What are the two types of lay for wire rope?

The two types of lay for wire rope are regular lay and lang lay. Regular lay wire rope consists of wires that are twisted in one direction while the strands are twisted in the opposite direction. This construction gives the rope good flexibility and resistance to crushing when wrapped around drums. Lang lay, on the other hand, has the wires laid in the same direction as the strands. This configuration allows for a more compact rope, which tends to have greater strength and is typically used in applications where weight and diameter are critical factors.

Understanding the difference between these two types of lays is important in applications involving lifting and rigging, as each lay type offers distinct performance characteristics. Regular lay is more commonly used due to its versatility, while lang lay is selected for specific applications where increased strength and reduced wear are required.