What is one method to check a wire rope for stretch?

Measuring the lay length of a wire rope provides insight into its condition, including stretch. The lay length refers to the distance along the rope that it takes for a single complete coil of wire to make its turn. By measuring the lay length and comparing it to standard values or the rope’s original specifications, one can determine if the rope has elongated due to stress or heavy loading. If the lay length appears longer than expected, it indicates that the rope has undergone stretch and may need to be replaced or further evaluated for safety.

The other methods mentioned, such as inspecting for kinks, checking the core material, or testing the breaking strength, serve different purposes. Inspections for kinks are important for identifying immediate physical damage or mechanical issues, while core material checks assess the integrity of the internal structure. Testing the breaking strength evaluates the rope’s overall capacity to handle loads but does not directly indicate whether the rope has experienced stretch over time.