Used to skip the daily wire rope inspection... until a snapped cable nearly killed my helper

For years I'd just do a quick visual glance at the hoist cable, maybe once a week. Then 8 months ago on a job near the port in Savannah, a strand broke mid-lift with a 12-ton load swinging. My tagline guy was right underneath when it popped - luckily he dove clear. Now I run my hand along the whole length every morning before I even fire up the engine. Any of you guys had a close call that made you change your routine for good?

2 comments

2 Comments

allen.cole3d ago

Man, that diesel rag trick is gold (I need to remember that one). Had a similar scare myself a few months back on a bridge job outside Charleston - a broken strand caught my forearm while I was wrapping up for the day. Left a nasty gash and made me realize how stupid I was being. Now every morning I spend a solid five minutes running my palm over the whole cable, especially where it wraps around the drum. It's one of those things where you think you're saving time by skipping it, but really you're just gambling with someone's life.

alices163d ago

You ever have that moment where you look back and think 'man, I was an idiot'? I had a similar wakeup call a few years back in a warehouse, a wire frayed just enough to catch my glove while I was guiding a load. Didn't get hurt bad, but it ripped my thumb open and scared the hell out of me. Now I do a full rub-down inspection every morning too, especially around the crush points where the cable meets the drum. The little broken wires feel like tiny needles, and if you catch them early you can replace the cable before it snaps. Also, a good trick I learned is to keep a rag soaked in diesel fuel on hand to wipe the cable down first, it makes those broken strands stand out way better. It's a five minute job that could save a lot of pain, for real.