IADC Vol-2 11 Wire Rope

WR
WIRE ROPE
IADC Drilling Manual 12th Edition
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WIRE ROPE WR–i
CHAPTER
WR
WIRE ROPE
he IADC Drilling Manual is a series of reference guides assembled by volunteer drilling-industry professionals with
T expertise spanning a broad range of topics. These volunteers contributed their time, energy and knowledge in
developing the IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition, to help facilitate safe and efficient drilling operations, training, and
equipment maintenance and repair.
The contents of this manual should not replace or take precedence over manufacturer, operator or individual drilling
company recommendations, policies or procedures. In jurisdictions where the contents of the IADC Drilling Manual
may conflict with regional, state or national statute or regulation, IADC strongly advises adhering to local rules.
While IADC believes the information presented is accurate as of the date of publication, each reader is responsible
for his own reliance, reasonable or otherwise, on the information presented. Readers should be aware that technology
and practices advance quickly, and the subject matter discussed herein may quickly become surpassed. If professional
engineering expertise is required, the services of a competent individual or firm should be sought. Neither IADC nor the
contributors to this chapter warrant or guarantee that application of any theory, concept, method or action described in this
book will lead to the result desired by the reader.
Authors
Brent Dein, WireCo WorldGroup
Dennis Fetter, WireCo WorldGroup
IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

WR–ii WIRE ROPE
This is a chapter of the IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition.
Copyright © 2015 International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Houston, Texas.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
without the prior written permission of the publisher.
International Association of Drilling Contractors

10370 Richmond Avenue, Suite 760
Houston, Texas 77042
USA
ISBN: 978-0-9915095-7-7

WIRE ROPE WR–iii
CHAPTER WR
WIRE ROPE Contents

Preface & acknowledgements....................................WR-i Socketing of wire rope.............................................. WR-11
Introduction................................................................... WR-1 Attachment of wire rope clips to wire rope....... WR-11
Definition........................................................................ WR-1 Wire rope clips........................................................... WR-11
Wire rope nomenclature........................................... WR-1 How to apply clips..................................................... WR-11
Sizes and construction diameter............................. WR-1 Fist grip clips...............................................................WR-12
Basic strand consideration........................................ WR-2 Casing line and reeving line practice...................WR-12
Single layer...............................................................WR-2 Methods of reeving............................................. WR-12
Filler wire...................................................................WR-2 Function of reeving system.............................. WR-14
Seale.......................................................................... WR-3 Factors affecting service..........................................WR-15
Warrington.............................................................. WR-3 Ton-mile calculations................................................ WR-18
Combined patterns............................................... WR-3 Introduction........................................................... WR-18
Preforming............................................................... WR-3 Examples of ton-mile calculations................. WR-18
Lay.............................................................................. WR-3 Ton-miles per foot cut.......................................WR-29
Grades............................................................................. WR-4 Ton-mile calculations—drilling ton-miles
Cores............................................................................... WR-4 for top drive (drilling with stands).............WR-30
Care and handling........................................................ WR-4 Cut-off program.........................................................WR-30
Field care and use of wire rope......................... WR-6 Suggestions for cut-off practice......................WR-30
Handling on reel...........................................WR-6 Design factor.............................................................. WR-48
Proper steps in stringing line....................WR-6 Index..............................................................................WR-73
Care of wire rope in service...................... WR-7 Appendix.....................................................................WR-A1

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WIRE ROPE WR–1
Introduction Definition
The drilling line is a machine. It is an assembly of precision Drilling lines and wire lines are known as and are used inter-
parts, each can move independently, requires lubrication, is changeably with the term “wire rope”. Reference to all three
static until an external force is applied and it transmits energy. of these terms will be prevalent throughout this manual.
The information that follows will guide you in the selection, Wire rope is an intricate network of close tolerance, precision
care and use of drilling lines. Instructions are included for made steel wires, much on the order of a machine, where
attaching wire rope clips, socketing wire rope, seizing wire each part has a job to do. Each part must work in a perfect
rope, etc. relationship with the other part for the rope to properly func-
tion. Proper care and handling is mandatory to receive the
To keep the wire line costs at a minimum, the rig crews and
highest service at the highest level of safety.
all levels of operations management should know how to ob-
tain maximum safe life from the drilling line. The following is
basic to that objective. Nomenclature
Wire rope comprises just three parts—core, strand and wire
A. Select the proper size and type line to meet the
(Figure WR-1).
requirements.
B. Care for the line to prevent damage. Become familiar with each part; it is surprising how many
C. Compute the service obtained from the line in times a “wire” is reported to be a “strand”.
Ton-Miles.
Each of the components are detailed later in this manual.
D. Choose a cut-off program that best suits your
Wire rope is described and identified with numerals and ab-
conditions and follow it carefully. This will greatly
breviations. It is important to understand these terms and
increase the service obtained from the line.
to relate them to the wire rope specified within our industry.
When a new line is received, the reel number, make and
The following is an example description of a rotary drilling
description of the line should be recorded on the daily
line; the identifying terms are translated and explained
drilling report.
individually.
The ton-mile service should be computed daily and a record
5,000 ft × 1 in. 6×19 S-IWRC EIP SZ (RR) PRF
kept so cut-offs can be made after a proper interval of service.
5,000 ft = Length of wire rope, ft
1 in. = Nominal diameter of wire rope, in.
6 = Number of outer strands per wire rope
19 = Number of wires per outer strand
S = Seale outer strand wire pattern
Core
IWRC = Independent wire rope core
Strand
Wire EIP = Extra improved plow steel
SZ (RR) = Right regular lay
PRF = Preformed strands
This translates to a 5,000 ft length of 1 in. diameter, 6-strand
rope with 19 wires in each strand laid in a Seale pattern (S).
The strands of the rope are laid around an Independent Wire
Rope Core. The strength grade of the rope is Extra Improved
Plow Steel (EIP). The strands are laid in a Right Regular Lay
(SZ or RR) pattern and are preformed (PRF) in a helical shape
Rope prior to closing the rope.
Sizes and constructions diameter

Diameter measurements are correct only when made across
the “crowns” of the rope strands so that the true diameter is
the widest diameter of the rope. Always rotate the caliper
on the rope—or rotate the rope inside the caliper to take the
measurement.
Figure WR-1: Anatomy of wire rope, showing core, Always measure the diameter of any rope at its widest
strand and wire, which comprise the rope.
point by turning the caliper on the rope. Measurements for

WR–2 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-2: The number of strands and number of

wires per strand determine a rope's classification.
1 2
Classification Number of Wires per strand
strands
6×7 6 7
6×19 6 16 through 26
Correct 6×36 6 27 through 49
8×19 8 16 through 26
Wire rope differs in the number of strands and the number

1 2
and pattern of wires per strand. Most common wire rope
constructions are grouped into four standard classifications
based on the number of strands and wires per strand, as
shown in Table WR-2.
Within each classification there are specific rope construc-

Incorrect tions. For example, in the 6×19 class, some of the rope con-
structions are 6×25 FW (filler wire), 6×119 S (Seale) and
Figure WR-2: Wire diameter measurement. 6×26 WS (Warrington Seale).
Characteristics, such as fatigue resistance and resistance to

abrasion, are directly affected by the design of strands. As
a general rule, a strand made up of a few large wires will
diameter shall be taken on a straight portion of the rope at be more abrasion-resistant and less fatigue-resistant than
two positions spaced at least three feet apart. Two diame- a strand of the same size made up of many smaller wires.
ters shall be measured at each position at right angles from
each other. The average of these four measurements shall Basic strand constructions
be the reported diameter.
Most ropes are manufactured larger than the nominal diam- Single layer
eter. When first placed in operation, strands of new unused
rope will “seat in” and “pull down” from its original diame-
ter. Therefore, measurements recorded for future reference
and comparison should be taken after the rope has been in
service for a short period of time. See Table WR-1 for rope
diameter vs. tolerances.
Table WR-1: Rope diameter vs. tolerance. Figure WR-3: Example of a single-layer strand.
Rope Steel wire ropes Steel wire ropes

The “Single Layer Principle” is the basis of this strand con-
Diameter with IWRC with fiber core
struction. The most common example is a single wire center
Inches
Tolerance (percent) Tolerance (percent) with six wires laid around it. It is called a 7-wire (1–6) strand
(Figure WR-3).
UNDER OVER UNDER OVER
d < 3/16 0 8 0 9 Filler wire

3/16 ≤ d < 1/4 0 7 0 9 This construction has two layers of the same-sized wires
around a center wire, with the inner layer having half the num-
¼ ≤ d < 3/8 0 6 0 8
ber of wires as the outer layer. Small filler wires, equal in num-
3/8 and larger 0 5 0 7 ber to the inner layer, are laid in the valleys of the inner layer.

WIRE ROPE WR–3
Combined patterns
When a strand is formed in a single operation using two or
more of the foregoing constructions, it is referred to as a
“combined pattern”. Beginning from the center wire, the first
two layers constitute a Seale pattern. The third layer, with
two different wire sizes is a Warrington pattern. The fourth
layer of the same diameter wires forms a Seale pattern.
Figure WR-4: Filler wire has two layers of the

same-sized wires around a center wire. This is a
25 filler wire (1-6-6f-12) strand.
Seale
The Seale construction has two layers of wires around a
center wire with the same number of wires in each layer. All
wires in each layer are the same diameter and the strand
Figure WR-7: Strands formed in a single operations using two or
is designed so that the larger outer wires rest in the valleys
more of the foregoing constructions is called a “combined pattern.”
between the smaller inner wires. Above is 49 Seal Warrington Seale (1-8-8-(8+8)-16) strand.
Preforming
Preforming is a process by which strands are helically
formed into the shape they will assume in the finished rope.
Preforming improves fatigue resistance, ease of handling, and

resistance to kinking in a rope by equalizing the load among
the strands and among the individual wires of strands.
When a preformed rope is cut, the end does not unlay. If strands
are unlayed from the rope, they retain their helical shape. When
Figure WR-5: Seale construction features two layers of wires
around a center wire, with the same number of wires in a non-performed rope is cut, it will open up or "broom" unless
each layer. This example is 19 Seale (1-9-9) strand. the end has been secured (seized) before cutting.
The superior qualities of preformed ropes result from wires

Warrington and strands being “at rest” in the rope which minimizes in-
ternal stresses within the rope. Because wires and strands
The Warrington construction has 2 layers of wires. The in-
are free to move and slide in relation to each other when the
ner layer is a single size of wire and the outer layer has two
rope bends, the rope can adjust more easily while operating
diameters of wire, alternating large and small. The larger
on sheaves or drums. Unless otherwise indicated in the rope
outer-layer wires rest in the valleys and the smaller ones on
description, ropes are preformed.
the crowns of the inner layer.
Figure WR-8: Right lay, regular lay.
Lay
The first element in describing Lay is the DIRECTION of
Figure WR-6: Warrington construction features two layers strands lay in the rope—Right or Left. When you look along
of wires. The inner is a single size wire, and the outer has a rope, strands of a Right Lay rope spiral to the right. Left Lay
two wire diameters, alternating large and small. Drawing is rope spirals to the left.
of 19 Warrington (1-6-(6+6) strand.

WR–4 WIRE ROPE
The second element in describing lay is the relationship be- The grade of rope refers to the strength of a new unused
tween the direction the strands lay in the rope and direction wire rope. Standard 6 strand EEIP ropes within the same
the wires lay in the strands. classification and having an IWRC have a nominal strength
about 10% higher than EIP ropes.
In Regular Lay, wires are laid opposite the direction the
strands lay in the rope. In appearance, the wires in Regular Galvanized ropes are those in which the individual wires
Lay are parallel to the axis of the rope. have had a zinc coating applied to their surface to provide
increased corrosion resistance. The proper grade of rope to
The second element in describing lay is the relationship be-
use depends on the specific characteristics of the application.
tween the direction the strands lay in the rope and direction
the wires lay in the strands.
Cores
In Regular Lay, wires are laid opposite the direction the
The primary purpose of a core in wire rope is to provide a
strands lay in the rope. In appearance, the wires in Regular
foundation or support for the strands. Approximately 7 ½%
Lay are parallel to the axis of the rope.
of the nominal strength of a 6-strand IWRC rope is attribut-
ed to the core.
Wire rope cores are usually one of three types (Figure WR-
12). The first, fiber core (top) is either of natural fiber, such as
sisal or man-made fiber, such as polypropylene. The second,
independent wire rope core (center) is literally an indepen-
dent wire rope called IWRC. Finally, strand core (bottom) is
Figure WR-9: Left lay, regular lay.
a strand composed of wires.
In Lang Lay, wires are laid the same direction as the strands lay in
the rope and the wires appear to cross the rope axis at an angle.
Figure WR-10: Right lay, lang lay.
The third element in describing lay is that one rope lay is the
length along the rope axis which one strand uses to make
one complete helix around the core.
Figure WR-12: Examples of rope cores (from top)—fiber core (FC);

independent wire rope core, center; strand core, bottom.
Table WR-3: Lay designations.

Lay type Preferred Other
designations designations
One Rope Lay Right hand ordinary lay RR, sZ RHOL, RRL
Left hand ordinary lay LL, zS LHOL, LRL
Figure WR-11: One rope lay.
Right hand langs lay RL, zZ RHLL, RLL
Left hand langs lay LL, sS LHLL, LLL
Grades Right hand alternate lay RA, aZ RHAL, RAL
Today the greatest portion of all wire rope is made in two Left hand alternate lay LA, aS LHAL, LAL
grades: Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIP) and Extra Extra
Improved Plow Steel (EEIP)

WIRE ROPE WR–5
Table WR-4: Typical sizes and constructions of wire rope for oilfield service.
Service and well depth Wire rope inches Wire rope description
Rod & Tubing Pull Lines
Shallow 1/2 to 3/4 incl. 6×26 WS or 6×31 WS
Intermediate 3/4, 7/8 RRL or LRL IPS,EIP or EEIP, IWRC
Deep 7/8 to 11/8 incl.
Rod Hanger Lines 1/4 6×19, RRL, IPS, FC
Sand Lines
Shallow 1/4 to 1/2 incl.
Intermediate 1/2, 9/16 6×7 or 5×7 or 5×7 Swaged Bright or Galv.2, RRL IPS, FC
Deep 9/16, 5/8
Drilling Lines—Cable Tool (Drilling & Cleanout)
Shallow 5/8, 3/4
Intermediate 3/4, 7/8 6×21 FW, RRL or LRL, PS or IPS, FC
Deep 7/8, 1
Casing Lines—Cable Tool
Shallow 3/4, 7/8
Intermediate 7/8, 1 6×25 FW, RRL, IPS, FC or IWRC
Deep 1, 1 1/8 6x25 FW, RRL, IPS or ElP, IWRC
Drilling Line—Coring and Slim-Hole Rotary Rigs
Shallow 7/8, 1 6×26 WS, RRL, IPS or EIP, IWRC
Intermediate 1, 1 1/8 6×19 S or 6×26 WS, RRL, EIP or EEIP, IWRC
May have compacted strands or be plastic impregnated.
Drilling Lines—Large Rotary Rigs
Shallow 1, 1 1/8 6×19 S or 6×21 S or 6×26WS, RRL, EIP or EEIP, IWRC.
May have compacted strands or be plastic impregnated
Deep 1 1/4 to 2 incl.
5/8 to 7/8 incl. 6×26 WS or 6×31 WS, RRL, IPS EIP or EEIP, IWRC
Winch Lines—Heavy Duty
7/8 to 1 1/8 incl. 6×36 WS, PF, RRL, IPS EIP or EEIP, IWRC
Horsehead Pumping—Unit Lines
Shallow 1/2 to 1 1/8 incl.4 6×19 Class or 6×36 Class or 19×7, IPS, FC or IWRC
Intermediate 5/8 to 1 1/8 incl.3 6×19 Class or 6×36 Class, IPS, FC or IWRC
7/8 to 2 3/4 incl. 6×19 Class, Bright or GaIv., RRL, ElP or EEIP, IWRC
Offshore Anchorage Lines 1 3/8 to 4 3/4 incl. 6×36 Class, Bright or GaIv., RRL, ElP or EEIP, IWRC
3 3/4 to 4 3/4 incl. 6×61 Class, Bright or GaIv., RRL, ElP or EEIP, IWRC
Mast Raising Lines5 1 3/8 and smaller 6×19 Class, RRL, EIP or EEIP, IWRC
1 1/2 and larger 6×36 Class, RRL, EIP or EEIP, IWRC
Guideline Tensioner Line 3/4 6×25 FW, RRL, IPS or EIP, IWRC
6×36 WS or 6×41 WS or 6×41 SFW or
6×49 SWS, RRL, IPS or EIP, IWRC or
Riser Tensioner Lines 1 1/2 and larger
8×36 class RL IWRC
May have compacted strands and/or be plastic impregnated.
Abbreviations
WS Warrington Seale IPS Improved Plow Steel RRL Right Lay
S Seale ElPS Extra Improved Plow Steel LRL Left Lay
FW Filler-Wire PRF Preformed FC Fiber Core
PS Plow Steel NPF Non-preformed IWRC Independent Wire Rope Core
2
Bright wire sand lines are regularly finished; galvanized finish is sometimes required.
3
pplies to pumping units having one piece of wire rope looped over an ear on the horsehead and both ends fastened to a
A
polished rod yoke.
4
Applies to pumping units having two vertical lines (parallel) with sockets at both ends of each line.
5
See API Spec. 4E – Specification for Drilling and Well Servicing Structures.

WR–6 WIRE ROPE
Care and handling 4. Braking reels: Brake the reel flanges so that the rope
does not become loose on the reel while being unwound
Field care and use of wire rope and so an even tension is applied on the rope between
A. Handling on reel the blocks; do not apply the brake on the rope itself.
1. U
se of binding or lifting chain: When handling wire rope 5. Tension on rope: Keep the line in tension to make sure
on a reel with a binding or lifting chain, wooden blocks that it is tightly wound on the drum. Insufficient tension
should always be used between the rope and the sling in during installation and after slip-and-cuts can cause im-
order to prevent damage to the wire or distortion of the proper spooling.
strands in the rope.
6. Tight spooling: The rope should be spooled under a suf-
2. U
se of bars: Bars for moving the reel should be used ficient load to ensure tight spooling.
against the reel flange and not against the rope.
7. Swivel-type stringing grip: To start stringing the rope, re-
3. S
harp objects: The reel should not be rolled over or move the old rope from the dead line anchor and fasten
dropped on any hard, sharp object in such a manner that it to the new rope with a swivel grip. The grip becomes
the rope will be bruised or nicked. tighter as the load increases. This will prevent transfer-
ring the twist from one piece of rope to the other. Care
4. Dropping: The reel should not be dropped from a truck
should be taken to see that the grip is properly applied.
or platform. This may cause damage to the rope as well
as break the reel. 8. Winding old rope: Wind all the old rope on the draw-
works drum and slip enough of the new rope into the
5. Mud, dirt, or cinders: Rolling the reel in or allowing it to
system to permit attaching to the drum. Never pull rope
stand in any medium harmful to steel such as mud, dirt,
through a loosened clamp. Keep as much back tension in
or cinders should be avoided. Planking or cribbing will be
the rope as possible because slackness can cause loops
of assistance in handling the reel as well as in protecting
and/or kinks to form.
the rope against damage.
9. Fastening new line: Fasten the new line so that it will not
6. Corrosion: To minimize the effects of corrosion on wire
run back through the blocks. Remove the swivel grip.
rope, care should be taken to store and lubricate the
Then take the old line off the drum and transfer it to a
wire rope properly. Corrosion may be particularly severe
storage reel. Attach the new line to the drawworks drum
in environments containing high concentrations of salt
and provide enough wraps so that the proper number
or acid. Corrosion reduces a wire rope’s strength, resis-
will be on the drum at the pick-up point.
tance to fatigue, and service life.
10. Number of wraps on drawworks drum: When the traveling
7. Welding and flame cutting: Never use wire rope in an
block is at the lower pick-up point, 6–9 wraps should be on
arc welding circuit. The grounding clamp can arc or the
the drum (if grooved). Plain faced drums must have a full lay-
individual wires can arc and damage the line. If using a
er of line plus 4–6 wraps on the second layer as needed.
torch near the wire rope, always protect the rope from
the flame and sparks. 11. Deadline anchor: Hold-down sheaves are the best way to
anchor the line when cut-off practices are to be employed.
B. Proper steps in stringing line Such sheaves should be of sufficient diameter to prevent
dog-legging the line and should be at least 15 times the
1. Preliminary work: Attach the traveling block to the hang
rope diameter. The line should go around the hold-down
line, or otherwise support in a vertical position. The best
sheaves in the same direction as it comes over the dead-
position is where the elevators are in pick-up position
line sheave and from the storage reel. Never anchor the
near the rotary table.
dead end of the line to a wooden or steel joist if you plan to
2. Position of the reel: Provide a permanent location for the utilize a cut-off procedure. Such practices will put severe
reel of drilling line. This should be as close as practical to dog-legs in line which will cause premature damage when
the dead-line anchor. The reel should be firmly support- this section is later moved into service. Exercise great
ed on its horizontal axis with the line unwinding from care so that the deadline clamps do not kink, flatten, or
beneath the reel drum (not from the top of the drum). otherwise crush or distort the rope.
3. Stringing of blocks: When leading the line from the reel 12.
Completing string-up: After anchoring the dead-line
to the first crown sheave use snatch blocks with large end, raise the traveling block and take off the supporting
diameter sheaves to guide the line and keep it from rub- line. The block, hook and elevators may then be lowered
bing on derrick members or other obstructions. through the V-door far enough to unreel the line on the
drum so that it can be re-reeled tightly.

