How to Braid Wire Rope
Wire rope or wire cable, as it is also known, can be braided like most other ropes, but there are a couple of things you need to know before giving it a try. In this article, we will use ¼-inch wire rope, although any size can be used. However, the larger the size, the harder it will be to braid. You can use braided wire ropes for a variety of things, including rigging on some types of marine vessels.
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Things You'll Need
- 3 equal strands of wire rope that lays or is twisted in the same way (right hand twist or left hand twist)
- 2 ¾-inch clips
- Vise
- Gloves
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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Secure the three strands together to prepare for braiding. Attach a clamp to the top of the three strands, and using your screwdriver, tighten the screws in the clamp and secure them firmly. Place the clamp in a vise and tighten securely. At this point, you will have three strands of wire rope that are all attached together at one end.
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With gloves on, begin to braid the strands. If you start with the left strand, place it over the middle strand so that the left strand is now the middle. Then place the right strand over the new middle strand. Then return and pull the old middle strand (now the new left strand) over the middle strand. You should keep your braid as tight as possible. A loose braid will be weaker.
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Keep braiding the strands until you have run out of rope, or until your braid is as long as you need.
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Secure the loose ends of the braid. Clamp off the end. You can clamp all three strands together as you did at the top of the braid or, if you want a loop to attach the wire rope to, merely loop the loose ends up as far as you'd like, and then clamp them off right there onto the braided part above. Now, you are ready to use your wire braid.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that wire is not like the materials you may be more used to braiding, like hair or yarn. Wire can be pulled tight in a braid, but it will resist this so you will end up with a looser looking braid even if it is as tight as possible.
Always wear your gloves to protect your hands while braiding wire rope.
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Comments
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wetchicken
Mar 02, 2010
This is how to braid, not how to braid wire rope. Braided wire rope is used in the application of ski lifts or a tram (and probably others) which then creates a full, endless loop.
