Which type of wire rope is the most commonly used?

The most commonly used type of wire rope is the right regular lay. This type of wire rope is characterized by the direction in which the wires are laid in relation to the core. In right regular lay rope, the wires are twisted in a direction that is consistent with the right-hand twist, which helps reduce the tendency of the rope to rotate when under load. This feature is particularly important in lifting and rigging applications, where excessive rotation can lead to unpredictable behavior and possibly hazardous conditions.

Additionally, right regular lay wire ropes have a good balance of strength and flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly in crane operations where movement and load-bearing capabilities are essential. Their use is prevalent because they can handle dynamic loads well, providing steady performance over time.

In contrast, other types, such as left regular lay or right lang lay, may be utilized in specific contexts but do not have the same widespread application as right regular lay due to varying performance characteristics or specific design features not required in most general usage scenarios. Similarly, rotation resistant ropes are typically used when there is a risk of rotation, but they are less common in situations where the standard right regular lay is sufficient and effective.