WIRE ROPE WR–7
13. Break-in period: Whenever possible, a new rope should clamped to the drilling line when it is necessary to do
be run under a light load for a short period after it has considerable jarring in one place.
been installed. This will help to adjust the rope to work-
perating speed: Experience has indicated that wear in-
4. O
ing conditions. It is suggested that 15 cycles with 3 joints
creases with speed; economy results from moderately
of pipe would be sufficient break-in.
increasing the load and diminishing the speed.
14. New coring or swabbing line: If a new coring or swab-
5. Maximum rope speed: Excessive speeds when blocks are
bing line is excessively wavy when first installed, two to
running up light may injure wire rope. For most drums, a
four sinker bars may be added on the first few trips to
maximum rope speed of 4,000 ft of rope travel per min
straighten the line.
for hoisting or lowering is recommended.
C. Care of wire rope in service 6. Line fatigue: Fast line fatigue is also caused by line whip
and natural vibrations, therefore, a wire line stabiliz-
1. Handling: The recommendations or handling as given
er must be employed. Reverse bending at the deadline
under A and B inclusive, should be observed at all times
anchor or too small a diameter of the deadline sheave
during the life of the rope.
(crown block) may produce a set in the line which will
2. Design factor: The design factor should be determined cause excessive wear when a cut-off procedure is utilized.
by the following formula:
7. Sheave maintenance: Vibration causes drilling line fa-
B tigue and shortens line life. Failure due to vibration is
Design Factor = most serious at the deadline (crown block) sheave. This
W
all the excess energy caused by line whip and vibration.
Wherein:
Make certain the reeving system minimizes vibration.
B = Nominal catalog strength of the wire Rope - in Considerable line whip results from fast line movement
pounds in the spooling process unless wire line stabilizers are
used. As the line goes through sheaves, its momen-
W = Fast line load - in pounds
tum tends to throw it outward, much as a car rounding
a. When a wire rope is operated close to its minimum design a curve on the highway. It is prevented from doing this,
factor, care should be taken that the rope and related equip- however, by the tension on the line. This sudden angular
ment are in good operating condition. At all times, the op- acceleration and deceleration will produce vibrations,
erating personnel should use diligent care to minimize which in a long, unsupported, fast moving, flexible line,
shock, impact, and acceleration or deceleration of loads. can result in severe whipping, if a stabilizer is not used.
b. Successful field operations indicate that the following Wobbly sheaves can produce shimmying, which will
design factors should be regarded as minimum. induce vibration in the drilling line. This may lead to
whipping. The wobble may also cause the line to receive
Table WR-5: Wire rope life varies with design abnormal wear from the sides of the sheaves, which fur-
factor. Longer rope life generally results from ther reduces rope life.
maintaining high design factors.
8. Sheave alignment: All sheaves should be in proper align-
Minimum
ment. The last sheave should line up with the center of
design factor
the hoisting drum.
Cable-tool line 3
Sand line 3 9. Sheave grooves: On all sheaves, the arc of the bottom
Rotary drilling line 3 of the groove should be smooth and concentric with the
Rotary drilling line when setting casing 2 bore or shaft of the sheave. The centerline of the groove
should be in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the bore
Pulling on stuck pipe and similar 2
infrequent operations or shaft of the sheave.
Mast raising and lowering line 2.5 Sheave grooves that have been altered by prior ropes are
bound to shorten the life of new rope. From the stand-
c. Wire rope life varies with the design factor. Therefore,
point of wire rope life, the condition and contour of sheave
longer rope life can generally be expected when relative-
grooves are of material importance. Sheave grooves should
ly high design factors are maintained.
be checked periodically with the gauge for worn sheaves
3. Application of loads: Sudden, severe stresses are in- and dimensions in Table WR-6. The sheave grooves should
jurious to wire rope and such applications should be have a diameter of not less than that of the gauge; other-
reduced to a minimum. A jerk line may be rigged and wise the reduction in rope life can be expected. Recondi

WR–8 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-6: Worn, new and maximum tioned sheave grooves should conform to the recommend-
groove radii for wire rope. ed radii for new and reconditioned sheaves as given in
Nominal wire Groove radius Groove radius Groove radius Table WR-6. Each operator should establish the most eco-
rope diameter minimum worn minimum new maximum nomical point at which sheaves should be re-grooved by
In. Mm In. Mm In. Mm In. Mm considering the loss in rope life which results from worn
0.250 6.5 0.128 3.25 0.134 3.40 0.138 3.51 sheaves as compared to the cost involved in re-grooving.
0.313 8.0 0.160 4.06 0.167 4.24 0.172 4.37 10. Corrugated sheaves: If rope is operated very long with
0.375 9.5 0.192 4.88 0.199 5.05 0.206 5.23 heavy loads, or if the metal is too soft, scouring or cor-
0.438 11.0 0.224 5.69 0.232 5.89 0.241 6.12 rugation of drums and sheaves will occur. When radial
0.500 13.0 0.256 6.50 0.265 6.73 0.275 6.99 pressure causes corrugation in grooves, there is a filing
0.563 14.5 0.288 7.32 0.298 7.57 0.309 7.85
action during every stop and start. When new rope is
installed after such corrugations form, its lay will not fit
0.625 16.0 0.320 8.13 0.331 8.41 0.344 8.74
the imprints left by previous ropes and very rapid wear
0.750 19.0 0.384 9.75 0.398 10.11 0.413 10.49
will take place.
0.875 22.0 0.448 11.38 0.464 11.79 0.481 12.22
1.000 26.0 0.513 13.03 0.530 13.46 0.550 13.97
Table WR-7: Tangents of fleet angles.
1.125 29.0 0.577 4.66 0.596 15.14 0.619 15.72
Ratio of “A” to “B” Fleet angle,
1.250 32.0 0.641 16.28 0.663 16.84 0.688 17.48
Tangent of “W” degrees degrees
1.375 35.0 0.705 17.91 0.729 18.52 0.756 19.20
0.009 1/2
1.500 38.0 0.769 19.53 0.795 20.19 0.825 20.96
0.013 3/4
1.625 42.0 0.833 21.16 0.861 21.87 0.894 22.71
1.750 45.0 0.897 22.78 0.928 23.57 0.963 24.46
0.017 1
1.875 48.0 0.961 24.41 0.994 25.25 1.031 26.19 0.022 1 1/4
2.000 52.0 1.025 26.04 10.060 26.92 1.100 27.94 0.026 1 1/2
2.125 54.0 1.089 27.66 1.126 28.60 1.169 29.69 0.031 1 3/4
2.250 58.0 1.153 29.29 1.193 30.30 1.238 31.45 0.035 2
2.375 60.0 1.217 30.91 1.259 31.98 1.306 33.17
2.500 64.0 1.281 32.54 1.325 33.66 1.375 34.93 When these danger signs are found, it is economical
2.625 67.0 1.345 34.16 1.391 35.33 1.444 36.68 to have the grooves turned smooth. In most cases, the
2.750 71.0 1.409 35.79 1.458 37.03 1.513 38.43 sheaves should be replaced. In replacing the sheaves,
make sure the metal is sufficiently hard to take the ex-
2.875 74.0 1.473 37.41 1.524 38.71 1.581 40.16
pected loading. Cast steel can stand only about 900 psi
3.000 77.0 1.537 39.04 1.590 40.39 1.650 41.91
of pressure, but other alloy steels will take up to 2,000
3.125 80.0 1.602 40.69 1.656 42.06 1.719 13.66
psi and will stand wear much longer. If corrugations are
3.250 83.0 1.666 42.32 1.723 43.76 1.788 15.42 occurring even with the best steel, chances are that
3.375 86.0 1.730 43.94 1.789 45.44 1.856 17.14 the rope diameter is too small for the work load or not
3.500 90.0 1.794 45.57 1.855 47.12 1.925 48.89 enough lines are being used between the blocks, or the
3.750 96.0 1.922 48.82 1.988 50.50 2.063 52.40 sheave diameter is too small.
4.000 103. 2.050 52.07 2.120 53.85 2.200 55.88 11.
Rope inspection: Equipment that is not maintained
4.250 109.0 2.178 55.32 2.253 57.23 2.338 59.39 properly not only deteriorates itself, but also aids in de-
4.500 115.0 2.306 58.57 2.385 60.58 2.475 62.87 stroying wire rope ervice life in the process. Frequent
4.750 112.0 2.434 61.82 2.518 63.96 2.613 66.37 inspection of the equipment to determine its operating
5.000 128.0 2.563 65.10 2.650 67.31 2.750 69.85
condition and replacement of worn or broken parts is
good economics when operating a rig. This is preventa-
5.250 135.0 2.691 68.35 2.783 70.69 2.888 73.36
tive maintenance versus remedial maintenance.
5.500 141.0 2.819 71.60 2.915 74.04 3.025 76.84
5.750 148.0 2.947 74.85 3.048 77.42 3.163 80.34 12. Fleet angle: When a wire rope is led from the drum onto
the last sheave, it is parallel to the sheave groove only
6.000 154.0 3.075 78.11 3.180 80.77 3.300 83.82
when at one point on the drum, usually the center. As
Minimum worn groove radius = nominal rope radius + 2 1/2% the rope departs from this point either way, an angle is
Minimum new groove radius = nominal rope radius + 6%
created which starts wear on the side of the rope. This
Maximum groove radius = nominal rope radius + 10%
angle is called the fleet angle.

WIRE ROPE WR–9
The fleet angle, although necessary, should be held to Table WR-8: Clip attachment.
a minimum. Experience indicates that it should be held Courtesy the Crosby Group
to less than 1 1/2 degrees for smooth faced drums and to Rope diameter Minimum no. Amt of rope to Torque
less than 2 degrees for grooved drums. Any greater an- (in.) of clips turn back (in.) (ft-lb)
gle creates needless wear on the sides of the rope. This
1/8 2 3 1/4 4.5
holds true for either grooved or smooth drums. Poor
fleet angles cannot only cause excessive abrasive wear, 3/16 2 3 3/4 7.5
but also build-up excessive torque in a rope.
1/4 2 4 3/4 15
To check the fleet angle, Figure WR-13 can be used. The
5/16 2 5 1/4 30
fleet angle is the included angle between a line repre-
senting travel of the rope across the drum and a line 3/8 2 6 1/2 45
drawn through the center line of the lead sheave perpen-
7/16 2 7 65
dicular to the axis of the drum. Fleet angles for several
ratios of “A” & “B” are shown in Table WR-7. 12/2 3 11 1/2 65
9/16 3 12 95
5/8 3 12 95
3/4 4 18 130
7/8 4 19 225
1 5 26 225
1 1/8 6 34 225
1 1/4 7 44 360
1 3/8 7 44 360
Figure WR-13: Use in conjunction with 1 1/2 8 54 360
Table WR-8 to check fleet angle.
1 5/8 8 58 430
1 3/4 8 61 590
13. Lubrication of sheaves: In order to ensure a minimum turn-
ing effort, all sheaves should be kept properly lubricated. 2 8 71 750
14. Worn drums: Roughly worn drums may cause excessive 2 1/4 8 73 750
wear on the rope. Corrugations cause cutting of ropes.
2 1/2 9 84 750
15. Drum spooling: Heavy wear to a rotary line occurs while
2 3/4 10 100 750
spooling on the drum. Each succeeding layer causes
cross-over points and change of layer points. At the 3 10 106 1,200
cross-over points and change of layer points where the
3 1/2 12 149 1,200
rope climbs from one layer to the next, wear is usual-
ly severe. In the portion of the line that spools last and
On smooth face drums, where ropes operate on and off
when the blocks are raised and loaded, terrific cribbing
the first layer, right lay and left lay ropes are not inter-
and wear occur when the load of the drill string is sud-
changeable. The proper direction of rope lay is based on
denly lifted. In a portion of the line that lies next to the
the location of the drum attachment and whether or not
drum, which must withstand the loading of all the other
the spooling is under-wind or over-wind.
layers, crushing is considerable.
The advantage of using the proper lay rope on a smooth
16. Proper spooling: Smooth faced drums are sometimes
drum is that rotation of the rope as it spools on the drum
encountered and the biggest problem is to get the line
under tension will cause it to hug the preceding wrap. If
to spool evenly and snugly. Unless the rope is started
the improper lay is used, the rope will try to open spool.
correctly, the wraps in the first layer may tend to spread
apart. This can accelerate “cutting-in” of subsequent Care must be exercised to prevent over-run in paying out
layers and result in flattened, distorted or crushed rope rope to avoid slack rope on the drum which causes ex-
and a loss of thread lay. cess abrasion on drum and rope at take-up. Slack rope

WR–10 WIRE ROPE
has a tendency to slide across groove dividers which cuts An improvement in spooling methods is the controlled
the rope severely when loads are applied. Rope can be cross-over system. This is a grooving system where the
parted or severed with a quick take-up of slack. cross-over points are controlled thereby reducing wear
and vibration. Instead of being a helical shape like a coiled
Drum grooves should be checked with a sheave gauge
spring, most of the grooves are parallel to the drum flang-
for proper contour before installing a new rope.
es. Normally at the cross-over points, pitch changes rap-
17. Poor spooling: Poor spooling can sometimes be traced idly where the line is crossed from one groove to the next.
to the way the line leaves the dead end side of a smooth In controlled spooling, the change in pitch is less severe.
faced drum. If it leaves the flange at too great an angle, it In controlled pyramid spooling, wear and cutting-in is par-
maintains this angle all across the drums so that it leaves allel and there is no tendency for the line to slip over.
a big gap at the opposite flange. Thus successive layers
20. Counter-balanced pyramid spooling: Considerable vibra-
of line cross over that initial layer sharply and will tend
tion of the spooling drum and wire line at high speed results
to cut at the gaps—line crushing and shorter life result.
from the eccentricity of spooled line on the drum when
It is most important to get the first drum layer full and
one cross-over point is present. This makes the center of
tight without overcrowding so that it will support the
gravity slightly off center of the drum. Counter-balanced
succeeding layers. That is to say the first layer acts as a
spooling was developed to overcome this problem.
“grooving” for the following layers.

Counter-balanced spooling consists of 2 cross-over
One way to assist proper drum winding is by means of
points on opposite sides of the drum. This is achieved
a riser strip or wedge on the dead end side. These strips
by making the pitch at each cross-over point only half
are as high as the rope diameter and taper from 0 to
that of the single cross-over drum. The grooves are still
the diameter of the rope in width. The starter strip trav-
parallel, but those on one side of the drum are displaced
els flush around the dead end flange. It keeps the first
half a groove width from those on the other side. This
wrap straight and tends to eliminate the gap at the other
along with special pitch control bars at the flanges cause
flange. Piling up of wraps at the flange is prevented by
a line to move only 1/2 of the rope diameter at a time.
turn-back rollers or kick plates.
21. Block and hook weight: Slack line causes severe wear
18. Grooved drums: Wear due to cross-over points cannot
because of cutting and scrubbing of one layer of line
be completely avoided. It can be reduced by controlled
against the next. This condition is most likely to occur
spooling, which is provided by grooved drums.
when going back in the hole, where the traveling block
In any type of spooling there must necessarily be two is brought up fast with no load other than the weight of
crossover points with each wrap. As a lower layer pro- the block and hook to hold the line in tension. When the
ceeds in one direction across the spool, the next lay- full load of the drill string is picked up from this position,
er must proceed in the other direction. Along most the top layer from the drum may cut into the loosely
of the turn, the upper wrap rides in a groove between spooled layers. To keep this line tight and to minimize
two wraps of the lower layer. The rope must leave this the spooling damage to the line, it is important to use
groove in order to cross to the next groove and in doing a heavy traveling block and hook. See Table WR-9 for
so, crosses over a wrap of the line in the lower layer. Two theoretical weights of blocks, hooks, links and elevators.
ropes are crossed over in each drum revolution.
22. Seizing of wire rope: Before cutting, a wire rope should
With smooth faced drums, and where wire line slipping be securely seized on each side of the cut by serving
is employed, new rope is spooled onto worn rope. The with soft wire ties. For socketing, at least two addition-
worn rope has a smaller diameter and when it is wound al seizings should be placed at a distance from the end
tight, the new line will not track. The new line instead will equal to the length of the basket of the socket. For large
jump a wrap and leave a gap into which the line of the ropes, the seizing should be several inches long and se-
next layer will cut. Therefore, we suggest that slipping is curely wrapped. This is very important as it prevents the
only helping to temporarily relieve a wearing condition in rope untwisting and helps maintain equal tension in the
the drilling line between blocks. strands when the load is applied.
19. Pyramid spooling: Utilizing grooving allows an upper layer 23. Procedure for seizing wire rope:
of line to track a lower, despite the fact that the lower layers a. The seizing wire should be wound on the rope
may be worn. In this manner, cutting in is reduced. How- by hand. The coils should be kept together and
ever, it is necessary that the grooving includes filler plates considerable tension maintained on the wire.
at each end so that when the second and following layers
start, they start smoothly and leave no gap for cutting in.

WIRE ROPE WR–11
b. After the seizing wire has been wound on the rope, the
ends of the wire should be twisted together by hand
in a counterclockwise direction so that the twisted
portion of the wires is near the middle of the seizing.
c. Using “Carew” cullers, the twist should be tightened

just enough to take up the slack. Tightening the
seizing by twisting should not be attempted
Correct method of attaching clips to wire rope.

Correct Method of Attaching Clips to Wire Rope
Correct Method of Attaching Clips to Wire Rope
Incorrect methods of attaching clips to wire rope.

Incorrect Methods of Attaching Clips to Wire Rope
Figure WR-15: Correct and incorrect methods of seizing wire rope.
Incorrect Methods of Attaching Clips to Wire Rope
Socketing of wire rope

Zinc spelter and resin poured sockets are a common end
termination that can be expected to reach 100% efficiency
when poured and prepared properly. ISO 17558 should be
referenced when pouring sockets.
Attachment of wire rope clips to wire rope

A. Wire rope clips
Wire rope clips are widely used for making end termina-
tions. Clips are available in two basic designs; the U-bolt
and fist grip. The efficiency of both types is the same. When
using U-bolt clips, extreme care must be exercised to make
certain that they are attached correctly, i.e., the U-bolt must
be applied so that the “U” section is in contact with the dead
end of the rope (Figure WR-15). Also, the tightening and
retightening of the nuts must be accomplished as required.
B. How to apply clips

See U-Bolt Clips (Figure WR-15). Recommended method of
applying U-bolt clips to get maximum holding power of the clip:
1. Turn back the specified amount of rope from the thimble.

Apply the first clip one base width from the dead end of
Figure WR-14: The figure shows the relationship between the the wire rope (U-bolt over dead end - live end rests in clip
two critical dimensions used in calculating fleet angle. saddle). Tighten nuts evenly to recommended torque.

WR–12 WIRE ROPE
2. Apply the next clip as near the loop as possible. Turn on 5. U

se of half hitch: Do not use a half hitch, either with or
nuts firm but do not tighten. without clips.
3. Space additional clips, if required, equally between the

first two. Turn on nuts - take up rope slack - tighten all Casing line and reeving line practice
nuts evenly on all clips to recommended torque.
A. Methods of reeving
NOTICE ! Apply the initial load and retighten nuts to the
4.
recommended torque. Rope will stretch and be reduced
in diameter when loads are applied. Inspect periodically Vee Side of Derrick
Deadline Anchor (G) Deadline Anchor (H)
and retighten to recommended torque. (for Left-Hand Receiving) (for Right-Hand Receiving)
A termination made in accordance with the above instruc-

tions and using the number of clips shown has an approx- T 6 5 4 3 2 1
Drill Pipe
imate 80% efficiency rating. This rating is based upon the Fingers
nominal strength of wire rope. If a pulley is used in place of F E D C B A
a thimble for turning back the rope add one additional clip.
Ladder Side of Derrick

Pump Side of Derrick
The number of clips shown is based upon using right regular
or lang lay wire rope, 6×19 class or 6×36 class fiber core or Monkey
IWRC, IPS or EIP. If Seale construction or similar large outer Board
wire type construction in the 6×19 class is to be used for

sizes 1 inch and larger, add one additional clip.
The number of clips shown also applies to right regular lay

wire rope, 8×19 class, fiber core, IPS, sizes 1 1/2-in. and small-
Drawworks
er; and right regular lay wire rope, 18×7 class, fiber core, IPS Drum
or EIP, sizes 1 3/4-in. and smaller.
For other classes of wire rope not mentioned above, it may

Driller Side of Derrick
be necessary to add additional clips to the number shown. If
a greater number of clips are used than shown in the table,
Figure WR-16: Illustrates the generally acceptable methods
the amount of rope turnback should be increased propor- of reeving inline crown and traveling blocks.
tionately. Above based on use of clips on new rope.
IMPORTANT : Failure to make a termination in accordance

Figure WR-16 illustrates in a simplified form the generally
with aforementioned instructions, or failure to periodically
accepted methods of reeving (stringing up) inline crown and
check and retighten to the recommended torque, will cause
traveling blocks, along with the location of the drawworks
a reduction in efficiency rating.
drum, monkey board, drill pipe fingers, and deadline anchor
in relation to the various sides of the derrick. Ordinarily, the
C. Fist grip clips only two variables in reeving systems, as illustrated, are the
number of sheaves in the crown and traveling blocks or the
Recommended method of applying fist grip clips:
number required for handling the load, and the location of the
1. Turn back the specified amount of rope from the thimble. deadline anchor.
Apply the first clip one base width from the dead end of the
Figure WR-16 shows a typical reeving diagram for a 12-line
wire rope. Tighten nuts evenly to recommended torque.
string-up with 7-shear crown block and 6-sheave traveling
2. Apply the next clip as near the loop as possible. Turn on block (left-hand reeving). See arrangement 1 in Table WR-9.
nuts firmly but do not tighten.
Table WR-9 gives the various possible arrangements of reev-
3. Space additional clips if required equally between the ing patterns for 12-10-8 and 6-line string-ups using 7-sheave
first two. Turn on nuts-take up rope slack-tighten all nuts crown blocks with 6-sheave traveling blocks and 6-sheave
evenly on all clips to recommended torque. crown blocks with 5-sheave traveling blocks.
NOTICE ! Apply the initial load and retighten nuts to the
4. The most used practice is to use left-hand reeving and locate
recommended torque. Rope will stretch and be reduced the deadline anchor to the left of the derrick vee. In selecting
in diameter when loads are applied. Inspect periodically the best of the various possible methods for reeving casing or
and retighten to recommended torque. drilling lines, the following basic factors should be considered.

Table WR-9: Recommended reeving arrangmentes for 12, 10, 8 and 6-line string-ups using 7-sheave
crown blocks with 6-sheave traveling blocks and 6-sheave crown blocks with 5-sheave traveling blocks.
No. of Sheaves Type No.

