Sep 12, 2026News & Insights
How to Install Elevator Wire Rope Correctly
Correct installation is the first step to long wire rope service life
Correct installation is the first step to long wire rope service life. Improper uncoiling can introduce kinks, twists, or surface damage before the rope is even put into service.
Unreeling from a wooden or iron reel (recommended)
Insert a shaft of sufficient strength through the centre hole of the reel. Place the reel on a supporting stand that allows it to rotate freely, and use a braking device to prevent over-spinning during installation. Pull the rope steadily in a straight line as the reel rotates.
Uncoiling from a coil
Lay the coil flat on the ground and roll it along a straight line to unwind. Never pull a rope directly from a stationary coil — this will create loops and twists.
In both cases, follow these basic rules:
- Never drag the rope on the ground — this introduces abrasive particles.
- Keep the rope clean from dust, sand, gravel, rain, or any other contaminants.
- Do not allow the rope to form sharp bends or knots during handling.
Starting with a proper installation helps maintain the rope’s original geometry, protects the lubricated core, and reduces initial wear on sheave grooves. A few minutes of careful handling at this stage can add months to service life.
Why Handling Matters So Much
Elevator wire rope is engineered for a long service life under millions of small load cycles over sheaves. Kinks, twists and grit introduced during installation permanently change how the rope sits in the grooves and how the load is shared between ropes - damage that no later maintenance can undo.
After Installation
Once the ropes are fitted, check that tension is shared evenly across the ropes in the set, and re-check after the first period of service. Uneven tension wears sheave grooves unevenly and shortens the life of the whole set.
Our Elevator Rope Range
We supply elevator steel wire rope 8x19S+IWRC and related structures for low-rise to super-high-rise installations - see our selection guide for how speed and building height affect the choice of rope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I not pull the rope straight out of a stationary coil?
Pulling from a stationary coil puts twists and kinks into the rope before it is ever loaded. Roll the coil along the ground instead, or reel it off a supported shaft as described above.
What is the biggest installation mistake?
Dragging the rope over the ground - it picks up abrasive particles that end up in the sheave grooves and in the rope's core. Sharp bends and knots during handling cause similar permanent damage.
How do I choose the right rope structure for my elevator?
Structure depends on speed and lifting height - see our elevator wire rope selection guide for the recommended structures by application group.