Towing & Ship-Assist · Wire Rope Care
A wire towing hawser should be periodically 'end-for-ended' or have wear monitored because the greatest wear typically occurs:
- AIn the middle of the wire only
- BAt the same points that repeatedly bear on the chock, drum lagging, and fairlead✓ Correct
- COnly when the wire is new
- DNowhere — wire does not wear
Explanation
Wear concentrates where the wire repeatedly bends and bears — at the chock, fairleads, and the wraps that sit at the drum's flange. Renewing wear points (or end-for-ending) and watching for broken wires, kinks, and birdcaging prevents a parted tow.
Authority: Towing seamanship; wire rope
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