Arrange- of of Reeving Sequence
ment Crown Trav. String- Lines (Read from Left to Right Starting with Crown Block and Dead Line
No. Block Block Up to Going Alternately from Crown to Traveling to Crown) Anchor
1 7 6 Lft Hand 12 Crn Blk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Trav Blk A B C D E F G
2 7 6 Rt Hand 12 Crn Blk 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Trav Blk F E D C B A H
IADC Drilling Manual
3 7 6 Lft Hand 10 Crn Blk 1 2 3 5 6 7

Trav Blk A B D E F G
4 7 6 Rt Hand 10 Crn Blk 7 6 5 3 2 1
Trav Blk F E C B A H
5 6 5 Lft Hand 10 Crn Blk 1 2 3 4 5 6
Trav Blk A B C D E G
6 6 5 Rt Hand 10 Crn Blk 6 5 4 3 2 1
Copyright © 2015
Trav Blk E D C B A H
7 6 5 Lft Hand 8 Crn Blk 1 2 3 5 6
Trav Blk A B D E G
8 6 5 Rt Hand 8 Crn Blk 6 5 4 2 1
Trav Blk E D B A H
9 6 5 Lft Hand 8 Crn Blk 1 2 3 4 5
Trav Blk A B C D G
10 6 5 Rt Hand 8 Crn Blk 6 5 4 3 2
Trav Blk E D C B H
WIRE ROPE
11 6 5 Lft Hand 6 Crn Blk 2 3 4 5
Trav Blk B C D G
12 6 5 Rt Hand 6 Crn Blk 5 4 3 2
Trav Blk D C B H
13 6 5 Lft Hand 6 Crn Blk 1 3 4 6
Trav Blk A C E G
WR–13
14 6 5 Rt Hand 6 Crn Blk 6 4 3 1
Trav Blk E C A H
WR–14 WIRE ROPE
1. Minimum fleet angle from the drawworks drum to the 4. Determining maximum pull: The fast line during hoist-
first sheave of the crown block and from the crown block ing has a load greater than the total weight being lifted
sheaves to the traveling block sheaves. divided by the number of parts of line. The load is in-
creased by the friction of the sheave bearings and the
2. Proper balancing of crown and traveling blocks.
bending of the line around the sheaves.
3. Convenience in changing from smaller to larger number
Starting at the deadline sheave, each successive line
of lines, or from larger to smaller number of lines.
has, during hoisting, an extra load on it caused by the
4. Locating of deadline on monkey board side for “sum” of the frictional loads from all previous rotating
convenience and safety of derrickman. sheaves. Since the fast line experiences the accumula-
tion of frictional forces from all of the rotating sheaves,
5. Location of deadline anchor and its influence upon
its load is the greatest and should be used when calcu-
the maximum rated static hook load of derrick.
lating design factors.
The fast line load can be calculated by the following formula:

B. Function of reeving system
L = W × K s (K−1)
1. General: A hoisting system is a way of lifting heavy loads
with lighter lead line pulling loads. As with a simple pulley Kn− 1
system, the line strung through the blocks allows you a
Where:
mechanical lifting advantage. This mechanical advantage
L = fast line load, lb
is equal to the number of lines strung between the crown
W = total weight lifted, lb
and the traveling block, taking into consideration accu-
K = friction coefficient roller bearing sheaves
mulated friction. Thus for a 6-line system, without friction
= 1.04
you could lift a weight by pulling with a force of only 1/6 of
n = number of parts of line
the weight. With an 8-line system, the pull will be only 1/8
*s = number of rotating sheaves
of the weight; with 10 lines, 1/10, and so forth.
*NOTE: Deadline crown sheave does not rotate during
The reason for this mechanical advantage is that the
hoisting so for most rotary rigs s = n.
lines emerging from the traveling block divide the load
equally among themselves by pulling down on the line
as it leaves the traveling block. This is the load divided EXAMPLE
by the number of lines strung.
500,000 lb load
2. Work encountered in reeving system: By utilizing me- 10-line string up
chanical advantage of the pulley you are not decreasing 1 1/2 in. EIPS drilling line friction coefficient = 1.04
the work done. Work done is the load multiplied by the
distance moved. When the load is hoisted, each of the What is the lead line load and design factor?
lines shortens by the distance of the hoist, however, the
A. n = 10 s = 10 W = 500,000 K = 1.04
last line or fast line, coming onto the drum, must take
L = 500,000 × (1.04)10 (1.04 −1)
up all the extra line. This is, of course, the distance the
load moves times the number of lines strung. Inasmuch (1.04)10 − 1
as the load on this line is the weight lifted divided by the
What is the lead line load and design?
number of lines, then the work done by the hoist is the
same as the work required to raise the load. = 500,000×0.123
Lead line load = 61,500 lb
3. Line speed: Since the movement of the drilling line be-
ing wound or unwound on the drum is greater than the B. Nominal Strength 1 1/2 in. EIPS = 114
movement of the traveling block, the speed with which it Tons = 228,000 lb
moves is also greater. Thus if the traveling block is being
Design Factor = 228,000 = 3.7 to 1
lowered at the rate of 10 ft/sec in a 6-line system, the
line is paying off the drum at 60 ft/sec or 3,600 ft/min. 61,500
Maximum recommended speed for movement of wire
ropes through the sheaves is 4,000 ft/min. If the block WARNING: The fhahaoregoing ignores acceleration forc-
of an 8-line system were moving at 10 ft/sec, the line es and shock loadings. These may greatly increase the
speed would exceed the recommended rate. load on the rope and lead to permanent deformation and
increased rate of deterioration.

WIRE ROPE WR–15
5. Fast line loads and design factors: Fast line loads and over” points on the drum and prevent line piling up at the
design factors for various hook loads with 6, 8, 10, and drum flanges. Weight box type stabilizers are considered
12 parts of line are shown in Table WR-10. This table is far superior as far as drum spooling is concerned. Dead-
based on the Extra Improved Plow and Improved Plow line stabilizers reduce vibration in the deadline adjacent to
with independent wire rope cores. the deadline anchor and deadline sheave.
8. Experience of crew: Affects wire line life in the manner

Factors affecting service in which they handle the rotary line. For example, how
Here are some critical factors that directly affect rotary drill- they un-spool the reel, how they reeve the string-up,
ing line service. When these elemental factors are consid- steps taken to keep the line out of mud and dirt, method
ered, it is then apparent why rotary line service programs used to spool new line on the drum and how the driller
must be tailored each individual rig. starts and stops the drum when making a “round trip.”
Remember, 6 inches of slack line jerked out on the load,
1. Mast or derrick height: Varies from approximately 65 ft to
doubles the load on the line.
185 ft or more. Governs the total amount of rotary line in
the string-up and determines whether “doubles”, “triples” 9. Depth of well: Governs total weight of drill pipe and drill
or “quadruples” of drill pipe will be handled during trips. collars, the number of connections required, the number
of bits and the number of round trips required.
2. Crown blocks sheaves: Sheave diameters should be large
enough to minimize the bending fatigue that occurs on a 10. Drilling conditions: Certain types of earth strata cause bit
rotary line. Worn grooves will not properly support the “chatter” or vibration, which is passed through the drill
rotary line and worn bearings set up undue wear on both pipe and traveling blocks to the rotary line. The intermit-
the sheaves and the line. tent shock loads must be absorbed by the drilling line and
are a source of undue wear, particularly at the dead line
3. Traveling block sheaves: The same conditions concerning
sheave. Also, certain strata cause crooked hole drilling,
the sheaves apply here as with the Crown Block. In ad-
which results in considerable excess strain on the drilling
dition, the traveling block must be of sufficient weight to
line when coming out of the hole during a round trip.
give tight spooling on the drum as the block assembly is
being raised or lowered when going into and coming out 11. Size of drill pipe: Determines the total load when figuring the
of the hole. ton-mile service per round trip and in making connections.
4. Draw works drum: The diameter and length of the drum 12. Size and number of drill collars: Is one of the variable fac-
is important. A drum of small diameter and length re- tors in determining the total excess weight when figuring
quires more drum wraps to raise the blocks. This leads ton-mile service per round trip.
to more layers of rope on the drum and therefore more
13. Drill stem tests: Means extra round trips over and above
“cross-over” wear points. A grooved drum increases
those necessary to change bits.
wire line service by supporting the rotary line and giv-
ing a tighter wrap. The condition of the drum clutch and 14. Coring: Also means extra round trips and more line wear.
brake greatly affects line life. If these are not properly
15. Stuck pipe: Jarring and manipulation to un-stick drill pipe
adjusted the resulting jerking and shock loads must be
causes extreme strain and wear on rotary line. No ton-mile
borne by the rotary line.
method of service wear can determine the damage here!
5. Types of string-up—6, 8, 10 or 12 lines: Governs the load Careful visual inspection should be made, and damaged
each part of the line must carry, determines the total line line removed from the system regardless of the length of
in the String-Up, and also determines the length of time cut required.
that wear points must remain in the system.
16. “Twist offs” and “fishing” jobs: Often mean several extra
6. Dead line anchor or clamp: The size, type and condition round trips to completely remove the “fish” or obstruc-
of the anchor has a direct effect on the rotary line. If it tion before normal drilling can be resumed.
is too small or otherwise distorts the line, it may form a
17. Setting casing: Length and size will vary, but it still means
“dog-leg” in the line which will set up a stress point. This
additional trips, connections, and line wear.
stress point will result in undue wear and early fatigue,
necessitating a long cut to get it out of the system.
18. Fleet angle: Taken into consideration with the proper
7. Wire line stabilizer and turn-back rollers: These two piec- wire line stabilizer can be the basis for solving many of
es of equipment help extend wire line life. The wire line the reasons for poor spooling on a rig. Therefore, the
stabilizer relieves vibration or “whip” on the “fast” line. proper fleet angle should be of paramount importance
The turn-back rollers help relieve shock at the “cross- when determining the excess laps.

WR–16 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-10 (continued on page WR-17)

1 in. 1 1/8-in. 1 1/4-in. 1 3/8-in. 1 1/2-in. 1 5/8-in.
Grade IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP
MBF (Short
Tons) 44.9 51.7 56.9 56.5 65 71.5 69.4 79.9 87.9 83.5 96 106 98.9 114 125 115 132 146
Hook- Parts Fast MBF (lb) 89,800 103,400 113,800 113,000 130,000 143,000 138,800 159,800 175,800 167,000 192,000 212,000 197,800 228,000 250,000 230,000 264,000 292,000
load of Line Fast Line
000 lb Line Factors Load lb
200 6 0.191 38,200 2.35 2.71 2.98 2.96 3.40 3.74 3.63 4.18 4.60
8 0.148 29,600 3.03 3.49 3.84 3.82 4.39 4.83 4.69 5.40 5.94
10 0.123 24,600 3.65 4.20 4.63 4.59 5.28 5.81 5.64 6.50 7.15
250 6 0.191 47,750 1.88 2.17 2.38 2.37 2.72 2.99 2.91 3.35 3.68 3.50 4.02 4.44
8 0.148 37,000 2.43 2.79 3.08 3.05 3.51 3.86 3.75 4.32 4.75 4.51 5.19 5.73
10 0.123 30,750 2.92 3.36 3.70 3.67 4.23 4.65 4.51 5.20 5.72 5.43 6.24 6.89
12 0.107 26,750 3.36 3.87 4.25 4.22 4.86 5.35 5.19 5.97 6.57 6.24 7.18 7.93
300 6 0.191 57,300 1.57 1.80 1.99 1.97 2.27 2.50 2.42 2.79 3.07 2.91 3.35 3.70 3.45 3.98 4.36
8 0.148 44,400 2.02 2.33 2.56 2.55 2.93 3.22 3.13 3.60 3.96 3.76 4.32 4.77 4.45 5.14 5.63
10 0.123 36,900 2.43 2.80 3.08 3.06 3.52 3.88 3.76 4.33 4.76 4.53 5.20 5.75 5.36 6.18 6.78
12 0.106 31,800 2.82 3.25 3.58 3.55 4.09 4.50 4.36 5.03 5.53 5.25 6.04 6.67 6.22 7.17 7.86
350 6 0.191 66,850 1.69 1.94 2.14 2.08 2.39 2.63 2.50 2.87 3.17 2.96 3.41 3.74 3.44 3.95 4.37
8 0.148 51,800 1.73 2.00 2.20 2.18 2.51 2.76 2.68 3.08 3.39 3.22 3.71 4.09 3.82 4.40 4.83 4.44 5.10 5.64
10 0.123 43,050 2.09 2.40 2.64 2.62 3.02 3.32 3.22 3.71 4.08 3.88 4.46 4.92 4.59 5.30 5.81 5.34 6.13 6.78
12 0.106 37,100 2.42 2.79 3.07 3.05 3.50 3.85 3.74 4.31 4.74 4.50 5.18 5.71 5.33 6.15 6.74 6.20 7.12 7.87
400 8 0.148 59,200 1.91 2.20 2.42 2.34 2.70 2.97 2.82 3.24 3.58 3.34 3.85 4.22 3.89 4.46 4.93
10 0.123 49,200 1.83 2.10 2.31 2.30 2.64 2.91 2.82 3.25 3.57 3.39 3.90 4.31 4.02 4.63 5.08 4.67 5.37 5.93
12 0.106 42,400 2.12 2.44 2.68 2.67 3.07 3.37 3.27 3.77 4.15 3.94 4.53 5.00 4.67 5.38 5.90 5.42 6.23 6.89
450 8 0.148 66,600 1.70 1.95 2.15 2.08 2.40 2.64 2.51 2.88 3.18 2.97 3.42 3.75 3.45 3.96 4.38
10 0.123 55,350 1.62 1.87 2.06 2.04 2.35 2.58 2.51 2.89 3.18 3.02 3.47 3.83 3.57 4.12 4.52 4.16 4.77 5.28
12 0.106 47,700 1.88 2.17 2.39 2.37 2.73 3.00 2.91 3.35 3.69 3.50 4.03 4.44 4.15 4.78 5.24 4.82 5.53 6.12
500 8 0.148 74,000 1.88 2.16 2.38 2.26 2.59 2.86 2.67 3.08 3.38 3.11 3.57 3.95
10 0.123 61,500 1.84 2.11 2.33 2.26 2.60 2.86 2.72 3.12 3.45 3.22 3.71 4.07 3.74 4.29 4.75
12 0.106 53,000 1.69 1.95 2.15 2.13 2.45 2.70 2.62 3.02 3.32 3.15 3.62 4.00 3.73 4.30 4.72 4.34 4.98 5.51
14 0.095 47,500 1.89 2.18 2.40 2.38 2.74 3.01 2.92 3.36 3.70 3.52 4.04 4.46 4.16 4.80 5.26 4.84 5.56 6.15
600 8 0.148 88,800 1.88 2.16 2.39 2.23 2.57 2.82 2.59 2.97 3.29
10 0.123 73,800 1.88 2.17 2.38 2.26 2.60 2.87 2.68 3.09 3.39 3.12 3.58 3.96
12 0.106 63,600 1.78 2.04 2.25 2.18 2.51 2.76 2.63 3.02 3.33 3.11 3.58 3.93 3.62 4.15 4.59
14 0.095 57,000 1.58 1.81 2.00 1.98 2.28 2.51 2.44 2.80 3.08 2.93 3.37 3.72 3.47 4.00 4.39 4.04 4.63 5.12
700 8 0.148 103,600 1.61 1.85 2.05 1.91 2.20 2.41 2.22 2.55 2.82
10 0.123 86,100 1.61 1.86 2.04 1.94 2.23 2.46 2.30 2.65 2.90 2.67 3.07 3.39
12 0.106 74,200 1.87 2.15 2.37 2.25 2.59 2.86 2.67 3.07 3.37 3.10 3.56 3.94
14 0.095 66,500 1.70 1.95 2.15 2.09 2.40 2.64 2.51 2.89 3.19 2.97 3.43 3.76 3.46 3.97 4.39
800 8 0.148 118,400 1.67 1.93 2.11 1.94 2.23 2.47
10 0.123 98,400 1.70 1.95 2.15 2.01 2.32 2.54 2.34 2.68 2.97
12 0.106 84,800 1.64 1.88 2.07 1.97 2.26 2.50 2.33 2.69 2.95 2.71 3.11 3.44
14 0.095 76,000 1.83 2.10 2.31 2.20 2.53 2.79 2.60 3.00 3.29 3.03 3.47 3.84
900 8 0.148 133,200 1.73 1.98 2.19
10 0.123 110,700 1.79 2.06 2.26 2.08 2.38 2.64
12 0.106 95,400 1.75 2.01 2.22 2.07 2.39 2.62 2.41 2.77 3.06
14 0.095 85,500 1.62 1.87 2.06 1.95 2.25 2.48 2.31 2.67 2.92 2.69 3.09 3.42
1,000 10 0.123 123,000 1.61 1.85 2.03 1.87 2.15 2.37
12 0.106 106,000 1.58 1.81 2.00 1.87 2.15 2.36 2.17 2.49 2.75
14 0.095 95,000 1.76 2.02 2.23 2.08 2.40 2.63 2.42 2.78 3.07
16 0.086 86,000 1.61 1.86 2.04 1.94 2.23 2.47 2.30 2.65 2.91 2.67 3.07 3.40
1,250 12 0.106 132,500 1.74 1.99 2.20
14 0.095 118,750 1.67 1.92 2.11 1.94 2.22 2.46
16 0.086 107,500 1.84 2.12 2.33 2.14 2.46 2.72
1,500 12 0.106 159,000
14 0.095 142,500 1.61 1.85 2.05
16 0.086 129,000 1.78 2.05 2.26

WIRE ROPE WR–17
Table WR-10 (continued from page WR-16)

1-3/4 in. 1-7/8 in. 2 in. 2-1/8-in. 2-1/4 in.
Grade IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP IPS EIP EEIP
MBF (Short
Tons) 133 153 169 152 174 192 172 198 217 192 221 244 215 247 272
Parts MBF (lb) 266,000 306,000 338,000 304,000 348,000 384,000 344,000 396,000 434,000 384,000 442,000 488,000 430,000 494,000 544,000
Hookload Fast Line
of Fast Line
000 lb Factors
Line Load lb
500 8 0.148 74,000 3.59 4.14 4.57

10 0.123 61,500 4.33 4.98 5.50
12 0.106 53,000 5.02 5.77 6.38
14 0.095 47,500 5.60 6.44 7.12
600 8 0.148 88,800 3.00 3.45 3.81 3.42 3.92 4.32
10 0.123 73,800 3.60 4.15 4.58 4.12 4.72 5.20
12 0.106 63,600 4.18 4.81 5.31 4.78 5.47 6.04
14 0.095 57,000 4.67 5.37 5.93 5.33 6.11 6.74
700 8 0.148 103,600 2.57 2.95 3.26 2.93 3.36 3.71 3.32 3.82 4.19
10 0.123 86,100 3.09 3.55 3.93 3.53 4.04 4.46 4.00 4.60 5.04
12 0.106 74,200 3.58 4.12 4.56 4.10 4.69 5.18 4.64 5.34 5.85
14 0.095 66,500 4.00 4.60 5.08 4.57 5.23 5.77 5.17 5.95 6.53
800 8 0.148 118,400 2.25 2.58 2.85 2.57 2.94 3.24 2.91 3.34 3.67 3.24 3.73 4.12
10 0.123 98,400 2.70 3.11 3.43 3.09 3.54 3.90 3.50 4.02 4.41 3.90 4.49 4.96
12 0.106 84,800 3.14 3.61 3.99 3.58 4.10 4.53 4.06 4.67 5.12 4.53 5.21 5.75
14 0.095 76,000 3.50 4.03 4.45 4.00 4.58 5.05 4.53 5.21 5.71 5.05 5.82 6.42
900 8 0.148 133,200 2.00 2.30 2.54 2.28 2.61 2.88 2.58 2.97 3.26 2.88 3.32 3.66 3.23 3.71 4.08
10 0.123 110,700 2.40 2.76 3.05 2.75 3.14 3.47 3.11 3.58 3.92 3.47 3.99 4.41 3.88 4.46 4.91
12 0.106 95,400 2.79 3.21 3.54 3.19 3.65 4.03 3.61 4.15 4.55 4.03 4.63 5.12 4.51 5.18 5.70
14 0.095 85,500 3.11 3.58 3.95 3.56 4.07 4.49 4.02 4.63 5.08 4.49 5.17 5.71 5.03 5.78 6.36
1,000 10 0.123 123,000 2.16 2.49 2.75 2.47 2.83 3.12 2.80 3.22 3.53 3.12 3.59 3.97 3.50 4.02 4.42
12 0.106 106,000 2.51 2.89 3.19 2.87 3.28 3.62 3.25 3.74 4.09 3.62 4.17 4.60 4.06 4.66 5.13
14 0.095 95,000 2.80 3.22 3.56 3.20 3.66 4.04 3.62 4.17 4.57 4.04 4.65 5.14 4.53 5.20 5.73
16 0.086 86,000 3.09 3.56 3.93 3.53 4.05 4.47 4.00 4.60 5.05 4.47 5.14 5.67 5.00 5.74 6.33
1,250 12 0.106 132,500 2.01 2.31 2.55 2.29 2.63 2.90 2.60 2.99 3.28 2.90 3.34 3.68 3.25 3.73 4.11
14 0.095 118,750 2.24 2.58 2.85 2.56 2.93 3.23 2.90 3.33 3.65 3.23 3.72 4.11 3.62 4.16 4.58
16 0.086 107,500 2.47 2.85 3.14 2.83 3.24 3.57 3.20 3.68 4.04 3.57 4.11 4.54 4.00 4.60 5.06
1,500 12 0.106 159,000 1.67 1.92 2.13 1.91 2.19 2.42 2.16 2.49 2.73 2.42 2.78 3.07 2.70 3.11 3.42
14 0.095 142,500 1.87 2.15 2.37 2.13 2.44 2.69 2.41 2.78 3.05 2.69 3.10 3.42 3.02 3.47 3.82
16 0.086 129,000 2.06 2.37 2.62 2.36 2.70 2.98 2.67 3.07 3.36 2.98 3.43 3.78 3.33 3.83 4.22
1,750 12 0.106 185,500 1.64 1.88 2.07 1.85 2.13 2.34 2.07 2.38 2.63 2.32 2.66 2.93
14 0.095 166,250 1.60 1.84 2.03 1.83 2.09 2.31 2.07 2.38 2.61 2.31 2.66 2.94 2.59 2.97 3.27
16 0.086 150,500 1.77 2.03 2.25 2.02 2.31 2.55 2.29 2.63 2.88 2.55 2.94 3.24 2.86 3.28 3.61
2,000 12 0.106 212,000 1.62 1.87 2.05 1.81 2.08 2.30 2.03 2.33 2.57
14 0.095 190,000 1.60 1.83 2.02 1.81 2.08 2.28 2.02 2.33 2.57 2.26 2.60 2.86
16 0.086 172,000 1.77 2.02 2.23 2.00 2.30 2.52 2.23 2.57 2.84 2.50 2.87 3.16
18 0.079 158,000 1.68 1.94 2.14 1.92 2.20 2.43 2.18 2.51 2.75 2.43 2.80 3.09 2.72 3.13 3.44
20 0.074 148,000 1.80 2.07 2.28 2.05 2.35 2.59 2.32 2.68 2.93 2.59 2.99 3.30 2.91 3.34 3.68
2,250 14 0.095 213,750 1.61 1.85 2.03 1.80 2.07 2.28 2.01 2.31 2.55
16 0.086 193,500 1.78 2.05 2.24 1.98 2.28 2.52 2.22 2.55 2.81
18 0.079 177,750 1.71 1.96 2.16 1.94 2.23 2.44 2.16 2.49 2.75 2.42 2.78 3.06
20 0.074 166,500 1.60 1.84 2.03 1.83 2.09 2.31 2.07 2.38 2.61 2.31 2.65 2.93 2.58 2.97 3.27
2,500 16 0.086 215,000 1.60 1.84 2.02 1.79 2.06 2.27 2.00 2.30 2.53
18 0.079 197,500 1.74 2.01 2.20 1.94 2.24 2.47 2.18 2.50 2.75
20 0.074 185,000 1.64 1.88 2.08 1.86 2.14 2.35 2.08 2.39 2.64 2.32 2.67 2.94

