Monthly Inspection Wire Rope and Hook
This monthly inspection ensures wire ropes and hooks are in safe working condition and meet required standards before continued use. Inspect for wear, damage, and proper operation, and record all measurements and results so any issues can be addressed before they become a safety risk.
Rhoads Industries
03/09/2026
Monthly Inspection Wire Rope and Hook
A monthly inspection of wire rope and hooks is a regulated safety procedure required by OSHA 1926.1413 for crane and lifting equipment to prevent catastrophic failure. It involves a documented, detailed examination by a qualified person for broken wires, severe abrasion, distortion (kinking, birdcaging), corrosion, and hook damage like throat opening or twisting.
1. Wire Rope Inspection (Running Rope) Refer to OSHA 1910.179(m) and ASME B30.30
Broken Wires Max 6 randomly broken wires in 1 lay OR 3 in 1 strand.
Wire Structure No kinking, bird-caging, crushing, or core protrusion.
Wire Diameter Must not be reduced by more than 5% from nominal.
Wire End Fittings No cracks, excessive wear, or loose wire rope clips.
Heat/Electric No discoloration from heat or evidence of arc strikes.
Lubrication Rope is properly lubricated; no dry "valleys" or heavy rust.
2. Hook Inspection Refer to ASME B30.10
Throat Opening Max 5% increase from original (not to exceed 1/4").
Twist/Bend Max 10° twist from the plane of the unbent hook.
Wear Max 10% wear at the saddle or load-bearing point.
Safety Latch Present, functional, and bridges the throat completely.
Rotation Hook swivels freely 360° without binding or grinding.
Cracks/Nicks No visible cracks; no nicks deeper than a fingernail.
3. Operational & Block Check
Upper Limit Switch Hoist stops automatically before the block hits the drum
Sheaves/Drums No cracks in flanges; grooves are smooth and unworn.
Markings Capacity and safety labels are legible and visible.
4. Critical Measurement Data Rope Diameter
Required Equipment: Calibrated digital calipers capable of measuring to 0.001 inch accuracy Measurement Method Step 1 – Prepare the Rope for Measurement - Position the crane so the rope section to be measured is accessible. - Ensure the rope is clean and free of heavy grease, debris, or contamination that may affect measurement accuracy. - Visually confirm there are no obvious kinks or distortions at the measurement location. Step 2 – Identify Measurement Locations Measurements shall be taken at three locations along the rope. - Location 1: Approximately 12 inches above the hook block - Location 2: Mid-span of the rope length - Location 3 : Near the drum at the first wrap These locations shall remain consistent during all future inspections to ensure accurate comparison of inspection data. Step 3 – Take Diameter Measurements At each location, perform the following: 1. Place the calipers across the crowns of the rope strands (the outermost points of the rope). 2. Take Measurement A. 3. Rotate the calipers 90 degrees around the rope. 4. Take Measurement B. Taking two measurements 90° apart accounts for rope ovality or distortion. Step 4 – Calculate the Average Diameter After obtaining Measurement A and Measurement B, calculate the average diameter for that location. Formula: Average Diameter = (A + B) ÷ 2 This calculation is performed separately for each measurement location. Recording Measurement Data Inspectors shall record: - Measurement A - Measurement B - Calculated Average Diameter This will result in three average diameter values, one for each rope location.
Location 1: Approximately 12 inches above the hook block
• Measurement A • Measurement B • Average Diameter
Location 2: Mid-span of the rope length
• Measurement A • Measurement B • Average Diameter
Location 3: Near the Drum at the first wrap
• Measurement A • Measurement B • Average Diameter
Nominal Rope Diameter
Signature Block
Click here to sign
Date
Source: Rhoads Industries (Community Member)