Figure 4-10. - Drum windings diagram for selecting the proper lay of rope.

Carefully study figure 4-10, which shows drum-winding diagrams selecting the proper lay of rope. When putting wire rope onto a drum, you should have no trouble if you know the methods of overwinding and underwinding shown in the illustration. When wire rope is run off one reel onto another, or onto a winch or drum, it should be run from top to top or from bottom to bottom, as shown in figure 4-11.

Kinks

If a wire rope should forma loop, never try to pull it out by putting strain on either part. As soon as a loop is noticed, uncross the ends by pushing them apart. (See steps 1 and 2 in figure 4-12.) This reverses the process that started the loop. Now, turn the bent portion over and place it on your knee or some firm object and push downward until the loop straightens out somewhat. (See step 3 in figure 4-12.) Then, lay the bent portion on a flat surface and pound it smooth with a wooden mallet. (See step 4 in figure 4-12.)

If a heavy strain has been put on a wire rope with a kink in it, the rope can no longer be trusted. Replace the wire rope altogether.

Figure 4-11. - Transferring wire from reel to drum.