WR–18 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-11: E indicator—drill collar weight factor, drill collar dimensions (in.)
# of Drill 5 3/4 × 2 1/4 6 × 2 1/4 6 1/4 × 2 1/4
4 1/8 × 2 4 3/4 × 2 1/4 5 3/4 × 2 13/16
Collars 6 × 2 13/16 6 1/4 × 2 13/16 6 1/2 × 2 13/16
1 1 400 600 700 800 900
2 2 700 1,300 1,500 1,700 1,900
3 3 1,100 1,900 2,200 2,500 2,800
4 4 1,500 2,600 2,900 3,300 3,800
5 5 1,900 3,200 3,700 4,200 4,700
6 6 2,200 3,800 4,000 5,000 5,600
7 7 2,600 4,500 5,100 5,800 6,600
8 8 3,000 5,100 5,900 6,700 7,500
9 9 3,400 5,700 6,600 7,500 8,500
10 10 3,700 6,400 7,300 8,300 9,400
11 11 4,100 7,000 8,100 9,200 10,300

12 12 4,500 7,700 8,800 10,000 11,300
13 13 4,900 8,300 9,500 10,800 12,200
14 14 5,200 8,900 10,200 11,700 13,200
15 15 5,600 9,600 11,000 12,500 14,100
16 16 6,000 10,200 11,700 13,300 15,000
17 17 6,300 10,800 12,400 14,200 16,000
18 18 6,700 11,500 13,200 15,000 16,900
19 19 7,100 12,100 13,900 15,800 17,900
20 20 7,500 12,800 14,600 16,700 18,800
21 21 7,800 13,400 15,400 17,500 19,800

22 22 8,200 14,000 16,100 18,300 20,700
23 23 8,600 14,700 16,800 19,200 21,600
24 24 9,000 15,300 17,600 20,000 22,600
25 25 9,300 15,900 18,300 20,900 23,500
26 26 9,700 16,600 19,000 21,700 24,500
27 27 10,100 17,200 19,800 22,500 25,400
28 28 10,500 17,900 20,500 23,400 26,300
29 29 10,800 18,500 21,200 24,200 27,300
30 30 11,200 19,100 22,000 25,000 28,200

WIRE ROPE WR–19
Table WR-11 (continued): E indicator—drill collar weight factor, drill collar dimensions (in.)
# of Drill 6 × 2 1/4 6 3/4 × 2 1/4 7 1/4 × 2 13/16 7 3/4 × 3 8×3 9×3
Collars 63/4 × 2 13/16 7 × 2 13/16 7 3/4 × 2 13/16 8 × 2 13/16
1 1,000 1,200 1,300 1,500 1,700 2,200
2 2,100 2,300 2,600 3,100 3,300 4,400
3 3,100 3,500 3,900 4,600 5,000 6,500
4 4,200 4,600 5,200 6,100 6,700 8,700
5 5,200 5,800 6,500 7,700 8,300 10,900
6 6,300 7,000 7,800 9,200 10,000 13,100
7 7,300 8,100 9,100 10,700 11,700 15,300
8 8,400 9,300 10,400 12,300 13,300 17,400
9 9,400 10,400 11,700 13,800 15,000 19,600
10 10,500 11,600 13,000 15,300 16,700 21,800
11 11,500 12,800 14,300 16,900 18,300 24,000

12 12,600 13,900 15,600 18,400 20,000 26,200
13 13,600 15,100 16,900 19,900 21,700 28,300
14 14,700 16,200 18,200 21,500 23,300 30,500
15 15,700 17,400 19,500 23,000 25,000 32,700
16 16,800 18,600 20,800 24,600 26,700 34,900
17 17,800 19,700 22,100 26,100 28,300 37,100
18 18,900 20,900 23,400 27,600 30,000 39,200
19 19,900 22,000 24,700 29,200 31,700 41,400
20 21,000 23,200 26,000 30,700 33,300 43,600
21 22,000 24,300 27,200 32,200 35,000 45,800

22 23,100 25,500 28,500 33,800 36,700 48,000
23 24,100 26,700 29,800 35,300 38,300 50,100
24 25,200 27,800 31,100 36,800 40,000 52,300
25 26,200 29,000 32,400 38,400 41,700 54,500
26 27,300 30,100 33,700 39,900 43,300 56,700
27 28,300 31,300 35,000 41,400 45,000 58,900
28 29,400 32,500 36,300 43,000 46,700 61,000
29 30,400 33,600 37,600 44,500 48,300 63,200
30 31,500 34,800 38,900 46,000 50,000 65,400

WR–20 WIRE ROPE
Ton-mile calculations are available for any type or size of drill pipe in both mud and
air drilling. Contact a UNION WIRE ROPE representative for
A. Introduction the Indicator(s) you require.
In the early 1940s, a drilling contractor would have pur-
chased only enough rotary drilling line to string-up the B. Examples of ton-mile calculations
reeving system. Depending upon the height of the derrick
and the number of parts of line to be used, lengths would
EXAMPLE 1
vary from 650 ft to 1,750 ft. In working the line, heavy wear
would occur in a few localized sections: where the rope Round trip ton-miles
makes contact with the traveling block sheaves, and where
Situation: At a depth of 11,000 ft, a round trip is made to
the rope makes contact with the crown block sheaves when
change the bit.
the slips are pulled going in or coming out of the hole, and on
the drum where each wrap of rope crosses over the rope on Drill Pipe = 4 1/- in. (l6.6 lb/ft)
the layer below. Broken wires at these points of critical wear
Drill Collars = ten, 7-1/4 in. (119.2 lb/ft)
would result in the retirement of the entire string up, even
though the remainder of the rope was in good condition. Traveling block assembly weight (hook, elevators,
traveling block) = 27,000 lb
For these reasons, it is important that the drilling line be cut
off at the proper rate. The purpose of this Simplified Cut-Off Drilling Fluid = mud
Practice is to give the drilling contractor a method for keep-
Solution:
ing track of the amount of work done by the drilling line and
a systematic procedure for making cuts of the appropriate 1) Determine weight factor due to collars: On Table
length at the appropriate time. The objective is to obtain WR-11, locate proper drill collar number and read
maximum rope service without jeopardizing the safety of weight factor due to collars in appropriate column.
the rig operation.
Weight factor due to collars = 13,000 lb
In conjunction with the record keeping required for the cut-off
2) Determine total weight factor: Add together
procedure, daily visual inspection of the drilling line should be
Weight Factor due to Collars and weight of
made for broken wires and any other rope damage. It must be
Traveling Block assembly.
remembered that in all cases, visual inspection of the wire
rope by the drilling contractor must take precedence over Traveling Block Assembly Weight = 27,000 lb
any predetermined calculations. + Weight Factor due to Collars = 13,000 lb
Total Weight Factor = 40,000 lb
The only complicated part of a cut-off procedure is the de-
termination of how much work has been done by the wire rope. 3) Determine Ton-Miles Per Round Trip: On
Methods such as counting the number of wells drilled or keep- Table WR-10, locate depth and read round trip
ing track of days between cuts are not accurate because the ton-miles in appropriate column.
loads change with depth and with different drilling conditions.
Round Trip Ton-Miles = 337 T-M
The various operations performed (drilling, coring, fishing, set-
ting casing, etc.) subject the rope to different amounts of wear. Note: For laying down drill pipe at the end of well, figure
one-half of round trip ton-miles for drill string in question.
For an accurate record of the amount of work done by a drill-
ing line, it is necessary to calculate the weight being lifted
and the distance it is raised and lowered. In engineering
terms, work is measured in foot-pounds. On a drilling rig the
loads and distances are so great that we use “ton-miles.”
One ton-mile equals 10,560,000 ft-lb and is equivalent to
lifting 2,000 lb a distance of 5,280 ft.
To simplify the calculation of ton-miles, a Ton-Mile Indicator

has been developed. The following pages provide examples
of how this Indicator is used to determine the number of ton-
miles of work done by the drilling line for various operations
on the rig. Please refer to Tables WR-9 and WR-10 as you go
through the examples. These tables are taken from the Ton-
Mile Indicator developed by UNION WIRE ROPE. Indicators

WIRE ROPE WR–21
Table WR-12: Wire rope indicator

Ton-Mile per round trip 4 ½ in., 16.6 lb/ft drill pipe in mud—total weight factor
Depth 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000
1,000 5 9 13 17 20 24 28 32 36 39
1,200 7 11 16 20 25 29 34 39 43 48
1,400 8 14 19 24 29 35 40 45 51 56
1,600 10 16 22 28 34 40 46 52 58 64
1,800 12 18 25 32 39 46 52 59 66 73
2,000 13 21 29 36 44 51 59 66 74 82
2,200 15 24 32 40 49 57 65 74 82 90
2,400 17 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99
2,600 20 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 98 108
2,800 22 33 43 54 64 75 86 96 107 117
3,000 24 36 47 58 70 81 92 104 115 127

3,200 27 39 51 63 75 87 100 112 124 136
3,400 29 42 55 68 81 94 107 120 132 145
3,600 32 46 59 73 87 100 114 128 141 155
3,800 35 49 64 78 93 107 121 136 150 165
4,000 38 53 68 83 99 114 129 144 159 174

4,200 41 57 73 89 105 121 137 152 168 184
4,400 44 61 78 94 111 128 144 161 178 194
4,600 48 65 82 100 117 135 152 169 187 204
4,800 51 69 87 105 124 142 160 178 196 215
5,000 54 73 92 111 130 149 168 187 206 225

5,200 58 78 97 117 137 157 176 196 216 235
5,400 62 82 103 123 144 164 185 205 225 246
5,600 66 87 108 129 150 172 193 214 235 257
5,800 70 92 114 136 157 179 201 223 245 267
6,000 74 96 119 142 165 187 210 233 255 278

6,200 78 101 125 148 172 195 219 242 266 289
6,400 82 106 131 155 179 203 228 252 276 300
6,600 87 112 137 162 187 212 237 262 287 312
6,800 91 117 143 168 194 220 246 271 297 323
7,000 96 122 149 175 202 228 255 281 308 334

WR–22 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-13: Design factors

2 in. extra extra improved plow rotary drill line, 434,000 lb nominal strength*
Weight Indicator Reading (1000's Lbs.) Weight Indicator Reading (1000's Lbs.)
Design Design
12 Lines 14 Lines 16 Lines 12 Lines 14 Lines 16 Lines
Factor Factor
411 463 511 9.9 690 778 857 5.9
416 468 516 9.8 702 791 872 5.8
420 473 521 9.7 715 805 887 5.7
424 478 527 9.6 727 819 903 5.6
429 483 532 9.5 740 834 919 5.5
433 488 538 9.4 754 850 936 5.4
438 493 544 9.3 768 866 954 5.3
443 499 549 9.2 783 882 972 5.2
448 504 556 9.1 799 899 991 5.1
453 510 562 9 815 917 1011 5
458 515 568 8.9 831 936 1032 4.9
463 521 574 8.8 848 956 1053 4.8
468 527 581 8.7 867 976 1076 4.7
474 533 588 8.6 885 997 1099 4.6
479 540 595 8.5 905 1019 1123 4.5
485 546 602 8.4 926 1043 1149 4.4
491 553 609 8.3 947 1067 1176 4.3
497 559 616 8.2 970 1092 1204 4.2
503 566 624 8.1 993 1119 1233 4.1
509 573 632 8 1018 1147 1264 4
516 581 640 7.9 1044 1176 1296 3.9
522 588 648 7.8 1072 1207 1330 3.8
529 596 657 7.7 1101 1240 1366 3.7
536 604 665 7.6 1131 1274 1404 3.6
543 612 674 7.5 1164 1311 1444 3.5
550 620 683 7.4 1198 1349 1487 3.4
558 628 692 7.3 1234 1390 1532 3.3

566 637 702 7.2 1273 1434 1580 3.2
574 646 712 7.1 1314 1480 1631 3.1
582 655 722 7 1358 1529 1685 3
590 665 733 6.9 1404 1582 1743 2.9
599 675 743 6.8 1455 1638 1805 2.8
608 685 755 6.7 1508 1699 1872 2.7
617 695 766 6.6 1566 1764 1944 2.6
627 706 778 6.5 1629 1835 2022 2.5
636 717 790 6.4 1697 1911 2106 2.4
646 728 802 6.3 1771 1995 2198 2.3
657 740 815 6.2 1851 2085 2298 2.2
668 752 829 6.1 1939 2184 2407 2.1
679 765 843 6 2036 2294 2528 2
*The design factors were calculated using Case A from the API 9B formula with 4% sheave loss. They do not include shock loads or acceleration stresses.

WIRE ROPE WR–23

Design Design
Factor Factor
60 77 93 9.9 101 130 156 5.9
61 78 94 9.8 103 132 159 5.8
62 79 95 9.7 105 134 162 5.7
62 80 96 9.6 107 137 165 5.6
63 81 97 9.5 109 139 168 5.5
63 82 98 9.4 111 142 171 5.4
64 82 99 9.3 113 145 174 5.3
65 83 100 9.2 115 147 177 5.2
66 84 101 9.1 117 150 181 5.1
66 85 103 9 119 153 185 5
67 86 104 8.9 122 156 188 4.9
68 87 105 8.8 124 160 192 4.8
69 88 106 8.7 127 163 196 4.7
69 89 107 8.6 130 167 201 4.6
70 90 109 8.5 133 170 205 4.5
71 91 110 8.4 136 174 210 4.4
72 92 111 8.3 139 178 215 4.3
73 93 113 8.2 142 183 220 4.2
74 95 114 8.1 146 187 225 4.1
75 96 115 8 149 192 231 4
76 97 117 7.9 153 197 237 3.9
77 98 118 7.8 157 202 243 3.8
78 100 120 7.7 161 207 249 3.7
79 101 121 7.6 166 213 256 3.6
80 102 123 7.5 171 219 264 3.5
81 104 125 7.4 176 225 271 3.4
82 105 126 7.3 181 232 280 3.3

83 106 128 7.2 186 240 288 3.2
84 108 130 7.1 193 247 298 3.1
85 110 132 7 199 256 308 3
86 111 134 6.9 206 264 318 2.9
88 113 136 6.8 213 274 330 2.8
89 114 138 6.7 221 284 342 2.7
90 116 140 6.6 230 295 355 2.6
92 118 142 6.5 239 307 369 2.5
93 120 144 6.4 249 319 385 2.4
95 122 146 6.3 259 333 401 2.3
96 124 149 6.2 271 348 420 2.2
98 126 151 6.1 284 365 439 2.1
99 128 154 6 298 383 461 2

WR–24 WIRE ROPE

Weight Indicator Reading (1000's lbs.) Weight Indicator Reading (1000's Lbs.)
Design Design
Factor Factor
205 237 267 9.9 344 398 448 5.9
207 239 270 9.8 350 404 456 5.8
209 242 272 9.7 356 412 464 5.7
211 244 275 9.6 362 419 472 5.6
213 247 278 9.5 369 427 480 5.5
216 250 281 9.4 375 434 489 5.4
218 252 284 9.3 383 443 499 5.3
220 255 287 9.2 390 451 508 5.2
223 258 290 9.1 398 460 518 5.1
225 261 294 9 406 469 529 5
228 264 297 8.9 414 479 539 4.9
230 267 300 8.8 422 489 551 4.8
233 270 304 8.7 431 499 562 4.7
236 273 307 8.6 441 510 574 4.6
239 276 311 8.5 451 521 587 4.5
241 279 315 8.4 461 533 601 4.4
244 283 318 8.3 472 546 615 4.3
247 286 322 8.2 483 559 629 4.2
250 290 326 8.1 495 572 645 4.1
253 293 330 8 507 587 661 4
257 297 334 7.9 520 602 678 3.9
260 301 339 7.8 534 617 695 3.8
263 305 343 7.7 548 634 714 3.7
267 309 348 7.6 563 652 734 3.6
270 313 352 7.5 579 670 755 3.5
274 317 357 7.4 596 690 777 3.4
278 321 362 7.3 614 711 801 3.3

282 326 367 7.2 634 733 826 3.2
286 330 372 7.1 654 757 852 3.1
290 335 378 7 676 782 881 3
294 340 383 6.9 699 809 911 2.9
298 345 389 6.8 724 838 944 2.8
303 350 394 6.7 751 869 979 2.7
307 355 400 6.6 780 902 1016 2.6
312 361 407 6.5 811 938 1057 2.5
317 367 413 6.4 845 978 1101 2.4
322 372 419 6.3 882 1020 1149 2.3
327 378 426 6.2 922 1066 1201 2.2
332 385 433 6.1 965 1117 1258 2.1
338 391 440 6 1014 1173 1321 2

WIRE ROPE WR–25

1 5/8 in. extra, extra improved plow rotary drill line, 143,000 lb nominal strength*
Design Design
Factor Factor
76 97 117 9.9 127 163 197 5.9
77 98 118 9.8 129 166 200 5.8
77 99 120 9.7 132 169 203 5.7
78 100 121 9.6 134 172 207 5.6
79 101 122 9.5 136 175 211 5.5
80 102 123 9.4 139 178 215 5.4
81 104 125 9.3 141 182 219 5.3
82 105 126 9.2 144 185 223 5.2
82 106 127 9.1 147 189 227 5.1
83 107 129 9 150 193 232 5
84 108 130 8.9 153 197 237 4.9
85 109 132 8.8 156 201 242 4.8
86 111 133 8.7 160 205 247 4.7
87 112 135 8.6 163 209 252 4.6
88 113 136 8.5 167 214 258 4.5
89 115 138 8.4 170 219 264 4.4
90 116 140 8.3 174 224 270 4.3
91 117 141 8.2 179 229 276 4.2
93 119 143 8.1 183 235 283 4.1
94 120 145 8 187 241 290 4
95 122 147 7.9 192 247 297 3.9
96 123 149 7.8 197 253 305 3.8
97 125 151 7.7 203 260 313 3.7
99 127 153 7.6 208 268 322 3.6
100 128 155 7.5 214 275 331 3.5
101 130 157 7.4 221 283 341 3.4
103 132 159 7.3 227 292 351 3.3

104 134 161 7.2 234 301 362 3.2
106 136 163 7.1 242 311 374 3.1
107 138 166 7 250 321 387 3
109 140 168 6.9 259 332 400 2.9
110 142 171 6.8 268 344 414 2.8
112 144 173 6.7 278 357 430 2.7
114 146 176 6.6 288 370 446 2.6
115 148 178 6.5 300 385 464 2.5
117 151 181 6.4 312 401 483 2.4
119 153 184 6.3 326 419 504 2.3
121 155 187 6.2 341 438 527 2.2
123 158 190 6.1 357 459 552 2.1
125 161 193 6 375 482 580 2

WR–26 WIRE ROPE

1 3/8 in. extra-extra improved plow rotary drill line, 212,000 lb nominal strength*
Design Design
Factor Factor
174 201 226 9.9 291 337 380 5.9
175 203 229 9.8 296 343 386 5.8
177 205 231 9.7 302 349 393 5.7
179 207 233 9.6 307 355 400 5.6
181 209 236 9.5 313 362 407 5.5
183 212 238 9.4 318 368 415 5.4
185 214 241 9.3 324 375 423 5.3
187 216 244 9.2 331 383 431 5.2
189 219 246 9.1 337 390 439 5.1
191 221 249 9 344 398 448 5
193 224 252 8.9 351 406 457 4.9
195 226 255 8.8 358 414 467 4.8
198 229 258 8.7 366 423 477 4.7
200 231 261 8.6 374 432 487 4.6
202 234 264 8.5 382 442 498 4.5
205 237 267 8.4 391 452 509 4.4
207 240 270 8.3 400 463 521 4.3
210 243 273 8.2 409 474 534 4.2
212 246 277 8.1 419 485 547 4.1
215 249 280 8 430 497 560 4
218 252 284 7.9 441 510 575 3.9
220 255 287 7.8 452 524 590 3.8
223 258 291 7.7 465 538 606 3.7
226 262 295 7.6 478 553 622 3.6
229 265 299 7.5 491 568 640 3.5
232 269 303 7.4 506 585 659 3.4
236 273 307 7.3 521 603 679 3.3

239 276 311 7.2 537 622 700 3.2
242 280 316 7.1 555 642 723 3.1
246 284 320 7 573 663 747 3
249 288 325 6.9 593 686 773 2.9
253 293 330 6.8 614 711 800 2.8
257 297 334 6.7 637 737 830 2.7
261 301 340 6.6 661 765 862 2.6
265 306 345 6.5 688 796 896 2.5
269 311 350 6.4 716 829 934 2.4
273 316 356 6.3 748 865 974 2.3
277 321 361 6.2 782 904 1019 2.2
282 326 367 6.1 819 947 1067 2.1
287 332 373 6 860 995 1120 2

WIRE ROPE WR–27
Table WR-18: Design Factors

1 3/8 in. extra-extra improved plow rotary drill line, 212,000 lb nominal strength*
Design Design
Factor Factor
277 312 344 9.9 464 523 576 5.9
280 315 347 9.8 472 532 586 5.8
282 318 351 9.7 481 541 597 5.7
285 322 354 9.6 489 551 607 5.6
288 325 358 9.5 498 561 618 5.5
292 328 362 9.4 507 572 630 5.4
295 332 366 9.3 517 582 642 5.3
298 335 370 9.2 527 594 654 5.2
301 339 374 9.1 537 605 667 5.1
304 343 378 9 548 617 680 5
308 347 382 8.9 559 630 694 4.9
311 351 387 8.8 571 643 709 4.8
315 355 391 8.7 583 657 724 4.7
319 359 395 8.6 596 671 739 4.6
322 363 400 8.5 609 686 756 4.5
326 367 405 8.4 623 701 773 4.4
330 372 410 8.3 637 718 791 4.3
334 376 415 8.2 652 735 810 4.2
338 381 420 8.1 668 753 830 4.1
343 386 425 8 685 772 850 4
347 391 431 7.9 703 791 872 3.9
351 396 436 7.8 721 812 895 3.8
356 401 442 7.7 741 834 919 3.7
361 406 448 7.6 761 857 945 3.6
365 412 453 7.5 783 882 972 3.5
370 417 460 7.4 806 908 1000 3.4
375 423 466 7.3 830 935 1031 3.3

381 429 472 7.2 856 965 1063 3.2
386 435 479 7.1 884 996 1097 3.1
391 441 486 7 913 1029 1134 3
397 447 493 6.9 945 1064 1173 2.9
403 454 500 6.8 979 1102 1215 2.8
409 461 508 6.7 1015 1143 1260 2.7
415 468 515 6.6 1054 1187 1308 2.6
422 475 523 6.5 1096 1235 1360 2.5
428 482 531 6.4 1142 1286 1417 2.4
435 490 540 6.3 1191 1342 1479 2.3
442 498 549 6.2 1246 1403 1546 2.2
449 506 558 6.1 1305 1470 1620 2.1
457 514 567 6 1370 1543 1701 2

