Figure 4-6. - Whipping a line.

Figure 4-7. - Cutting a line between whipping.

Inspecting Line

The exterior appearance of fiber line is not always a good indication of its internal condition. Line softens with use, and dampness, heavy loads, fraying, breaking or broken strands, and dragging over rough surfaces all contribute to line weakening and failure. Also, overloading a line can cause it to part and heavy damage to material, equipment, and serious injury to personnel can result. For these reasons, line should be inspected carefully at regular intervals to determine whether it is safe for use.

The interior of a line can be checked by untwisting the strands slightly. Line that is mildewed gives off a musty odor. Broken strands or yams usually can be spotted immediately by a trained observer. You will want to look carefully to ensure there is no dirt or sawdust-like material inside the line. The presence of dirt or other foreign matter indicates possible damage to the internal structure of the line. In line having a central core, the core should not break away in small pieces upon examination. If this occurs, it indicates that the line has been overloaded. Additionally, a decrease in line circumference is usually a sure sign that an excessive strain has been applied to the line.

For a thorough inspection, a line should be examined at several places. After all, only one weak spot - anywhere in the line-makes the entire line weak. As a final check if the line appears to be satisfactory in all aspects, pull out a couple of fibers from the line and try to break them. Sound fibers show a strong resistance to breakage.

If an inspection discloses any unsatisfactory conditions in a line, destroy it or cut it into small pieces as soon as possible. This precaution will prevent the possibility of the defective line being used for hoisting purposes, but save the small pieces for miscellaneous uses on the jobsite.

As with manila, nylon line is measured by circumference. Nylon, as manila, usually comes on a reel of 600 to 1,200 feet, depending upon the size.

Storing Line

When fiber line is to be stored, certain precautions must be taken to safeguard the line against deterioration. A line should never be stored when wet. Always dry the line well before placing it in storage.

After being used, a line should be coiled down in a clockwise direction (assuming it is a right-hand lay). Should the line be kinked from excessive turns, remove them by the procedure known as "thorough footing." This is accomplished by coiling the line down counterclockwise and then pulling the bottom end of the coil up and out the middle of the coil. If the line is free of kinks as it leaves the coil, make it up in the correct manner. If the line is still kinked, repeat the process before making up the line for storage.

Where you store line deserves careful considera- tion. Line deteriorates rapidly if exposed to prolonged dampness; therefore, it is important that the storage area is dry, unheated, and well-ventilated. To permit proper air circulation, place the line in loose coils on a wood grating platform about 6 inches ( 15 cm) above the floor. You can also hang the line in loose coils on a wooden peg. Avoid continuous exposure of line to sunlight because excessive sunlight can damage the