The use of swivels with steel wire ropes

Round Table Conference  Rope Terminations and Fittings – Bethlehem 2001

Summary

Whether or not a swivel should be used with steel wire ropes on cranes depends upon the rotation characteristics of the rope and the type of swivel. This paper defines three categories of steel wire rope (non rotation resistant, semi rotation resistant and rotation resistant) and describes four types of swivel (free spinning, lockable, self-locking and powered). Guidelines are given for which type of swivel could or should be used with each category of rope.

Author: R. Verreet & I.M.L. Ridge