 19mm diameters in 2160 breaking strength rope available. This Lang lay rope is ideal for multi-layer coiling. Provides a high service life performance. Ideal on high cranes.

24x17 RR Hoist Rope
Featuring 24 Lang lay strands in 3 layers, with 17 wires in each outer strand. Mid layer features alternate constructions 24x17 + 7x7 with 4x 7x7 centre strands (The Warrington Core). 20Mm to 82mm diameter options.

35x7 RR Hoist Rope
28 – 48mm diameter option in 1960 or 2160 breaking strength rope. High resistance to crushing, breaking and bend fatigue. Compacted strands and a Warrington core.

As you can see there are many steel wire ropes that can be suitable for overhead cranes. You must bear in mind your equipment and how it will be used before deciding on your rope. What diameter rope will your hoist need? How long will the rope need to be and will your hoist handle the required length? Make sure the breaking strength is suitable for your loads.
Do you need rotation resistance and/or crush resistance? Do you need good flexibility or a stiffer rope?
The Rope Services Direct team can help if you have any questions, simply get in touch