Diam. of Rope
Inches
Ultimate Strength, Lb.Working Strength, Lbs.
CottonManila HempCottonManila Hemp
½ 1,150 1,900 50 50
1,800 2,900 78 78
¾ 2,600 4,100112112
3,500 5,500153153
1 4,600 7,100200200
7,20010,900312312
10,40015,000450450
14,00019,800612612
2 18,40025,100800800

STRENGTH OF MANILA ROPE

Diam. of Rope
in Inches
Average Quality New
Manila Rope
2 3426 
2 1221 12
2 1418 12
2  15 
1 3412 12
1 5810 
1 128 12
1 387 12
1 146 14
1 185 14
1  4 
783 14
342 14
582 
9161 12
121 15
71634
3812
51638
932310
1414

STEEL CABLES

The modern demands of industry for speed and large capacity have called for strengths exceeding that possible to attain from hemp or manila ropes, which are not excessive in size or cost. As a result, steel ropes and cables have been developed and perfected to a high degree of strength and dependability. The majority of hoists and cranes use steel rope. Logging industries depend for most part on steel cables. Cable cars use special steel cables which in many cases are several miles long. Long tramways use light steel cables, for long spans where manila rope would scarcely maintain its own weight. High speed passenger elevators maintain safe and dependable service day after day only through the strength of the perfected flexible steel cable. However, as stated above, each particular type of service calls for some special type of cable. The following tables are not complete but will serve to indicate the scope of the field covered by this subject.

CAST STEEL ROPE

Composed of 6 strands and a hemp center, 7 wires to the strand

Diameter in InchesApproximate Circumference in InchesApprox. Breaking Strain in Tons of 2000 lbs.Proper Working Load in Tons of 2000 lbs.Minimum Size of Drum or Sheave in ft.
1 124 346312.611
1 384 145310.610
1 144  46 9.2 9
1 183 1237 7.4 8
1  3  31 6.2 7
782 3424 4.8 6
342 14 18.6 3.7 5
11162 18 15.4 3.1 4 34
582  13 2.6 4 12
9161 34102 4
121 12  7.7 1.54 3 12
7161 14  5.5 1.10 3
381 18  4.6  .92 2 34
5161   3.5  .70 2 14
93278  2.5  .50 1 34