18×7 (6-1)+WSC Wire Rope: A Guide to Rotation-Resistant Steel Rope

18×7 (6-1)+WSC Wire Rope: In industries where precision, safety, and strength are non-negotiable—such as construction, oil and gas, logistics, marine, and mining—the right choice of lifting and hoisting equipment is vital. Among the wide array of steel ropes available in the market, rotation-resistant wire ropes hold a critical role in preventing load spin, ensuring safety, and increasing efficiency during overhead lifting.

At SSTC (Safe and Secure Trading Company), based in Saudi Arabia, we pride ourselves on providing certified, premium-quality rigging solutions tailored to meet the growing demands of national and regional heavy industries. One standout product in our catalog is the 18×7 (6-1)+WSC wire rope, a trusted solution for rotation resistance in vertical lifting applications.

This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the construction, mechanics, benefits, applications, and best practices for using this unique wire rope configuration.

What is 18×7 (6-1)+WSC Wire Rope?

Let’s decode the nomenclature:

• 18×7: This denotes a wire rope made up of 18 strands, each containing 7 wires. However, this structure actually consists of two layers: an inner layer of 6 strands twisted around a core, and an outer layer of 12 strands twisted in the opposite direction.
• (6-1): Refers to the inner layer of 6 strands wrapped around one central strand.
• WSC (Wire Strand Core): The core of this rope is made from a wire strand, providing strength, flexibility, and load distribution.

Combined, this design provides counteracting torque between the inner and outer layers, making the rope rotation-resistant.

Why Rotation Resistance Matters

When lifting a load with a regular wire rope, torsional forces can cause the rope to twist or spin, which can:

• Damage the load
• Cause misalignment
• Increase wear on crane or hoist mechanisms
• Pose safety risks to nearby workers

Read Also: The Mechanics Behind 1-Leg Wire Rope Slings with Open Spelter and Open End

The 18×7 rotation-resistant rope is designed to minimize spinning by balancing the torque between layers, providing stable and controlled lifting, especially in single-part vertical lifts such as tower cranes or drilling rigs.

Construction Features of 18×7 (6-1)+WSC Wire Rope

Component	Description
Inner Layer	6 strands twisted in one direction around a center strand
Outer Layer	12 strands twisted in the opposite direction for torque balancing
Core	Wire Strand Core (WSC) for structural integrity and strength
Material Options	Galvanized Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel (304/316), Bright Steel
Lubrication	Factory-lubricated for corrosion resistance and reduced internal friction
Coating Options	Zinc Coated (Galvanized), Polypropylene Coated (if required for harsh use)

This construction provides a fine balance between flexibility, strength, and resistance to rotation, making it ideal for safety-critical applications.

Key Benefits of 18×7 (6-1)+WSC Wire Rope

1. Superior Rotation Resistance

The opposite lay construction of the inner and outer layers makes this rope highly resistant to twisting during vertical lifts.

2. High Load Handling

Built with high tensile wires, 18×7 wire ropes deliver excellent load-bearing capacity, suitable for demanding lifting environments like offshore platforms and heavy crane operations.

3. Excellent Flexibility

Compared to traditional rotation-resistant ropes like 19×7 or 35×7, 18×7 strikes a good balance between flexibility and strength, easing handling and installation.

4. Cost-Effective Solution

For most lifting operations that require rotation control without ultra-complex rigging systems, 18×7 WSC rope is a more economical alternative to specialty ropes with fiber cores or plastic-coated cores.

5. Corrosion Resistance

SSTC offers galvanized and stainless steel versions for applications where exposure to seawater, chemicals, or extreme weather is a concern—like Saudi Arabia’s coastal and desert environments.

Applications Across Saudi Arabia’s Industries

Construction and Crane Lifting

Used extensively in tower cranes, overhead cranes, and mobile cranes operating in Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM construction sites. Ideal for high-rise lifts where spin control is essential.

Oil and Gas Sector

18×7 ropes are widely used on rig floors, derricks, and hoisting equipment in ARAMCO rigs and SABIC petrochemical plants across Dammam, Jubail, and Ras Tanura.

Maritime and Ports

Essential for winching and load handling at major Saudi ports like Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port. Rotation resistance ensures secure container and cargo movement.

Mining and Heavy Equipment

Utilized in shaft hoisting and dragline operations, especially in phosphate and bauxite mining zones near Al Jalamid and Ma’aden projects.

Utilities and Wind/Solar Projects

Used in turbine erection and blade lifting, where vertical, stable, and twist-free hoisting is vital to prevent equipment damage.

Typical Technical Specifications (as supplied by SSTC)

Specifications:

• Good Abrasion Resistance
• High Flexibility
• Specially Lubricated
• Good Rotation Resistance

Normal Diameter	Approximate Mass	Minimum Breaking Force
		1770	1960
mm	Kg/100m	kN	kN
8	26.7	37.2	41.1
9	33.9	47	52.1
10	41.5	58.1	64.3
11	50.1	70.2	77.8
12	59.4	83.6	92.6
13	70.4	98.1	109
14	81.3	114	126
16	107	149	165
18	134	188	208
19	151	210	232
20	165	232	257
22	201	281	311
24	239	334	370
26	281.	392	435
28	325	455	504
32	429	594	658
36	541	752	833
38	604	838	928
40	670	929	1029

Best Practices for Use

To ensure safety and maximize the rope’s life cycle:

Installation Tips

• Always rotate the drum properly to avoid reverse lay twisting.
• Use swivel hooks to further reduce torque buildup.
• Avoid excessive bending—respect the minimum sheave diameter ratio (typically D:d ≥ 30:1 for 18×7).

Inspection and Maintenance

• Perform regular checks for broken wires, kinks, corrosion, and flattening.
• Apply lubricant periodically if not factory-sealed.
• Replace the rope if broken wires exceed recommended limits (e.g., 10 wires in 1 lay length per ISO 4309).

Why Choose SSTC in Saudi Arabia?

Local Expertise, Global Standards

We understand the unique environmental and operational challenges in Saudi Arabia—from harsh desert climates to humid coastal zones.

Custom Solutions

SSTC offers cut-to-length, pre-fitted terminations, swivel end fittings, and special coatings upon request.

Certifications and Compliance

All products meet or exceed SASO, ISO, EN, and ARAMCO specs.

Nationwide Delivery

We serve clients across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Khobar, Jubail, Tabuk, and NEOM, ensuring fast turnaround and reliable support.

Client Industries

Our clients include SABIC, ARAMCO, SEC, MA ‘Aden, Red Sea Global, and NEOM contractors.

A Word on Responsibility

At SSTC, we believe in lifting responsibly. Every rotation-resistant rope we supply is backed by:

• Rigorous in-house testing
• Strict quality control
• Technical documentation for traceability
• End-user training and support

We are committed to worker safety, environmental sustainability, and project reliability—cornerstones of our industrial mission.

Conclusion

The 18×7 (6-1)+WSC wire rope is more than just a rope—it’s a lifeline for safe, efficient, and precise lifting operations across Saudi Arabia’s vital industries. From ARAMCO oil rigs to the mega-projects of NEOM, SSTC proudly delivers rotation-resistant wire ropes that meet the highest international and local standards.

Choose SSTC for engineered performance, long-term value, and total lifting peace of mind.

SSTC – Safe. Strong. Trusted.