WR–28 WIRE ROPE
EXAMPLE 2 40.5 lb/ft = 2.44 16.6 lb/ft

16.6 lb/ft
Drilling ton-miles
2) Determine ton-miles for making a round trip with
Situation: Drilling continues from a depth of 11,000 ft
pipe:
to 12,000 ft.
Locate depth of 3,600 ft
Drill Pipe = 4 1/2 in. (l6.6 lb/ft)
Drill collars = ten, 7 1/4 in. (l19.2 lb/ft) Read under 20,000 lb column (No drill collars are
Traveling block assembly weight = 27,000 lb used, therefore, the Total Weight Factor is equal to
Drilling fluid = mud the traveling block assembly weight only.)
Top Drive
3) Determine ton-miles for making a round trip with
Solution: Ton-Miles for drilling from one depth to casing:
another when using a top drive are equal to the
Multiply by the weight ratio:
difference in round trip ton-miles for the two depths.
2.44×46 = 122 T-M
1) Determine ton-miles for a round trip where
drilling stopped: Round trip ton-miles for casing = 112 T-M.
Locate depth of 12,000 ft 4) Determine ton-miles for setting casing:
Read under 40,000 lb column
Divide by 2, since the casing is only set down and
Ton-Miles = 384 T-M
not pulled out.
2) Determine ton-miles for a round trip where
112 divided by 2 = 56 T-M
drilling started:
Ton-miles for setting casing = 56 T-M.
EXAMPLE 4
Ton-Miles = 337 T-M
Ton-miles for a short trip
3) Calculate difference in round trip ton-miles:
Situation: Having drilled to 13,000 ft, a short trip is
384 T-M
made back to 9,000 ft to condition the hole.
–337 T-M
47 T-M Drill Pipe = 4 1/2 in. (16.6 lb/ft)
Drill Collars = Twenty, 7 3/4 in. (138 lb/ft)
Ton-Miles for Drilling with a top drive from
Traveling Block Assembly Weight = 20,000 lb
11,000 ft to 12,000 ft = 47 T-M.
Drilling Fluid = Mud
* The ton-miles for drilling when using a convential drilling
Solution: The ton-miles of work done in making a short
rig without a top drive are equal to the difference in the
trip is equal to the round trip ton-miles at the deeper depth
round trip ton miles for the two depths multiplied by three.
minus the round trip ton-miles at the shallower depth.
(47 T-M * 3 = 141 T-M)
1) Determine ton-miles for a round trip at 13,000 ft:

EXAMPLE 3
Ton-miles for setting casing Round trip ton-miles at 9,000 ft = 483 T-M
Situation: Setting 10 3/4 in. (40.5 lb/ft) casing from 2) Determine ton-miles for a round trip at 9,000 ft:
surface to 3,600 ft
Traveling Block Assembly Weight = 20,000 lb Read under 50,000 lb column
Round trip ton-miles at 9,000 ft = 284 T-M
Solution: The ton-miles of work done in setting casing
would be one-half the ton-miles done in making a round 3) Determine ton-miles for the short trip
trip if the weight of the casing were the same as the 483 T-M
weight of the drill pipe. −284 T-M
199 T-M
1) Determine the ratio of casing weight to drill pipe
weight: Ton-miles for the short trip = 199 T-M

WIRE ROPE WR–29
EXAMPLE 5 Total excess weight

= (25.4) × (900 ft) = 22,860 lb
Ton-miles for round trip of mixed drill string
Buoyed excess weight
Situation: Having drilled to 13,000 ft with the drill string
= (22,860) × (.85) = 19,431 lb
shown on the left, a round trip is to be made:
1/2 Buoyed excess weight
Drilling Fluid = Mud
= (19,431) % (2) = 9,716 lb
Traveling Block Assembly Weight = 27,000 lb
Weight factor due to
Solution:
heavyweight pipe = 9,716 lb
1) Weight factor due to collars = 23,000 lb
3) Determine total weight factor:
2) Total weight factor = 23,000 lb
Traveling block assembly weight = 30,000 lb
+ 27,000 lb
Weight factor due to collars = 30,700 lb
50,000 lb
3) Ton-miles for round trips:

4 1/2 in.−13,000 ft = 483 T-M Weight factor due to = 9,716 lb
5 in.− 9,000 ft = + 303 T-M heavyweight pipe
786 T-M Total weight factor = 70,416 lb
4 1/2 in.− 9,000 ft = − 284 T-M 4) Determine ton-miles per round trip: Locate depth
502 T-M of 12,000 ft.
Ton-miles for a round trip with
the mixed drill string = 502 T-M.
Round trip ton-miles = 520 T-M
EXAMPLE 6 C. Ton-miles per foot cut
Ton-miles for round trip with heavy-wall drill pipe The purpose of calculating the amount of work done by
the drilling line is to give an accurate method for deter-
Situation: Having drilled to 12,000 ft with the drill string
mining when and how much drilling line to slip through
shown on the left, a round trip is to be made.
and cut off. The objective of spreading the rope wear
Drilling Fluid = mud along the length of the line can be accomplished best by
Traveling Block Assembly Weight = 30,000 lb cutting lengths proportional to the ton-miles of work ac-
cumulated. All that is necessary to maintain a consistent
Solution: Instead of trying to calculate the heavy-weight
number of ton-miles per foot of rope cut.
pipe as in a mixed drill string, treat it as additional drill
collars. Use the drill collar window on the back of the For a given rope size, any particular rig can get only so
Ton-Mile Indicator which is closest to the heavy weight many ton-miles of service. The key to a successful cut-
pipe weight or do the calculations by hand. off procedure is to spread these ton-miles uniformly
by using the optimum ton-mile per foot cut goal. A rig
1) Determine weight factor due to collars: On Table
which has been able to get about 66,000 T-M out of a
WR-11 locate proper drill collar number and read
1 3/8 in.×5,000 ft drilling line may have a string-up of
weight due to collars under appropriate column.
1,700 ft for 10 parts. The remaining 3,300 ft available
2) Determine weight factor due to heavy-wall drill to be cut off should be cut at a rate of one foot for every
pipe: Figure heavyweight pipe like drill collars. 20.0 ton-miles. (66,000 T-M %3,300 ft = 20.0 T-M/ft)
On Table WR-11 locate proper heavy-weight pipe The ton-mile goal would be 20.0.
number and read weight due to heavyweight pipe
The ton-mile goal for any rig with good past perfor-
from the window with the closest drill collar weight
mance records can be calculated in the same manner. If
is 46.7 lb/ft. An accurate value for Weight Factor
the rig is new, or if the records are unavailable, a ton-mile
due to heavy-weight pipe can also be figured
goal can be selected from Table WR-20. You will note
longhand as follows (more accurate):
that only the drilling line size and the drum diameter are
Excess weight per foot needed to determine a ton-mile goal. These are by far
= 42.0−16.6 = 25.4 the most important factors that influence ton-mile ser-
vice on a drilling rig.

WR–30 WIRE ROPE
D. Ton-mile calculations—drilling ton-miles for top drive

Table WR-20
(drilling with stands)
Ton-mile per foot cut goal for rigs
Ton-mile calculations for other operations tend to be un-
having no past performance records
affected by the addition of the top drive with the excep-
tion of the additional traveling equipment weight. Drum Rope diameter (in.)
diameter
Definition of terms: 1 1 1/8 1 1/4 1 /8 1 1/2 1 5/8
(in.)
WDS = Buoyant weight of drill string 18 6.0 9.0
(drill pipe and BHA) 19 6.0 9.0
20 7.0 9.0
M = Weight of traveling equipment
21 7.0 10.0
LS = Length of a stand 22 7.0 10.0
Drilling Operation Cycle: 23 8.0 10.0 13.0
1. Drill down length of stand (LS) 24 8.0 11.0 13.0 17.0
2. Raise stand and ream back down full length 25 8.0 11.0 14.0 17.0
3. Set slips and break out at pipe handler
26 9.0 11.0 14.0 17.0
4. Raise traveling equipment: pick up next stand and make-up
27 9.0 12.0 15.0 18.0
5. Pick-up off slips and begin again
28 12.0 15.0 18.0
Ton-Miles Generated Per Cycle Segment:
29 12.0 15.0 18.0
1. ((WDS + M) × LS)/(2000 × 5280) 30 13.0 16.0 19.0
2. (2 × (WDS + M) × LS)/(2000 × 5280) 31 16.0 19.0
3. N/A
32 17.0 20.0
4. (M × LS)/(2000 × 5280)
33 17.0 20.0
5. N/A
34 18.0 21.0 24.0
If one cares to combine steps 1 through 5, the following will apply: 35 21.0 25.0
Ton-Miles Per Stand Drilled = 36 22.0 25.0 28.0
(LS × (3 WDS + 4 M)) / (2000 × 5280)
B. Suggestions for cut-off practice
Whatever program is being used, it should be followed
Cut-off program
throughout the life of one entire drilling line. If no long
cuts are required and it is believed that more service can
A. Cut-off program
be had from a line, the goal can be raised one ton-mile
Assuming that 1 3/8 in. drilling line is used on a NATIONAL per foot cut. This procedure should be followed until the
130 (30 in. drum) rig with no past performance records, optimum goal is found.
Table WR-20 gives a suggested ton-mile goal of 19.0.
Avoid accumulating more ton-miles between cuts than
Table WR-21 is the UNION WIRE ROPE Cut-Off Program
the maximum shown on the program for your rig even on
for a 19.0 ton-mile goal. Other programs are available for
the first cut of a new line.
the specific goal required for your rig.
It is best not to run up to the maximum permitted ton-miles
You will note the program is summarized by the state-
each time before making a cut, as some problem on the rig
ment: Length to Cut = T-M Since Last Cut ÷ 19.0
could prevent a cut being made at the proper time and
So long as the maximum ton-mile accumulation shown on lead to a ton-mile overrun. A better approach is to bounce
the program is not exceeded, a cut may be made when- around on your program, cutting with a low ton-mile accu-
ever it is convenient. It is only necessary to total the ton- mulation sometimes and alternating with medium or high-
miles accumulated since the last cut and divide by 19.0 to er ton-mile accumulations. This practice does not waste
determine what length to cut. This way the ton-miles per rope because you are always cutting lengths in proportion
foot cut will always be exactly 19.0 and the wear on the to the work accumulated.
drilling line will be uniformly spread along its length.
Accurate measurement of the length to cut is very important.
For convenience, the calculations have been made for a A steel tape should be used when making this measurement.
number of ton-mile accumulations and are presented in
When stringing back from 12 to 10 lines or from 10 to 8
tabular form on the program.
lines, make a cut of the appropriate length based upon

WIRE ROPE WR–31
Table WR-21 (example only)

UNION WIRE ROPE cut-off program for
UNION WIRE ROPE cut-off program for 1 in. rotary drilling line
1 3/8 in. rotary drilling line
Goal is 19.0 ton-miles per foot cut Goal is 6.0 ton-miles per foot cut
Length to cut = ton-miles since last cut ÷ 19.0 Length to cut = ton-miles since last cut ÷ 6.0
T-M Since Length T-M Since Length T-M Since Length T-M Since Length
Last Cut To Cut Last Cut To Cut Last Cut To Cut Last Cut To Cut
1150 61 1950 103 25 4 425 71
1200 63 2000 105 50 8 450 75
1250 66 2050 108 75 13 475 79
1300 68 2100 111 100 17 500 83
1350 71 2150 113
1400 74 2200 116 125 21 525 88
1450 76 2250 118 150 25 550 92
1500 79 2300 121 175 29 575 96
1550 82 200 33 600 100
1600 84
1650 87 225 38 625 104
1700 89 250 42 650 108
1750 92 275 46 675 113
1800 95 300 50 700 117
1850 97
1900 100 325 54 725 121
350 58
375 63
400 67
the ton-mile accumulation at that time. This procedure

will shift the critical wear points on the rope following
heavy operations such as setting casing. 1. Do not accumulate more than 725 ton-miles between
Cuts—even on the first cut of a new line.
Keep your wire rope History Sheets current, accurate
and complete. 2. So long as less than 725 ton-miles have been accumu-
lated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. To
Calculate ton-miles for drilling after each round trip.
determine the length to cut, refer to the above table or
Failure to record drilling ton-miles is probably the most
calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-
common mistake made in cut-off practice.
stant (length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 6.0).
The best cut-off program is the one with the most con-
3. This program is based upon a goal of 6.0. Any attempt to
sistent ton-mile per foot cut values. By staying as close
improve rope service by increasing the ton-mile goal should
as possible to the ton-mile goal you will avoid long cuts
not be made until one entire drilling line (requiring no long
and maintain the safest most economical use of your ro-
cuts) has been used following this particular program.
tary drilling line.
Daily visual inspection of the drilling line should be made

for broken wires and any other rope damage. It must be
remembered that in all cases visual inspection of the
wire rope by the drilling contractor must take prece-
dence over any predetermined calculations.

WR–32 WIRE ROPE
UNION WIRE ROPE cut-off program for UNION WIRE ROPE cut-off program for
1 in. rotary drilling line 1 in. rotary drilling line
225 32 625 89 325 41 725 91
250 36 650 93 350 44 750 94
275 39 675 96 375 47 775 97
300 43 700 100 400 50 800 100
325 46 725 104 425 53 825 103

350 50 750 107 450 56 850 106
375 54 775 111 475 59 875 109
400 57 800 114 500 63 900 113
425 61 825 118 525 66 925 116

450 64 850 121 550 69 950 119
475 68 575 72
500 71 600 75
525 75 625 78
550 79 650 81
575 82 675 84
600 86 700 88
1. Do not accumulate more than 850 ton-miles between 1. Do not accumulate more than 950 ton-miles between
Cuts—even on the first cut of a new line. Cuts—even on the first cut of a new line.
2. So long as less than 850 ton-miles have been accumu- 2. So long as less than 950 ton-miles have been accumu-
lated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. To lated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. To
determine the length to cut, refer to the above table or determine the length to cut, refer to the above table or
calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot” is constant calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-
(length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 7.0). stant (length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 8.0).
3. This program is based upon a goal of 7.0. Any attempt to 3. This program is based upon a goal of 8.0. Any attempt to
improve rope service by increasing the ton-mile goal should improve rope service by increasing the ton-mile goal should
not be made until one entire drilling line (requiring no long not be made until one entire drilling line (requiring no long
cuts) has been used following this particular program. cuts) has been used following this particular program.

WIRE ROPE WR–33
1 in. rotary drilling line 1 1/8 in. rotary drilling line
425 47 825 92 525 58 925 103
450 50 850 94 550 61 950 106
475 53 875 97 575 65 975 108
500 56 900 100 600 67 1000 111
525 58 925 103 625 69 1025 114

550 61 950 106 650 72 1050 117
575 64 975 108 675 75 1075 119
600 67 1000 111 700 78 1100 122
625 69 1025 114 725 81

650 72 1050 117 750 83
675 75 1075 119 775 86
700 78 1100 122 800 89
725 81 825 92
750 83 850 94
775 86 875 97
800 89 900 100
cuts—even on the first cut of a new line. cuts—even on the first cut of a new line.
calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con- calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-
stant (length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 9.0). stant (length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 9.0).

WR–34 WIRE ROPE
1 1/8 in. rotary drilling line 1 1/8 in. rotary drilling line
Length to cut = ton-miles since last cut ÷10.0 Length to cut = ton-miles since last cut ÷ 11.0
625 63 1025 103 50 5 850 77
650 65 1050 105 100 9 900 82
675 68 1075 108 150 14 950 86
700 70 1100 110 200 18 1000 91
725 73 1125 113 250 23 1050 95

750 75 1150 115 300 27 1100 100
775 78 1175 118 350 32 1150 105
800 80 1200 120 400 36 1200 109
825 83 450 41 1250 114

850 85 500 45 1300 118
875 88 550 50
900 90 600 55
925 93 650 59
950 95 700 64
975 98 750 68
1000 100 800 73

WIRE ROPE WR–35
100 8 900 75 200 15 1000 77
150 13 950 79 250 19 1050 81
200 17 1000 83 300 23 1100 85
250 21 1050 88 350 27 1150 88
300 25 1100 92 400 31 1200 92

350 29 1150 96 450 35 1250 96
400 33 1200 100 500 38 1300 100
450 38 1250 104 550 42 1350 104
500 42 1300 108 600 46 1400 108

550 46 1350 113 650 50 1450 112
600 50 1400 117 700 54 1500 115
650 54 1450 121 750 58 1550 119
700 58 800 62
750 63 850 65
800 67 900 69
850 71 950 73

WR–36 WIRE ROPE
250 21 1050 88 350 27 1150 88
300 25 1100 92 400 31 1200 92
350 29 1150 96 450 35 1250 96
400 33 1200 100 500 38 1300 100
450 38 1250 104 550 42 1350 104

500 42 1300 108 600 46 1400 108
550 46 1350 113 650 50 1450 112
600 50 1400 117 700 54 1500 115
650 54 1450 121 750 58 1550 119

700 58 800 62
750 63 850 65
800 67 900 69
850 71 950 73
900 75 1000 77
950 79 1050 81
1000 83 1100 85

WIRE ROPE WR–37
450 32 1250 89 550 37 1350 90
500 36 1300 93 600 40 1400 93
550 39 1350 96 650 43 1450 97
600 43 1400 100 700 47 1500 100
650 46 1450 104 750 50 1550 103

700 50 1500 107 800 53 1600 107
750 54 1550 111 850 57 1650 110
800 57 1600 114 900 60 1700 113
850 61 1650 118 950 63 1750 117

900 64 1700 121 1000 67 1800 120
950 68 1050 70
1000 71 1100 73
1050 75 1150 77
1100 79 1200 80
1150 82 1250 83
1200 86 1300 87

WR–38 WIRE ROPE
650 41 1450 91 750 44 1550 91
700 44 1500 94 800 47 1600 94
750 47 1550 97 850 50 1650 97
800 50 1600 100 900 53 1700 100
850 53 1650 103 950 56 1750 103

900 56 1700 106 1000 59 1800 106
950 59 1750 109 1050 62 1850 109
1000 63 1800 113 1100 65 1900 112
1050 66 1850 116 1150 68 1950 115

1100 69 1900 119 1200 71 2000 118
1150 72 1250 74 2050 121
1200 75 1300 76
1250 78 1350 79
1300 81 1400 82
1350 84 1450 85
1400 88 1500 88

WIRE ROPE WR–39
850 47 1650 92 850 50 1650 97
900 50 1700 94 900 53 1700 100
950 53 1750 97 950 56 1750 103
1000 56 1800 100 1000 59 1800 106
1050 58 1850 103 1050 62 1850 109

1100 61 1900 106 1100 65 1900 112
1150 64 1950 108 1150 68 1950 115
1200 67 2000 111 1200 71 2000 118
1250 69 2050 114 1250 74 2050 121

1300 72 2100 117 1300 76
1350 75 2150 119 1350 79
1400 78 1400 82
1450 81 1450 85
1500 83 1500 88
1550 86 1550 91
1600 89 1600 94
calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is const calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-
stant (length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 17.0).
3. This program is based upon a goal of 18.0. Any attempt to
improve rope service by increasing the ton-mile goal should 3. This program is based upon a goal of 17.0. Any attempt to
not be made until one entire drilling line (requiring no long improve rope service by increasing the ton-mile goal should
cuts) has been used following this particular program not be made until one entire drilling line (requiring no long
cuts) has been used following this particular program.

WR–40 WIRE ROPE
1050 58 1850 103 1150 61 1950 103
1100 61 1900 106 1200 63 2000 105
1150 64 1950 108 1250 66 2050 108
1200 67 2000 111 1300 68 2100 111
1250 69 2050 114 1350 71 2150 113

1300 72 2100 117 1400 74 2200 116
1350 75 2150 119 1450 76 2250 118
1400 78 1500 79 2300 121
1450 81 1550 82
1500 83 1600 84
1550 86 1650 87
1600 89 1700 89
1650 92 1750 92
1700 94 1800 95
1750 97 1850 97
1800 100 1900 100

WIRE ROPE WR–41
1250 63 2050 103 1350 64 2150 102
1300 65 2100 105 1400 67 2200 105
1350 68 2150 108 1450 69 2250 107
1400 70 2200 110 1500 71 2300 110
1450 73 2250 113 1550 74 2350 112

1500 75 2300 115 1600 76 2400 114
1550 78 2350 118 1650 79 2450 117
1600 80 2400 120 1700 81 2500 119
1650 83 1750 83 2550 121

1700 85 1800 86
1750 88 1850 88
1800 90 1900 90
1850 93 1950 93
1900 95 2000 95
1950 98 2050 98
2000 100 2100 100
2. So long as less than 2400 ton-miles have been accu- 2. So long as less than 2550 ton-miles have been accumu-
mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. lated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. To
To determine the length to cut, refer to the above table determine the length to cut, refer to the above table or
or calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con- calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-

WR–42 WIRE ROPE
100 5 1700 77 100 4 1700 74
200 9 1800 81 200 9 1800 78
300 14 1900 86 300 13 1900 83
400 18 2000 91 400 17 2000 87
500 23 2100 96 500 22 2100 91

600 27 2200 100 600 26 2200 96
700 32 2300 105 700 30 2300 100
800 36 2400 109 800 35 2400 104
900 41 2500 114 900 39 2500 109

1000 45 2600 118 1000 43 2600 113
1100 50 1100 48 2700 117
1200 55 1200 52 2800 122
1300 59 1300 56
1400 64 1400 61
1500 68 1500 65
1600 72 1600 70
2. So long as less than 2600 ton-miles have been accu- 2. So long as less than 2800 ton-miles have been accu-
mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient.
To determine the length to cut, refer to the above table To determine the length to cut, refer to the above table
or calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con- or calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-

WIRE ROPE WR–43
100 4 1700 71 300 13 1900 83
200 8 1800 75 400 17 2000 87
300 13 1900 79 500 22 2100 91
400 17 2000 83 600 26 2200 96
500 21 2100 88 700 30 2300 100

600 25 2200 92 800 35 2400 104
700 29 2300 96 900 39 2500 109
800 33 2400 100 1000 43 2600 113
900 38 2500 104 1100 48 2700 117

1000 42 2600 108 1200 52 2800 122
1100 46 2700 113 1300 56
1200 50 2800 117 1400 61
1300 54 2900 121 1500 65

1400 58 1600 70
1500 63 1700 74
1600 67 1800 78
2. So long as less than 2900 ton-miles have been accumu 2. So long as less than 2800 ton-miles have been accu-
lated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. To de- mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient.
termine the length to cut, refer to the above table or cal- To determine the length to cut, refer to the above table
culate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is constant or calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-
(length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 24.0). stant (length to cut = T-M since last cut ÷ 23.0).

WR–44 WIRE ROPE
500 21 2100 88 600 24 2200 88
600 25 2200 92 700 28 2300 92
700 29 2300 96 800 32 2400 96
800 33 2400 100 900 36 2500 100
900 38 2500 104 1000 40 2600 104

1000 42 2600 108 1100 44 2700 108
1100 46 2700 113 1200 48 2800 112
1200 50 2800 117 1300 52 2900 116
1300 54 2900 121 1400 56 3000 120

1400 58 1500 60
1500 63 1600 64
1600 67 1700 68
1700 71 1800 72
1800 75 1900 76
1900 79 2000 80
2000 83 2100 84
mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient.

