For an ACCURATE wire rope diameter measurement to determine if you should retire the wire rope, use a machinist’s caliper or micrometer. To properly use a caliper to assure accurate measurement:
- Note the wire rope diameter, a circumscribed circle that encloses all of the wire rope strands.
- Measure the diameter at the widest points, from the top of one strand to the top of the directly opposite strand. (Measuring two strands side by side will give an inaccurate diameter reading.)