WIRE ROPE WR–45
700 27 2300 89 800 30 2400 89
800 31 2400 92 900 33 2500 93
900 35 2500 96 1000 37 2600 96
1000 39 2600 100 1100 41 2700 100
1100 42 2700 104 1200 44 2800 104

1200 46 2800 108 1300 48 2900 107
1300 50 2900 112 1400 52 3000 111
1400 54 3000 115 1500 56 3100 115
1500 58 3100 119 1600 59 3200 119

1600 62 1700 63
1700 65 1800 67
1800 69 1900 70
1900 73 2000 74
2000 77 2100 78
2100 81 2200 82
2200 85 2300 85

WR–46 WIRE ROPE
900 32 2500 89 900 32 2500 89
1000 36 2600 93 1000 36 2600 93
1100 39 2700 96 1100 39 2700 96
1200 43 2800 100 1200 43 2800 100
1300 46 2900 104 1300 46 2900 104

1400 50 3000 107 1400 50 3000 107
1500 54 3100 111 1500 54 3100 111
1600 57 3200 114 1600 57 3200 114
1700 61 3300 118 1700 61 3300 118

1800 64 3400 121 1800 64 3400 121
1900 68 1900 68
2000 71 2000 71
2100 75 2100 75
2200 79 2200 79
2300 82 2300 82
2400 86 2400 86
mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient.

WIRE ROPE WR–47
900 29 2500 81 900 28 2500 78
1000 32 2600 84 1000 31 2600 81
1100 35 2700 87 1100 34 2700 84
1200 39 2800 90 1200 38 2800 88
1300 42 2900 94 1300 41 2900 91

1400 45 3000 97 1400 44 3000 94
1500 48 3100 100 1500 47 3100 97
1600 52 3200 103 1600 50 3200 100
1700 55 3300 106 1700 53 3300 103

1800 58 3400 110 1800 56 3400 106
1900 61 3500 113 1900 59 3500 109
2000 65 3600 116 2000 63 3600 113
2100 68 3700 119 2100 66 3700 116

2200 71 2200 69 3800 119
2300 74 2300 72
2400 77 2400 75
2. So long as less than 3700 ton-miles have been accumu- 2. So long as less than 3800 ton-miles have been accu-
lated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient. To mulated, a cut may be made anytime it is convenient.
determine the length to cut, refer to the above table or To determine the length to cut, refer to the above table
calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con- or calculate so that your “ton-miles per foot cut” is con-

WR–48 WIRE ROPE
A. Design Factor Lead Line Tension = Weight of Load × Constant

Lead Line Tension = 304,000 lb × .1224
Design factor is defined as the ratio of nominal wire line
Lead Line Tension = 37,210 lb
rope breaking strength to the wire rope tension. The
maximum rope tension occurs in the fast line or “lead Design Factor = Nominal Rope Strength
line” because of friction losses due to rope stiffness and Lead Line Tension
bearing inefficiencies throughout the system. Conse-
Lead Line Tension = Weight of Load × Constant
quently, the lead line tension is greater than the weight
of the load divided by the number of parts of line. To cal- Design Factor = 167,000 lb ÷ 37,210 lb
culate the design factor, it is necessary to compute the
Design Factor = 4.5
lead line tension using the following equations and table
of lead line constants. For convenience, the design factors have been calculated
for various sizes and grades of drilling line as shown in
Design Factor = Nominal Rope Strength
Table WR-22. A similar table is available for your specific re-
Lead Line Tension
quirements.
Lead Line Tension = Weight of Load × Constant
No. of parts of lineC onstant
Table WR-22: Lead line constants.

Figure WR-17: 10-part string-up.
API-Recommended Practice 9B and most wire rope manu-

Independent wire rope core
facturers suggest a minimum design factor of 3.0 for drill-
Nominal Improved Extra improved ing and tripping. If heavier loads are used so that the design
diameter plow steel plow steel factor drops below 3.0, the ton-mile service falls off sharply.
Below a design factor of about 2.0, wire rope is permanently
and irreversibly damaged. Consequently, 3.0 would seem to
be a realistic minimum for safe operation, giving some mar-
gin for stuck pipe and similar emergencies.
Rigs running with loads so light that their design factor is

above 7.0 for extended periods of time will not be able to get
expected ton-mile service. Laboratory tests and actual field
experience confirm that with light loads, the ton-miles add
Table WR-23: Nominal rope strength.
up so slowly that the wire rope will wear out in fatigue due to
the higher number of bending cycles required to accumulate
For example, if the weight indicator reads 304,000 lb with each ton-mile.
10 parts of 1 3/8 in. improved plow drilling line, the design fac-
These high design factors are especially common on work-
tor may be calculated as follows:
over rigs. When this is the case, it is a good idea to make cuts
more frequently than normal, perhaps every few round trips.
Another problem is that a high design factor means that too

many parts of line are strung. An excessive number of parts
of string-up puts extra rope on the drum where crossover
and wear take their toll on the life of the rope. The excessive
length in the string-up takes more cuts to work through the

WIRE ROPE WR–49
reeving system and consequently any section of rope is in A 12-part string-up would be required for setting casing
the system longer than necessary before it is finally cut off. having a total buoyed weight of more than 480,000 lb.
Following is an illustrated example of using the fewest pos-

B. Design Factor Charts
sible parts of string up while maintaining a safe rig operation
and reasonable design factors:
See Tables WR-23 through WR-40.
1 3/8 in. EIP Rotary Line
Constant Weight
T.B.A. Wt. = 40,000 lb
+ Drill Collar Excess Wt. = 92,871 lb
(30−138 lb/ft) = 132,871 lb. (Total)
Maximum Indicated Load

132,871 lb Constant Weight
296,310 lb Drill Pipe Weight
4 1/2 in. (l6.6 lb/ft) (Design Factor = 3.0)
Maximum Indicated Load Surface

132,871 lb Constant Weight
388,025 lb Drill Pipe Weight
4 1/2 in. (l6.6 lb/ft) (Design Factor = 3.0)
8-Part
String-Up
21,000 Feet 429,181 lbs.
10-Part
String-Up
T.D. or 27,500 Feet 520,896 lbs.
Figure WR-18

WR–50 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-24
Design factors (example only for this size and grade line)
1 3/8 in. improved plow rotary line
UNION WIRE ROPE
Weight indicator reading Weight indicator reading

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
8 10 12 Design 8 10 12 Design
Lines Lines Lines Factor Lines Lines Lines Factor
115 138 159 9.9 193 231 267 5.9
116 139 160 9.8 196 235 271 5.8
117 141 162 9.7 199 239 276 5.7
118 142 164 9.6 203 244 281 5.6
120 144 166 9.5 207 248 286 5.5
121 145 167 9.4 211 253 291 5.4
122 147 169 9.3 214 257 297 5.3
124 148 171 9.2 219 262 302 5.2
125 150 173 9.1 223 268 308 5.1
126 152 175 9.0 227 273 315 5.0
128 153 177 8.9 232 278 321 4.9

129 155 179 8.8 237 284 328 4.8
131 157 181 8.7 242 290 335 4.7
132 159 183 8.6 247 297 342 4.6
134 161 185 8.5 253 303 349 4.5
135 162 187 8.4 258 310 357 4.4
137 164 189 8.3 264 317 366 4.3
139 166 192 8.2 271 325 374 4.2
140 168 194 8.1 277 333 384 4.1
142 171 197 8.0 284 341 393 4.0
144 173 199 7.9 291 350 403 3.9

146 175 202 7.8 299 359 414 3.8
148 177 204 7.7 307 369 425 3.7
150 180 207 7.6 316 379 437 3.6
152 182 210 7.5 325 390 449 3.5
154 184 213 7.4 334 401 463 3.4
156 187 215 7.3 344 413 477 3.3
158 189 218 7.2 355 426 491 3.2
160 192 221 7.1 367 440 507 3.1
162 195 225 7.0 379 455 524 3.0
165 198 228 6.9 392 470 542 2.9

167 201 231 6.8 406 487 562 2.8
170 204 235 6.7 421 505 582 2.7
172 207 238 6.6 437 525 605 2.6
175 210 242 6.5 455 546 629 2.5
178 213 246 6.4 474 568 655 2.4
180 217 250 6.3 494 593 684 2.3
183 220 254 6.2 517 620 715 2.2
186 224 258 6.0 541 650 749 2.1
189 227 262 6.1 568 682 786 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–51
Table WR-25
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
6 8 10 12 Design 6 8 10 12 Design
Lines Lines Lines Lines Factor Lines Lines Lines Lines Factor
48 62 74 85 9.9 81 104 124 143 5.9
49 62 75 86 9.8 82 105 126 146 5.8
49 63 76 87 9.7 84 107 129 148 5.7
50 64 76 88 9.6 85 109 131 151 5.6
50 64 77 89 9.5 87 111 133 154 5.5
51 65 78 90 9.4 88 113 136 157 5.4
51 66 79 91 9.3 90 115 138 160 5.3
52 66 80 92 9.2 92 118 141 163 5.2
52 67 81 93 9.1 94 120 144 166 5.1
53 68 82 94 9.0 95 122 147 169 5.0
54 69 82 95 8.9 97 125 150 173 4.9

54 69 83 96 8.8 99 127 153 176 4.8
55 70 84 97 8.7 102 130 156 180 4.7
55 71 85 98 8.6 104 133 159 184 4.6
56 72 86 99 8.5 106 136 163 188 4.5
57 73 87 101 8.4 108 139 167 192 4.4
57 74 88 102 8.3 111 142 171 197 4.3
58 75 89 103 8.2 114 146 175 201 4.2
59 75 91 104 8.1 116 149 179 206 4.1
60 76 92 106 8.0 119 153 183 211 4.0
60 77 93 107 7.9 122 157 188 217 3.9

61 78 94 108 7.8 126 161 193 223 3.8
62 79 95 110 7.7 129 165 198 229 3.7
63 80 97 111 7.6 133 170 204 235 3.6
64 82 98 113 7.5 136 175 210 242 3.5
64 83 99 114 7.4 140 180 216 249 3.4
65 84 101 116 7.3 145 185 222 256 3.3
66 85 102 117 7.2 149 191 229 264 3.2
67 86 103 119 7.1 154 197 237 273 3.1
68 87 105 121 7.0 159 204 245 282 3.0
69 89 106 123 6.9 165 211 253 292 2.9

70 90 108 124 6.8 170 218 262 302 2.8
71 91 110 126 6.7 177 226 272 313 2.7
72 93 111 128 6.6 184 235 282 325 2.6
73 94 113 130 6.5 191 245 293 338 2.5
75 95 115 132 6.4 199 255 306 352 2.4
76 97 116 134 6.3 207 266 319 368 2.3
77 99 118 136 6.2 217 278 333 384 2.2
78 100 120 139 6.1 227 291 349 403 2.1
80 102 122 141 6.0 239 306 367 423 2.0

WR–52 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-26
Design factors
1 in. extra improved plow rotary line
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
71 85 98 9.9 119 143 165 5.9
72 86 99 9.8 121 146 168 5.8
73 87 100 9.7 123 148 171 5.7
73 88 101 9.6 126 151 174 5.6
74 89 102 9.5 128 154 177 5.5
75 90 104 9.4 130 156 180 5.4
76 91 105 9.3 133 159 184 5.3
77 92 106 9.2 135 162 187 5.2
77 93 107 9.1 138 166 191 5.1
78 94 108 9.0 141 169 195 5.0
79 95 109 8.9 144 172 199 4.9

80 96 111 8.8 147 176 203 4.8
81 97 112 8.7 150 180 207 4.7
82 98 113 8.6 153 184 212 4.6
83 99 115 8.5 156 188 216 4.5
84 101 116 8.4 160 192 221 4.4
85 102 117 8.3 164 196 226 4.3
86 103 119 8.2 168 201 232 4.2
87 104 120 8.1 172 206 237 4.1
88 106 122 8.0 176 211 243 4.0
89 107 123 7.9 180 217 250 3.9

90 108 125 7.8 185 222 256 3.8
91 110 126 7.7 190 228 263 3.7
93 111 128 7.6 196 235 270 3.6
94 113 130 7.5 201 241 278 3.5
95 114 132 7.4 207 248 286 3.4
96 116 133 7.3 213 256 295 3.3
98 117 135 7.2 220 264 304 3.2
99 119 137 7.1 227 273 314 3.1
101 121 139 7.0 235 282 325 3.0
102 122 141 6.9 243 291 336 2.9

104 124 143 6.8 251 302 348 2.8
105 126 145 6.7 261 313 361 2.7
107 128 148 6.6 271 325 374 2.6
108 130 150 6.5 282 338 389 2.5
110 132 152 6.4 293 352 406 2.4
112 134 155 6.3 306 367 423 2.3
114 136 157 6.2 320 384 443 2.2
115 138 160 6.1 335 402 464 2.1
117 141 162 6.0 352 422 487 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–53
Table WR-27
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
78 93 107 9.9 130 156 180 5.9
78 94 109 9.8 133 159 183 5.8
79 95 110 9.7 135 162 187 5.7
80 96 111 9.6 137 165 190 5.6
81 97 112 9.5 140 168 193 5.5
82 98 113 9.4 142 171 197 5.4
83 99 114 9.3 145 174 201 5.3
84 100 116 9.2 148 178 205 5.2
85 101 117 9.1 151 181 209 5.1
85 103 118 9.0 154 185 213 5.0
86 104 120 8.9 157 188 217 4.9

87 105 121 8.8 160 192 222 4.8
88 106 122 8.7 164 196 226 4.7
89 107 124 8.6 167 201 231 4.6
90 109 125 8.5 171 205 236 4.5
92 110 127 8.4 175 210 242 4.4
93 111 128 8.3 179 215 247 4.3
94 113 130 8.2 183 220 253 4.2
95 114 131 8.1 188 225 260 4.1
96 115 133 8.0 192 231 266 4.0
97 117 135 7.9 197 237 273 3.9

99 118 136 7.8 202 243 280 3.8
100 120 138 7.7 208 250 288 3.7
101 121 140 7.6 214 256 296 3.6
103 123 142 7.5 220 264 304 3.5
104 125 144 7.4 226 272 313 3.4
105 126 146 7.3 233 280 322 3.3
107 128 148 7.2 240 289 333 3.2
108 130 150 7.1 248 298 343 3.1
110 132 152 7.0 256 308 355 3.0
111 134 154 6.9 265 318 367 2.9

113 136 156 6.8 275 330 380 2.8
115 138 159 6.7 285 342 394 2.7
117 140 161 6.6 296 355 409 2.6
118 142 164 6.5 308 369 426 2.5
120 144 166 6.4 321 385 443 2.4
122 147 169 6.3 334 401 463 2.3
124 149 172 6.2 350 420 484 2.2
126 151 174 6.1 366 440 507 2.1
128 154 177 6.0 385 462 532 2.0

WR–54 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-28
Design factors
1 1/8 in extra improved plow rotary line
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
6 8 10 12 Design 6 8 10 12 Design
70 89 107 124 9.9 117 150 180 207 5.9
70 90 108 125 9.8 119 153 183 211 5.8
71 91 109 126 9.7 121 155 186 215 5.7
72 92 111 128 9.6 123 158 190 219 5.6
73 93 112 129 9.5 126 161 193 223 5.5
73 94 113 130 9.4 128 164 197 227 5.4
74 95 114 132 9.3 130 167 200 231 5.3
75 96 115 133 9.2 133 170 204 235 5.2
76 97 117 135 9.1 135 174 208 240 5.1
77 98 118 136 9.0 138 177 212 245 5.0
78 99 119 138 8.9 141 181 217 250 4.9

78 101 121 139 8.8 144 184 221 255 4.8
79 102 122 141 8.7 147 188 226 260 4.7
80 103 123 142 8.6 150 192 231 266 4.6
81 104 125 144 8.5 154 197 236 272 4.5
82 105 126 146 8.4 157 201 241 278 4.4
83 107 128 147 8.3 161 206 247 285 4.3
84 108 130 149 8.2 164 211 253 291 4.2
85 109 131 151 8.1 168 216 259 299 4.1
86 111 133 153 8.0 173 221 266 306 4.0
87 112 134 155 7.9 177 227 272 314 3.9

89 113 136 157 7.8 182 233 279 322 3.8
90 115 138 159 7.7 187 239 287 331 3.7
91 116 140 161 7.6 192 246 295 340 3.6
92 118 142 163 7.5 197 253 303 350 3.5
93 120 144 165 7.4 203 260 312 360 3.4
95 121 145 168 7.3 209 268 322 371 3.3
96 123 148 170 7.2 216 277 332 383 3.2
97 125 150 172 7.1 223 285 343 395 3.1
99 126 152 175 7.0 230 295 354 408 3.0
100 128 154 177 6.9 238 305 366 422 2.9
102 130 156 180 6.8 247 316 379 437 2.8
103 132 159 183 6.7 256 328 393 453 2.7
105 134 161 185 6.6 266 340 408 471 2.6
106 136 163 188 6.5 276 354 425 490 2.5
108 138 166 191 6.4 288 369 443 510 2.4
110 140 169 194 6.3 300 385 462 532 2.3
111 143 171 197 6.2 314 402 483 556 2.2
113 145 174 201 6.1 329 421 506 583 2.1
115 147 177 204 6.0 345 442 531 612 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–55
Table WR-29
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
6 8 10 12 Design 6 8 10 12 Design
74 95 115 132 9.9 125 160 192 222 5.9
75 96 116 133 9.8 127 163 196 225 5.8
76 97 117 135 9.7 130 166 199 229 5.7
77 98 118 136 9.6 132 169 202 233 5.6
78 99 119 138 9.5 134 172 206 238 5.5
78 101 121 139 9.4 137 175 210 242 5.4
79 102 122 141 9.3 140 178 214 247 5.3
80 103 123 142 9.2 142 182 218 251 5.2
81 104 125 144 9.1 145 185 222 256 5.1
82 105 126 145 9.0 148 189 227 261 5.0
83 106 127 147 8.9 151 193 231 267 4.9

84 107 129 149 8.8 154 197 236 272 4.8
85 109 130 150 8.7 157 201 241 278 4.7
86 110 132 152 8.6 160 205 247 284 4.6
87 111 133 154 8.5 164 210 252 290 4.5
88 112 135 156 8.4 168 215 258 297 4.4
89 114 137 157 8.3 172 220 264 304 4.3
90 115 138 159 8.2 176 225 270 311 4.2
91 117 140 161 8.1 180 230 277 319 4.1
92 118 142 163 8.0 184 236 283 327 4.0
93 120 144 165 7.9 189 242 291 335 3.9

95 121 145 168 7.8 194 249 298 344 3.8
96 123 147 170 7.7 199 255 306 353 3.7
97 124 149 172 7.6 205 262 315 363 3.6
98 126 151 174 7.5 211 270 324 373 3.5
100 128 153 177 7.4 217 278 334 384 3.4
101 129 155 179 7.3 223 286 344 396 3.3
102 131 157 182 7.2 230 295 354 408 3.2
104 133 160 184 7.1 238 305 366 422 3.1
105 135 162 187 7.0 246 315 378 436 3.0
107 137 164 189 6.9 254 326 391 451 2.9
108 139 167 192 6.8 263 337 405 467 2.8
110 141 169 195 6.7 273 350 420 484 2.7
112 143 172 198 6.6 284 363 436 503 2.6
113 145 174 201 6.5 295 378 454 523 2.5
115 148 177 204 6.4 308 394 472 545 2.4
117 150 180 207 6.3 321 411 493 568 2.3
119 152 183 211 6.2 335 429 515 594 2.2
121 155 186 214 6.1 351 450 540 622 2.1
123 157 189 218 6.0 369 472 567 653 2.0

WR–56 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-30
Design factors
1 1/4 in. extra improved plow rotary line
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
110 132 152 9.9 184 221 255 5.9
111 133 154 9.8 188 225 259 5.8
112 135 155 9.7 191 229 264 5.7
113 136 157 9.6 194 233 269 5.6
115 137 158 9.5 198 237 274 5.5
116 139 160 9.4 201 242 279 5.4
117 140 162 9.3 205 246 284 5.3
118 142 164 9.2 209 251 289 5.2
120 143 165 9.1 213 256 295 5.1
121 145 167 9.0 218 261 301 5.0
122 147 169 8.9 222 266 307 4.9

124 148 171 8.8 227 272 313 4.8
125 150 173 8.7 231 278 320 4.7
126 152 175 8.6 236 284 327 4.6
128 154 177 8.5 242 290 334 4.5
130 155 179 8.4 247 297 342 4.4
131 157 181 8.3 253 304 350 4.3
133 159 184 8.2 259 311 358 4.2
134 161 186 8.1 265 318 367 4.1
136 163 188 8.0 272 326 376 4.0
138 165 190 7.9 279 335 386 3.9

139 167 193 7.8 286 344 396 3.8
141 170 195 7.7 294 353 407 3.7
143 172 198 7.6 302 363 418 3.6
145 174 201 7.5 311 373 430 3.5
147 176 203 7.4 320 384 443 3.4
149 179 206 7.3 330 396 456 3.3
151 181 209 7.2 340 408 470 3.2
153 184 212 7.1 351 421 485 3.1
155 187 215 7.0 363 435 502 3.0
158 189 218 6.9 375 450 519 2.9

160 192 221 6.8 389 466 537 2.8
162 195 225 6.7 403 484 557 2.7
165 198 228 6.6 418 502 579 2.6
167 201 231 6.5 435 522 602 2.5
170 204 235 6.4 453 544 627 2.4
173 207 239 6.3 473 568 654 2.3
175 211 243 6.2 494 593 684 2.2
178 214 247 6.1 518 622 717 2.1
181 218 251 6.0 544 653 752 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–57
Table WR-31
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE
Weight Indicator Reading Weight Indicator Reading

(1,000s Lb) (1,000s Lb)
8 10 12 14 Design 8 10 12 14 Design
115 138 159 178 9.9 193 231 267 299 5.9
116 139 160 180 9.8 196 235 271 304 5.8
117 141 162 182 9.7 199 239 276 309 5.7
118 142 164 184 9.6 203 244 281 315 5.6
120 144 166 185 9.5 207 248 286 320 5.5
121 145 167 187 9.4 211 253 291 326 5.4
122 147 169 189 9.3 214 257 297 332 5.3
124 148 171 191 9.2 219 262 302 339 5.2
125 150 173 194 9.1 223 268 308 345 5.1
126 152 175 196 9.0 227 273 315 352 5.0
128 153 177 198 8.9 232 278 321 360 4.9
129 155 179 200 8.8 237 284 328 367 4.8
131 157 181 202 8.7 242 290 335 375 4.7
132 159 183 205 8.6 247 297 342 383 4.6
134 161 185 207 8.5 253 303 349 391 4.5
135 162 187 210 8.4 258 310 357 400 4.4
137 164 189 212 8.3 264 317 366 410 4.3
139 166 192 215 8.2 271 325 374 419 4.2
140 168 194 217 8.1 277 333 384 430 4.1
142 171 197 220 8.0 284 341 393 440 4.0
144 173 199 223 7.9 291 350 403 452 3.9
146 175 202 226 7.8 299 359 414 464 3.8
148 177 204 229 7.7 307 369 425 476 3.7
150 180 207 232 7.6 316 379 437 489 3.6
152 182 210 235 7.5 325 390 449 503 3.5
154 184 213 238 7.4 334 401 463 518 3.4
156 187 215 241 7.3 344 413 477 534 3.3
158 189 218 245 7.2 355 426 491 551 3.2
160 192 221 248 7.1 367 440 507 568 3.1
162 195 225 252 7.0 379 455 524 587 3.0
165 198 228 255 6.9 392 470 542 607 2.9
167 201 231 259 6.8 406 487 562 629 2.8
170 204 235 263 6.7 421 505 582 652 2.7
172 207 238 267 6.6 437 525 605 678 2.6
175 210 242 271 6.5 455 546 629 705 2.5
178 213 246 275 6.4 474 568 655 734 2.4
180 217 250 280 6.3 494 593 684 766 2.3
183 220 254 284 6.2 517 620 715 801 2.2
186 224 258 289 6.1 541 650 749 839 2.1
189 227 262 294 6.0 568 682 786 881 2.0

WR–58 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-32
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE
Weight Indicator Reading Weight Indicator Reading

(1,000s Lb) (1,000s Lb)
8 10 12 14 Design 8 10 12 14 Design
132 158 183 205 9.9 222 266 306 343 5.9
133 160 184 207 9.8 225 270 312 349 5.8
135 162 186 209 9.7 229 275 317 355 5.7
136 163 188 211 9.6 233 280 323 362 5.6
138 165 190 213 9.5 238 285 329 368 5.5
139 167 192 215 9.4 242 290 335 375 5.4
141 169 194 218 9.3 247 296 341 382 5.3
142 171 197 220 9.2 251 302 348 389 5.2
144 172 199 223 9.1 256 308 354 397 5.1
145 174 201 225 9.0 261 314 362 405 5.0
147 176 203 228 8.9 267 320 369 413 4.9
149 178 205 230 8.8 272 327 377 422 4.8
150 180 208 233 8.7 278 334 385 431 4.7
152 182 210 236 8.6 284 341 393 440 4.6
154 185 213 238 8.5 290 349 402 450 4.5
156 187 215 241 8.4 297 357 411 460 4.4
157 189 218 244 8.3 304 365 420 471 4.3
159 191 220 247 8.2 311 373 430 482 4.2
161 194 223 250 8.1 319 383 441 494 4.1
163 196 226 253 8.0 327 392 452 506 4.0
165 199 229 256 7.9 335 402 464 519 3.9
168 201 232 260 7.8 344 413 476 533 3.8
170 204 235 263 7.7 353 424 489 547 3.7
172 206 238 266 7.6 363 436 502 563 3.6
174 209 241 270 7.5 373 448 517 579 3.5
177 212 244 274 7.4 384 461 532 596 3.4
179 215 248 277 7.3 396 475 548 614 3.3
182 218 251 281 7.2 408 490 565 633 3.2
184 221 255 285 7.1 422 506 583 653 3.1
187 224 258 289 7.0 436 523 603 675 3.0
189 227 262 294 6.9 451 541 623 698 2.9
192 231 266 298 6.8 467 560 646 723 2.8
195 234 270 302 6.7 484 581 670 750 2.7
198 238 274 307 6.6 503 603 695 779 2.6
201 241 278 312 6.5 523 627 723 810 2.5
204 245 282 316 6.4 545 654 753 844 2.4
207 249 287 321 6.3 568 682 786 881 2.3
211 253 292 327 6.2 594 713 822 921 2.2
214 257 296 332 6.1 622 747 861 964 2.1
218 261 301 338 6.0 654 784 904 1013 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–59
Table WR-33
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
136 163 188 9.9 228 274 316 5.9
137 165 190 9.8 232 279 321 5.8
139 167 192 9.7 236 284 327 5.7
140 168 194 9.6 240 289 333 5.6
142 170 196 9.5 245 294 339 5.5
143 172 198 9.4 249 299 345 5.4
145 174 200 9.3 254 305 351 5.3
146 176 202 9.2 259 311 358 5.2
148 178 205 9.1 264 317 365 5.1
150 180 207 9.0 269 323 373 5.0
151 182 209 8.9 275 330 380 4.9

153 184 212 8.8 281 337 388 4.8
155 186 214 8.7 286 344 396 4.7
157 188 217 8.6 293 351 405 4.6
158 190 219 8.5 299 359 414 4.5
160 192 222 8.4 306 367 423 4.4
162 195 224 8.3 313 376 433 4.3
164 197 227 8.2 321 385 443 4.2
166 200 230 8.1 328 394 454 4.1
168 202 233 8.0 337 404 466 4.0
170 205 236 7.9 345 414 478 3.9

173 207 239 7.8 354 425 490 3.8
175 210 242 7.7 364 437 503 3.7
177 213 245 7.6 374 449 517 3.6
180 215 248 7.5 385 462 532 3.5
182 218 252 7.4 396 475 548 3.4
184 221 255 7.3 408 490 564 3.3
187 224 259 7.2 421 505 582 3.2
190 228 262 7.1 434 521 601 3.1
192 231 266 7.0 449 539 621 3.0
195 234 270 6.9 464 557 642 2.9

198 238 274 6.8 481 577 665 2.8
201 241 278 6.7 499 599 690 2.7
204 245 282 6.6 518 622 716 2.6
207 249 287 6.5 539 646 745 2.5
210 253 291 6.4 561 673 776 2.4
214 257 296 6.3 585 703 810 2.3
217 261 300 6.2 612 735 847 2.2
221 265 305 6.1 641 770 887 2.1
224 269 310 6.0 673 808 931 2.0

WR–60 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-34
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
10 12 14 Design 10 12 14 Design
163 188 211 9.9 274 316 354 5.9
165 190 213 9.8 279 321 360 5.8
167 192 215 9.7 284 327 366 5.7
168 194 217 9.6 289 333 373 5.6
170 196 220 9.5 294 339 379 5.5
172 198 222 9.4 299 345 386 5.4
174 200 224 9.3 305 351 394 5.3
176 202 227 9.2 311 358 401 5.2
178 205 229 9.1 317 365 409 5.1
180 207 232 9.0 323 373 417 5.0
182 209 234 8.9 330 380 426 4.9

184 212 237 8.8 337 388 435 4.8
186 214 240 8.7 344 396 444 4.7
188 217 243 8.6 351 405 454 4.6
190 219 245 8.5 359 414 464 4.5
192 222 248 8.4 367 423 474 4.4
195 224 251 8.3 376 433 485 4.3
197 227 254 8.2 385 443 497 4.2
200 230 258 8.1 394 454 509 4.1
202 233 261 8.0 404 466 522 4.0
205 236 264 7.9 414 478 535 3.9

207 239 267 7.8 425 490 549 3.8
210 242 271 7.7 437 503 564 3.7
213 245 275 7.6 449 517 580 3.6
215 248 278 7.5 462 532 596 3.5
218 252 282 7.4 475 548 614 3.4
221 255 286 7.3 490 564 632 3.3
224 259 290 7.2 505 582 652 3.2
228 262 294 7.1 521 601 673 3.1
231 266 298 7.0 539 621 695 3.0
234 270 302 6.9 557 642 719 2.9

238 274 307 6.8 577 665 745 2.8
241 278 311 6.7 599 690 773 2.7
245 282 316 6.6 622 716 802 2.6
249 287 321 6.5 646 745 835 2.5
253 291 326 6.4 673 776 869 2.4
257 296 331 6.3 703 810 907 2.3
261 300 337 6.2 735 847 948 2.2
265 305 342 6.1 770 887 994 2.1
269 310 348 6.0 808 931 1043 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–61
Table WR-35
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
157 188 217 9.9 263 316 364 5.9
158 190 219 9.8 268 321 370 5.8
160 192 221 9.7 272 327 377 5.7
162 194 224 9.6 277 333 383 5.6
163 196 226 9.5 282 339 390 5.5
165 198 228 9.4 287 345 398 5.4
167 200 231 9.3 293 351 405 5.3
169 202 233 9.2 298 358 413 5.2
171 205 236 9.1 304 365 421 5.1
172 207 239 9.0 310 373 429 5.0
174 209 241 8.9 317 380 438 4.9

176 212 244 8.8 323 388 447 4.8
178 214 247 8.7 330 396 457 4.7
180 217 250 8.6 337 405 467 4.6
183 219 253 8.5 345 414 477 4.5
185 222 256 8.4 353 423 488 4.4
187 224 259 8.3 361 433 499 4.3
189 227 262 8.2 370 444 511 4.2
192 230 265 8.1 379 454 524 4.1
194 233 268 8.0 388 466 537 4.0
196 236 272 7.9 398 478 550 3.9

199 239 275 7.8 408 490 565 3.8
202 242 279 7.7 419 503 580 3.7
204 245 282 7.6 431 517 596 3.6
207 248 286 7.5 443 532 613 3.5
210 252 290 7.4 456 548 631 3.4
213 255 294 7.3 470 564 651 3.3
216 259 298 7.2 485 582 671 3.2
219 262 302 7.1 501 601 693 3.1
222 266 307 7.0 517 621 716 3.0
225 270 311 6.9 535 642 740 2.9

228 274 316 6.8 554 665 767 2.8
232 278 320 6.7 575 690 795 2.7
235 282 325 6.6 597 716 826 2.6
239 287 330 6.5 621 745 859 2.5
243 291 335 6.4 647 776 895 2.4
246 296 341 6.3 675 810 933 2.3
250 300 346 6.2 705 847 976 2.2
254 305 352 6.1 739 887 1022 2.1
259 310 358 6.0 776 931 1073 2.0

WR–62 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-36
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
10 12 14 16 Design 10 12 14 16 Design
188 217 243 267 9.9 316 364 408 447 5.9
190 219 245 269 9.8 321 370 415 455 5.8
192 221 248 272 9.7 327 377 422 463 5.7
194 224 251 275 9.6 333 383 429 471 5.6
196 226 253 278 9.5 339 390 437 480 5.5
198 228 256 281 9.4 345 398 445 489 5.4
200 231 259 284 9.3 351 405 454 498 5.3
202 233 261 287 9.2 358 413 463 507 5.2
205 236 264 290 9.1 365 421 472 517 5.1
207 239 267 293 9.0 373 429 481 528 5.0
209 241 270 297 8.9 380 438 491 539 4.9
212 244 273 300 8.8 388 447 501 550 4.8
214 247 276 303 8.7 396 457 512 561 4.7
217 250 280 307 8.6 405 467 523 574 4.6
219 253 283 310 8.5 414 477 534 586 4.5
222 256 286 314 8.4 423 488 547 600 4.4
224 259 290 318 8.3 433 499 559 614 4.3
227 262 293 322 8.2 444 511 573 628 4.2
230 265 297 326 8.1 454 524 587 644 4.1
233 268 301 330 8.0 466 537 601 660 4.0
236 272 304 334 7.9 478 550 617 677 3.9
239 275 308 338 7.8 490 565 633 694 3.8
242 279 312 343 7.7 503 580 650 713 3.7
245 282 316 347 7.6 517 596 668 733 3.6
248 286 321 352 7.5 532 613 687 754 3.5
252 290 325 357 7.4 548 631 707 776 3.4
255 294 329 361 7.3 564 651 729 800 3.3
259 298 334 367 7.2 582 671 752 825 3.2
262 302 339 372 7.1 601 693 776 851 3.1
266 307 344 377 7.0 621 716 802 880 3.0
270 311 349 382 6.9 642 740 829 910 2.9
274 316 354 388 6.8 665 767 859 942 2.8
278 320 359 394 6.7 690 795 891 977 2.7
282 325 364 400 6.6 716 826 925 1015 2.6
287 330 370 406 6.5 745 859 962 1056 2.5
291 335 376 412 6.4 776 895 1002 1100 2.4
296 341 382 419 6.3 810 933 1046 1147 2.3
300 346 388 426 6.2 847 976 1093 1199 2.2
305 352 394 433 6.1 887 1022 1145 1257 2.1
310 358 401 440 6.0 931 1073 1203 1319 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–63
Table WR-37
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
158 190 219 9.9 265 318 367 5.9
160 192 221 9.8 270 324 373 5.8
161 194 223 9.7 275 330 380 5.7
163 196 226 9.6 280 336 387 5.6
165 198 228 9.5 285 342 394 5.5
167 200 230 9.4 290 348 401 5.4
168 202 233 9.3 295 355 409 5.3
170 204 235 9.2 301 361 416 5.2
172 206 238 9.1 307 368 425 5.1
174 209 241 9.0 313 376 433 5.0
176 211 243 8.9 320 383 442 4.9

178 214 246 8.8 326 391 451 4.8
180 216 249 8.7 333 400 461 4.7
182 218 252 8.6 340 408 471 4.6
184 221 255 8.5 348 418 481 4.5
186 224 258 8.4 356 427 492 4.4
189 226 261 8.3 364 437 504 4.3
191 229 264 8.2 373 447 516 4.2
193 232 267 8.1 382 458 528 4.1
196 235 271 8.0 391 470 541 4.0
198 238 274 7.9 401 482 555 3.9

201 241 278 7.8 412 494 570 3.8
203 244 281 7.7 423 508 585 3.7
206 247 285 7.6 435 522 602 3.6
209 251 289 7.5 447 537 619 3.5
212 254 293 7.4 460 553 637 3.4
214 257 297 7.3 474 569 656 3.3
217 261 301 7.2 489 587 677 3.2
221 265 305 7.1 505 606 699 3.1
224 268 309 7.0 522 626 722 3.0
227 272 314 6.9 540 648 747 2.9

230 276 318 6.8 559 671 773 2.8
234 280 323 6.7 580 696 802 2.7
237 285 328 6.6 602 723 833 2.6
241 289 333 6.5 626 752 866 2.5
245 294 338 6.4 652 783 902 2.4
249 298 344 6.3 681 817 942 2.3
253 303 349 6.2 712 854 984 2.2
257 308 355 6.1 746 895 1031 2.1
261 313 361 6.0 783 940 1083 2.0

WR–64 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-38
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
10 12 14 Design 10 12 14 Design
190 219 245 9.9 318 367 411 5.9
192 221 248 9.8 324 373 418 5.8
194 223 250 9.7 330 380 426 5.7
196 226 253 9.6 336 387 433 5.6
198 228 255 9.5 342 394 441 5.5
200 230 258 9.4 348 401 449 5.4
202 233 261 9.3 355 409 458 5.3
204 235 264 9.2 361 416 467 5.2
206 238 267 9.1 368 425 476 5.1
209 241 270 9.0 376 433 485 5.0
211 243 273 8.9 383 442 495 4.9

214 246 276 8.8 391 451 505 4.8
216 249 279 8.7 400 461 516 4.7
218 252 282 8.6 408 471 527 4.6
221 255 285 8.5 418 481 539 4.5
224 258 289 8.4 427 492 551 4.4
226 261 292 8.3 437 504 567 4.3
229 264 296 8.2 447 516 578 4.2
232 267 300 8.1 458 528 592 4.1
235 271 303 8.0 470 541 607 4.0
238 274 307 7.9 482 555 622 3.9

241 278 311 7.8 494 570 638 3.8
244 281 315 7.7 508 585 656 3.7
247 285 319 7.6 522 602 674 3.6
251 289 323 7.5 537 619 693 3.5
254 293 328 7.4 553 637 714 3.4
257 297 332 7.3 569 656 735 3.3
261 301 337 7.2 587 677 758 3.2
265 305 342 7.1 606 699 783 3.1
268 309 347 7.0 626 722 809 3.0
272 314 352 6.9 648 747 837 2.9

276 318 357 6.8 671 773 866 2.8
280 323 362 6.7 696 802 899 2.7
285 328 368 6.6 723 833 933 2.6
289 333 373 6.5 752 866 970 2.5
294 338 379 6.4 783 902 1011 2.4
298 344 385 6.3 817 942 1055 2.3
303 349 391 6.2 854 984 1103 2.2
308 355 398 6.1 895 1031 1155 2.1
313 361 404 6.0 940 1083 1213 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–65
Table WR-39
Design Factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
182 218 251 9.9 305 366 421 5.9
183 220 254 9.8 310 372 429 5.8
185 222 256 9.7 315 378 436 5.7
187 225 259 9.6 321 385 444 5.6
189 227 262 9.5 327 392 452 5.5
191 229 264 9.4 333 399 460 5.1
193 232 267 9.3 339 407 469 5.3
195 234 270 9.2 346 415 478 5.2
197 237 273 9.1 352 423 487 5.1
200 240 276 9.0 359 431 497 5.0
202 242 279 8.9 367 440 507 4.9

204 245 282 8.8 374 449 518 4.8
207 248 286 8.7 382 459 529 4.7
209 251 289 8.6 391 469 540 4.6
211 254 292 8.5 399 479 552 4.5
214 257 296 8.4 408 490 565 4.4
217 260 300 8.3 418 502 578 4.3
219 263 303 8.2 428 514 592 4.2
222 266 307 8.1 438 526 606 4.1
225 270 311 8.0 449 539 621 4.0
227 273 315 7.9 461 553 637 3.9

230 277 319 7.8 473 568 654 3.8
233 280 323 7.7 486 583 672 3.7
236 284 327 7.6 499 599 691 3.6
240 288 331 7.5 513 616 710 3.5
243 291 336 7.4 529 634 731 3.4
246 295 341 7.3 545 654 753 3.3
250 300 345 7.2 562 674 777 3.2
253 304 350 7.1 580 696 802 3.1
257 308 355 7.0 599 719 829 3.0
260 313 360 6.9 620 744 857 2.9

264 317 366 6.8 642 770 888 2.8
268 322 371 6.7 666 799 921 2.7
272 327 377 6.6 691 830 956 2.6
276 332 382 6.5 719 863 994 2.5
281 337 388 6.4 749 899 1036 2.4
285 342 395 6.3 781 938 1081 2.3
290 348 401 6.2 817 980 1130 2.2
295 354 408 6.1 856 1027 1184 2.1
300 359 414 6.0 899 1078 1243 2.0

WR–66 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-40
Design Factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
10 12 14 16 Design 10 12 14 16 Design
218 251 281 309 9.9 366 421 472 518 5.9
220 254 284 312 9.8 372 429 480 527 5.8
222 256 287 315 9.7 378 436 489 536 5.7
225 259 290 318 9.6 385 444 497 546 5.6
227 262 293 322 9.5 392 452 506 556 5.5
229 264 296 325 9.4 399 460 516 566 5.4
232 267 299 329 9.3 407 469 525 577 5.3
234 270 303 332 9.2 415 478 536 588 5.2
237 273 306 336 9.1 423 487 546 599 5.1
240 276 309 340 9.0 431 497 557 611 5.0
242 279 313 343 8.9 440 507 568 624 4.9
245 282 316 347 8.8 449 518 580 637 4.8
248 286 320 351 8.7 459 529 593 650 4.7
251 289 324 355 8.6 469 540 605 664 4.6
254 292 328 359 8.5 479 552 619 679 4.5
257 296 332 364 8.4 490 565 633 694 4.4
260 300 336 368 8.3 502 578 648 711 4.3
263 303 340 373 8.2 514 592 663 728 4.2
266 307 344 377 8.1 526 606 679 745 4.1
270 311 348 382 8.0 539 621 696 764 4.0
273 315 353 387 7.9 553 637 714 783 3.9
277 319 357 392 7.8 568 654 733 804 3.8
280 323 362 397 7.7 583 672 753 826 3.7
284 327 366 402 7.6 599 691 774 849 3.6
288 331 371 407 7.5 616 710 796 873 3.5
291 336 376 413 7.4 634 731 819 899 3.4
295 341 381 419 7.3 654 753 844 926 3.3
300 345 387 424 7.2 674 777 870 955 3.2
304 350 392 430 7.1 696 802 898 986 3.1
308 355 398 437 7.0 719 829 928 1019 3.0
313 360 404 443 6.9 744 857 960 1054 2.9
317 366 410 449 6.8 770 888 995 1091 2.8
322 371 416 456 6.7 799 921 1031 1132 2.7
327 377 422 463 6.6 830 956 1071 1175 2.6
332 382 428 470 6.5 863 994 1114 1222 2.5
337 388 435 477 6.4 899 1036 1160 1273 2.4
342 395 442 485 6.3 938 1081 1211 1329 2.3
348 401 449 493 6.2 980 1130 1266 1389 2.2
354 408 457 501 6.1 1027 1184 1326 1455 2.1
359 414 464 509 6.0 1078 1243 1392 1528 2.0

WIRE ROPE WR–67
TableWR-41
Design factors
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
12 14 16 18 Design 12 14 16 18 Design
326 374 420 463 9.9 548 628 705 778 5.9
330 378 424 468 9.8 558 639 717 792 5.8
334 382 428 473 9.7 568 650 729 805 5.7
337 386 433 478 9.6 578 662 742 819 5.6
341 390 438 483 9.5 588 674 756 834 5.5
344 394 442 488 9.4 599 686 770 850 5.4
348 398 447 493 9.3 610 699 784 866 5.3
352 403 452 499 9.2 622 713 799 882 5.2
355 407 457 504 9.1 634 727 815 900 5.1
359 412 462 510 9.0 647 741 831 918 5.0
363 416 467 516 8.9 660 756 848 936 4.9
367 421 472 521 8.8 674 772 867 956 4.8
372 426 478 527 8.7 688 788 884 976 4.7
376 431 483 534 8.6 703 806 904 997 4.6
381 436 489 540 8.5 719 823 924 1020 4.5
385 441 495 546 8.4 735 842 945 1043 4.4
390 446 501 553 8.3 752 862 967 1067 4.3
395 452 507 560 8.2 770 882 990 1092 4.2
399 457 513 566 8.1 789 904 1014 1119 4.1
404 463 520 574 8.0 809 926 1039 1147 4.0
409 469 526 581 7.9 829 950 1066 1176 3.9
415 475 533 588 7.8 851 975 1094 1207 3.8
420 481 540 596 7.7 874 1002 1123 1240 3.7
426 488 547 604 7.6 899 1029 1155 1274 3.6
431 494 554 612 7.5 924 1059 1188 1311 3.5
437 501 562 620 7.4 951 1090 1223 1349 3.4
443 508 569 629 7.3 980 1123 1260 1390 3.3
449 515 577 637 7.2 1011 1158 1299 1434 3.2
456 522 585 646 7.1 1044 1195 1341 1480 3.1
462 529 594 655 7.0 1078 1235 1386 1529 3.0
469 537 602 665 6.9 1116 1278 1433 1582 2.9
476 545 611 675 6.8 1155 1323 1485 1639 2.8
483 553 620 685 6.7 1198 1372 1540 1699 2.7
490 561 630 695 6.6 1244 1425 1599 1765 2.6
498 570 639 706 6.5 1294 1482 1663 1835 2.5
505 579 649 717 6.4 1348 1544 1732 1912 2.4
513 588 660 728 6.3 1407 1611 1807 1995 2.3
522 598 670 740 6.2 1470 1684 1889 2086 2.2
530 607 681 752 6.1 1540 1765 1979 2185 2.1
539 618 693 765 6.0 1618 1853 2078 2294 2.0

WR–68 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-42
Design factors
2 in. extra improved plow rotary line
UNION WIRE ROPE

(1,000s lb) (1,000s lb)
10 12 14 16 Design 10 12 14 16 Design
359 423 484 543 9.9 603 710 813 912 5.9
363 427 489 549 9.8 613 722 827 927 5.8
367 432 494 555 9.7 624 734 841 944 5.7
370 436 500 560 9.6 635 748 856 961 5.6
374 441 505 566 9.5 647 761 872 978 5.5
378 445 510 572 9.4 659 775 888 996 5.4
382 450 516 578 9.3 671 790 905 1015 5.3
387 455 521 585 9.2 684 805 922 1034 5.2
391 460 527 591 9.1 697 821 940 1055 5.1
395 465 533 598 9.0 711 837 959 1076 5.0
400 470 539 604 8.9 726 854 979 1098 4.9
404 476 545 611 8.8 741 872 999 1121 4.8
409 481 551 618 8.7 757 891 1020 1145 4.7
413 487 557 625 8.6 773 910 1043 1169 4.6
418 493 564 633 8.5 790 930 1066 1195 4.5
423 498 571 640 8.4 808 951 1090 1223 4.4
428 504 578 648 8.3 827 974 1115 1251 4.3
434 511 585 656 8.2 847 997 1142 1281 4.2
439 517 592 664 8.1 867 1021 1170 1312 4.1
445 523 599 672 8.0 889 1047 1199 1345 4.0
450 530 607 681 7.9 912 1073 1230 1379 3.9
456 537 615 690 7.8 936 1102 1262 1416 3.8
462 544 623 699 7.7 961 1131 1296 1454 3.7
468 551 631 708 7.6 988 1163 1332 1494 3.6
474 558 639 717 7.5 1016 1196 1370 1537 3.5
481 566 648 727 7.4 1046 1231 1410 1582 3.4
487 573 657 737 7.3 1078 1269 1453 1630 3.3
494 581 666 747 7.2 1111 1308 1499 1681 3.2
501 590 675 757 7.1 1147 1350 1547 1735 3.1
508 598 685 768 7.0 1185 1396 1599 1793 3.0
515 607 695 780 6.9 1226 1444 1654 1855 2.9
523 616 705 791 6.8 1270 1495 1713 1921 2.8
531 625 716 803 6.7 1317 1551 1776 1992 2.7
539 634 727 815 6.6 1368 1610 1844 2069 2.6
547 644 738 828 6.5 1422 1675 1918 2152 2.5
556 654 749 841 6.4 1482 1744 1998 2241 2.4
564 665 761 854 6.3 1546 1820 2085 2339 2.3
574 675 773 868 6.2 1616 1903 2180 2445 2.2
583 686 786 882 6.1 1693 1994 2284 2562 2.1
593 698 799 897 6.0 1778 2093 2398 2690 2.0
* These values were calculated using 2% sheave loss and the API Fomula. They do not include shock loads or acceleration stresses.

WIRE ROPE WR–69
Table WR-43
Ton-miles for jarring down
(Bumper jars)
Chart is for one pull*
(Pull is from zero load to pipe weight plus 5 ft stroke and back)
Drill Pipe Size (in.) and Weight (lb/ft)

Clear
2 3/8 in. 2 7/8 in. 3 1/2 in. 3 1/2 in. 4 in. 4 1/2 in. 4 1/2 in. 5 in. 5 1/2 in. 5 1/2 in. 6 5/8 in.
Length
6.650 10.400 13.300 15.500 14.000 16.600 20.000 19.500 21.900 24.700 25.200
(ft)
1,000 0.032 0.033 0.034 0.035 0.035 0.036 0.037 0.037 0.038 0.039 0.039
2,000 0.037 0.040 0.042 0.044 0.043 0.045 0.048 0.048 0.050 0.053 0.053
3,000 0.043 0.049 0.053 0.056 0.054 0.058 0.063 0.062 0.066 0.070 0.071
4,000 0.052 0.061 0.067 0.071 0.069 0.075 0.081 0.081 0.086 0.092 0.094
5,000 0.064 0.076 0.085 0.091 0.087 0.096 0.105 0.104 0.112 0.121 0.124
6,000 0.078 0.095 0.107 0.116 0.111 0.123 0.136 0.134 0.146 0.157 0.162
7,000 0.096 0.118 0.135 0.147 0.140 0.156 0.173 0.172 0.187 0.203 0.210
8,000 0.117 0.147 0.169 0.184 0.175 0.197 0.219 0.218 0.238 0.259 0.268
9,000 0.143 0.181 0.210 0.229 0.218 0.247 0.275 0.273 0.300 0.326 0.339
10,000 0.172 0.221 0.258 0.283 0.268 0.305 0.341 0.339 0.373 0.407 0.424
11,000 0.206 0.267 0.315 0.345 0.327 0.374 0.419 0.416 0.459 0.502 0.523
12,000 0.245 0.321 0.380 0.417 0.395 0.454 0.509 0.505 0.560 0.612 0.639
13,000 0.289 0.382 0.455 0.501 0.473 0.545 0.612 0.609 0.675 0.739 0.773
14,000 0.339 0.452 0.540 0.595 0.561 0.649 0.731 0.726 0.807 0.885 0.926
15,000 0.395 0.530 0.635 0.702 0.662 0.767 0.864 0.859 0.956 1.050 1.100
16,000 0.458 0.618 0.743 0.822 0.774 0.900 1.020 1.010 1.120 1.240 1.290
17,000 0.526 0.715 0.863 0.956 0.898 1.050 1.180 1.180 1.310 1.440 1.510
18,000 0.602 0.823 0.995 1.100 1.040 1.210 1.370 1.360 1.520 1.670 1.760
19,000 0.685 0.941 1.140 1.270 1.190 1.390 1.580 1.570 1.750 1.930 2.030
20,000 0.776 1.070 1.300 1.450 1.360 1.590 1.800 1.790 2.010 2.210 2.320
21,000 0.875 1.210 1.480 1.640 1.540 1.810 2.050 2.040 2.290 2.520 2.650
22,000 0.982 1.370 1.670 1.860 1.750 2.050 2.330 2.310 2.590 2.860 3.010
23,000 1.100 1.540 1.880 2.090 1.960 2.310 2.620 2.610 2.920 3.230 3.390
24,000 1.220 1.720 2.100 2.350 2.200 2.590 2.940 2.920 3.280 3.630 3.810
25,000 1.360 1.910 2.350 2.620 2.450 2.890 3.290 3.270 3.670 4.060 4.270
26,000 1.500 2.120 2.610 2.910 2.730 3.220 3.660 3.640 4.090 4.520 4.760
27,000 1.660 2.350 2.890 3.230 3.020 3.570 4.060 4.040 4.540 5.020 5.290
28,000 1.820 2.590 3.190 3.570 3.340 3.940 4.500 4.470 5.030 5.560 5.850
29,000 2.000 2.840 3.510 3.930 3.680 4.340 4.960 4.930 5.540 6.130 6.460
30,000 2.180 3.120 3.850 4.310 4.040 4.770 5.450 5.410 6.100 6.750 7.110
"* Example 1: If approximately 25 pulls are made on 12,000 ft of clear 5 in. (19.5 lb) pipe, the ton-miles accumulated are:
0.505×25 = 13 ton-miles.
"* Example 2: If approximately 100 pulls are made on 20,000 ft of clear 4 1/2 in. (16.6 lb) pipe, the ton-miles accumulated are:
1.59×100 = 159 ton-miles.

WR–70 WIRE ROPE
Table WR-44
Ton-miles for jarring down
(Bumper jars)
(Pull is from 20,000 lb under pipe weight to 70,000 lb over pipe weight and back) plus 5 ft stroke and back)
Drill Pipe Size (in.) and Weight (lb/ft)

Clear
2 3/8 in. 2 7/8 in. 3 1/2 in. 3 1/2 in. 4 in. 4 1/2 in. 4 1/2 in. 5 in. 5 1/2 in. 5 1/2 in. 6 in.
Length
6.650 10.400 13.300 15.500 14.000 16.600 20.000 19.500 21.900 24.700 25.200
(ft)
1,000 0.034 0.023 0.019 0.016 0.018 0.016 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.012 0.012
2,000 0.074 0.052 0.044 0.039 0.043 0.039 0.033 0.034 0.033 0.030 0.031
3,000 0.121 0.088 0.076 0.068 0.074 0.068 0.059 0.061 0.059 0.055 0.056
4,000 0.174 0.130 0.144 0.103 0.111 0.104 0.092 0.095 0.091 0.086 0.089
5,000 0.233 0.179 0.158 0.145 0.155 0.146 0.131 0.135 0.131 0.124 0.128
6,000 0.298 0.234 0.209 0.192 0.205 0.195 0.176 0.181 0.176 0.168 0.173
7,000 0.370 0.295 0.267 0.247 0.262 0.251 0.228 0.234 0.229 0.219 0.226
8,000 0.448 0.363 0.331 0.307 0.325 0.313 0.286 0.293 0.288 0.277 0.285
9,000 0.533 0.437 0.401 0.374 0.395 0.382 0.350 0.359 0.353 0.341 0.351
10,000 0.623 0.518 0.478 0.447 0.471 0.457 0.421 0.431 0.425 0.411 0.424
11,000 0.721 0.604 0.561 0.526 0.554 0.539 0.498 0.510 0.504 0.488 0.504
12,000 0.824 0.698 0.650 0.612 0.642 0.628 0.581 0.595 0.589 0.571 0.590
13,000 0.934 0.797 0.746 0.704 0.738 0.723 0.671 0.686 0.681 0.661 0.683
14,000 1.050 0.903 0.848 0.802 0.840 0.825 0.767 0.784 0.780 0.758 0.783
15,000 1.170 1.020 0.957 0.906 0.948 0.933 0.870 0.889 0.885 0.861 0.889
16,000 1.300 1.130 1.070 1.020 1.060 1.050 0.978 1.000 0.996 0.970 1.000
17,000 1.440 1.260 1.190 1.130 1.180 1.170 1.090 1.120 1.110 1.090 1.120
18,000 1.580 1.390 1.320 1.260 1.310 1.300 1.220 1.240 1.240 1.210 1.250
19,000 1.720 1.530 1.460 1.390 1.450 1.430 1.340 1.370 1.370 1.340 1.380
20,000 1.880 1.670 1.600 1.520 1.590 1.570 1.480 1.510 1.510 1.470 1.520
21,000 2.040 1.820 1.740 1.670 1.730 1.720 1.620 1.650 1.650 1.620 1.670
22,000 2.210 1.980 1.900 1.810 1.890 1.880 1.770 1.800 1.800 1.760 1.820
23,000 2.380 2.140 2.060 1.970 2.050 2.040 1.920 1.960 1.960 1.920 1.980
24,000 2.560 2.310 2.230 2.130 2.210 2.200 2.080 2.120 2.120 2.080 2.150
25,000 2.740 2.490 2.400 2.300 2.390 2.380 2.240 2.290 2.300 2.250 2.330
26,000 2.940 2.670 2.580 2.470 2.560 2.560 2.420 2.470 2.470 2.420 2.510
27,000 3.130 2.860 2.760 2.650 2.750 2.750 2.600 2.650 2.660 2.600 2.690
28,000 3.340 3.060 2.960 2.840 2.940 2.940 2.780 2.840 2.850 2.790 2.890
29,000 3.550 3.260 3.150 3.030 3.140 3.140 2.970 3.030 3.040 2.990 3.090
30,000 3.770 3.470 3.360 3.230 3.350 3.350 3.170 3.320 3.250 3.190 3.300
* Example 1: If approximately 25 pulls are made on 12,000 ft of clear 5 in. (19.5 lb) pipe, the ton-miles accumulated are:
0.595×25 = 15 ton-miles.
* Example 2: If approximately 100 pulls are made on 20,000 ft of clear 4 1/2 in. (16.6 lb) pipe, the ton-miles accumulated are:
1.57×100 = 157 ton-miles.

WIRE ROPE WR–71
Table WR-45
Ton-miles for working casing
(Based on 30 travel)
(Pull is from 20,000 lb under pipe weight to 70,000 lb over pipe weight and back)
Number Weight Indicator Reading (1,000 of lb)

of Cycles 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
10 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
20 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
30 18 36 54 72 90 108 126 144
40 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
50 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240
60 36 72 108 144 180 216 252 288
70 42 84 126 168 210 252 294 336
80 48 96 144 192 240 288 336 384
90 54 108 162 216 70 324 378 432
100 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480
*30 ft travel means 30 ft up and 30 ft down (this is one cycle)
Table WR-46
Approximate traveling block assembly weights
(hook, block, elevator, and links)
Weight-Pounds Capacity-Tons
6,300 100
7,400 150
12,900 250
16,700 350
26,500 500
34,000 650
46,000 750

WIRE ROPE, Index WR–73
Table WR-47
Drill Collar Weights Pounds Per Foot
(Pull is from zero load to pipe weight pluse 5 ft stroke and back)
Bore of collar
Collar
1 1/2 1 3/4 2 2 1/4 2 1/2 2 13/16 3 3 1/4 3 1/2 3 3/4 4
O.D.
3 3/8 24.4 22.2
3 1/2 26.7 24.5
3 3/4 31.5 29.3
3 7/8 34 31.9 29.4 26.5
4 36.7 34.5 32 29.2
4 1/8 39.4 37.2 34.7 31.9
4 1/4 42.2 40 37.5 34.7
4 1/2 48 45.8 43.3 40.5
4 3/4 60.1 52 49.5 46.7 43.5
5 54.2 58.5 55.9 53.1 49.9
5 1/4 67.5 65.3 62.8 59.9 56.8 53.3
5 1/2 74.7 72.5 69.9 67.2 63.9 60.5 56.7
5 3/4 82.1 79.9 77.5 74.6 71.5 67.9 64.1
6 89.9 87.8 85.3 82.5 79.3 75.8 71.9 67.8 63.3
6 1/4 98.1 95.9 93.5 90.6 87.5 83.9 80.1 75.9 71.5
6 1/2 106.6 104.5 101.9 99.1 95.9 92.5 88.6 84.5 79.9
6 3/4 115.5 113.3 110.8 107.9 104.8 101.3 97.5 93.3 88.8
7 124.6 122.5 119.9 117.1 113.9 110.5 106.6 102.5 97.9 93.1 87.9
7 1/4 134.1 131.9 129.5 126.6 123.5 119.9 116.1 111.9 107.5 102.6 97.5
7 1/2 143.9 141.7 139.3 136.5 133.3 129.8 125.9 121.8 117.3 112.5 107.3
7 3/4 154.1 151.9 149.5 146.6 143.5 139.9 136.1 131.9 127.5 122.6 117.5
8 164.6 162.5 159.9 157.1 153.9 150.5 146.6 142.5 137.9 133.1 127.9
8 1/4 175.4 173.3 170.8 167.9 164.8 161.3 157.5 153.3 148.8 143.9 138.8
8 1/2 186.6 184.4 181.9 179.1 175.9 168.6 172.5 164.5 159.9 155.1 149.9
8 3/4 198.1 195.9 193.9 190.6 187.4 183.9 180.1 175.9 171.4 166.6 161.5
9 207.8 205.3 202.4 199.3 195.8 191.9 187.8 183.3 178.5 173.3
9 1/2 232.4 229.9 227.1 223.9 220.4 216.6 212.4 207.9 203.1 197.9
10 255.9 253.1 249.9 246.4 242.6 238.4 233.9 229.1 223.9
10 1/2 283.3 280.4 277.3 273.8 269.9 265.8 261.3 256.4 251.3
11 305.9 302.4 298.6 294.4 289.9 285.1 279.9

WIRE ROPE WR–A1
Appendix
Ton-mile formulas
The locking assembly must facilitate several requirements
in order for the remainder of the assembly to effectively drill 1. Drill ahead length of the kelly.
with casing. The assembly must allow: 2. Pull up length of the kelly.
3. Ream ahead length of the kelly.
The ton-mile tables in this manual are designated to include
4. Pull up length of the kelly to add single or double.
the most common operating situations; however, they are
5. Put kelly in rat hole.
not exhaustive. Variations in pipe weight (drill pipe, tubing,
etc.), excess weight, and fluid weight (mud, gas, air, foam, 6. Pick up single or double.
etc.) make an exhaustive set of ton-mile tables impractical 7. Lower drill stem in hole.
for this manual. Where the ton-mile tables can not be used, 8. Pick up kelly.
the following ton-mile formula (from which the tables are
Analysis of the cycle of operations shows that for any one
derived) may be applied.
hole, the sum of all operations 1 and 2 is equal to one round
trip; the sum of all operations 3 and 4 is equal to another round
A. Round-trip operations
trip; the sum of all operations 7 is equal to one-half a round
Most of the work done by a drilling line is that performed trip; and the sum of all operations 5, 6, and 8 may, and in this
in making round trips (or half-trips) involving running the case does, equal another one-half round trip, thereby making
string of drill pipe into the hole and pulling the string out the work of drilling the hole equivalent to three round trips
of the hole. The amount of work performed per round to bottom, which relationship can be expressed as follows:
trip can be determined by use of the following formula: Td = 3 (T2−T 1 ) (4.2)
D (Ls + D) Wm + D (M + 1/2 C) (4.1)
Tr = Wherein:
10,560,000 2,640,000
Td = ton-miles drilling
Wherein:
T 1 = ton-miles for one round trip at depth D1 (depth
Tr = ton-miles (weight in tons times distance
where drilling started after going in hole, ft)
moved
in miles) T2 = ton-miles for one round trip at depth D2 (depth
where drilling stopped before coming out of hole,
D = depth of hole, ft
ft)
Ls = length of drill-pipe stand, ft
If operations 3 and 4 are omitted, then formula 4.2
N = number of stands of drill-pipe becomes:
Wm = effective weight per foot of drill-pipe, lb Td = 2 (T2−T 1 )
M = total weight of traveling block-elevator If a top-drive is used, then formula 4.2 becomes
assembly, lb
Td = (T2−T 1 )
C = effective weight of drill-collar assembly minus
If reaming is to be done while using a top drive, then
the effective weight of the same length of
formula
drill-pipe, lb
4.2 becomes
B. Drilling operations Td = 2 (T2−T 1 )
The ton-miles of work performed in drilling operations is

C. Coring operations
expressed in terms of work performed in making round
trips, since there is a direct relationship as illustrated in The ton-miles of work performed in coring operations,
the following cycle of drilling operation. as for drilling operations, is expressed in terms of work
performed in making round trips, since there is a direct
relationship that is illustrated in the following cycle of
coring operations.

WR-A2 WIRE ROPE
1. Core ahead length of core barrel. Since no excess weight for drill collars need be considered,
2. Pull up length of kelly. this formula becomes:
3. Put kelly in rat hole.
4. Pick up single.
5. Lower drill stem in hole. D (Lcs + D) (Wcm) DM
Ts = + × 1/2 (4.4)
6. Pick up kelly.
10,560,000 2,640,000
Analysis of the cycle of operation shows that for any one
hole the sum of all operations 1 and 2 is equal to one Wherein:
round trip; the sum of all operations 5 is equal to one-
Ts = ton-miles setting casing, ft
half a round trip; and the sum of all operations 3, 4, and 6
may, and in this case does, equal another one-half round Lcs = length of joint of casing, ft
trip, thereby making the work of drilling the hole equiva-
Wcm = effective weight per foot of easing, lb’
lent to two round trips to bottom, which relationship can
be expressed as follows: May be estimated from data given on Table WR-11 for drill
pipe or calculated as follows:
Tc = 2 (T4−T 3 ) (4.3)
Wherein: W = W ( 1 − 0.015B)
Tc = ton-miles coring Wherein:

T3 = ton-miles for one round trip at depth D3
W = weight per foot of casing in air, lb
(depth where coring started after going
in hole, ft) B = weight of drilling fluid, lb/gal from Table WR-11
T4 = ton-miles for one round trip at depth D4 or Table WR-12
(depth where coring stopped before coming
out of hole, ft) E. Short trip operations
NOTE: Extended coring operations are ordinarily not The ton-miles of work performed in short trip
encountered. operations, as for drilling and coring operations is also
expressed in terms of round trips. Analysis shows
D. Setting casing operations that the ton-miles of work done in making a short trip
is equal to the difference in round trip ton-miles for
The calculation of the ton-miles for the operation of set-
the two depths in question. This can be expressed as
ting casing should be determined as in Paragraph 1, as
follows:
for drill pipe, but with the effective weight of the casing
being used, and with the result being multiplied by one- T = T5 − T6
half, since setting casing is a onewa (1/2 round-trip) op-
eration. Ton-miles for setting casing can be determined Wherein:
from the following formula: T = ton-miles for short trip

(shallower depth)
D (Lcs + D) (Wcm) D (M + 1/2 C)
Ts = + × 1/2 (4.4)
10,560,000 2,640,000
(deeper depth)

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IADC Drilling Manual 12th Edition

IADC Drilling Manual • Copyright © 2015

Make your IADC

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

This is a chapter of the IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition.

Copyright © 2015 International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Houston, Texas.

International Association of Drilling Contractors

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

WIRE ROPE Contents

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Sizes and constructions diameter

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Table WR-2: The number of strands and number of

Correct 6×36 6 27 through 49

Wire rope differs in the number of strands and the number

Within each classification there are specific rope construc-

Characteristics, such as fatigue resistance and resistance to

Rope Steel wire ropes Steel wire ropes

d < 3/16 0 8 0 9 Filler wire

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Figure WR-4: Filler wire has two layers of the

Preforming improves fatigue resistance, ease of handling, and

The superior qualities of preformed ropes result from wires

Figure WR-8: Right lay, regular lay.

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Figure WR-10: Right lay, lang lay.

Figure WR-12: Examples of rope cores (from top)—fiber core (FC);

Table WR-3: Lay designations.

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

c. Using “Carew” cullers, the twist should be tightened

Correct method of attaching clips to wire rope.

Incorrect methods of attaching clips to wire rope.

Socketing of wire rope

Attachment of wire rope clips to wire rope

B. How to apply clips

1. Turn back the specified amount of rope from the thimble.

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

2. Apply the next clip as near the loop as possible. Turn on 5. U

3. Space additional clips, if required, equally between the

A termination made in accordance with the above instruc-

nominal strength of wire rope. If a pulley is used in place of F E D C B A

Ladder Side of Derrick

wire type construction in the 6×19 class is to be used for

The number of clips shown also applies to right regular lay

For other classes of wire rope not mentioned above, it may

IMPORTANT : Failure to make a termination in accordance

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No. of Sheaves Type No.

1 7 6 Lft Hand 12 Crn Blk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

3 7 6 Lft Hand 10 Crn Blk 1 2 3 5 6 7

The fast line load can be calculated by the following formula:

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8. Experience of crew: Affects wire line life in the manner

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Table WR-10 (continued on page WR-17)

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c. Using “Carew” cullers, the twist should be tightened

1. Turn back the specified amount of rope from the thimble.

2. Apply the next clip as near the loop as possible. Turn on 5. U

3. Space additional clips, if required, equally between the

8. Experience of crew: Affects wire line life in the manner

D. Ton-mile calculations—drilling ton-miles for top drive