What is the best type of stainless steel wire rope?

Make sure you use a high standard of 316 stainless steel wire rope as not all 316 wire rope is made equal. There are different ways it can be made, some manufacturing techniques will result in excellent performance and some will not.  

So what works? Well it is impossible to tell by looking at the wire but certain production techniques can significantly reduce the ability of the stainless wire to resist tea-staining, these include:

• Iron contamination on the stainless steel from factory tooling also used to make galvanized steel wire rope.
• A dull/rough finish which will corrode more easily.

Over-drawing (stretching) the wire in production can reduce the stainless steel’s corrosion resistance.

Which wire rope should I use?

• 1 x 19 wire rope is rigid and suitable for straight lines such as horizontal wire balustrades.
• 7 x 7 wire rope is flexible and good for going round bends, such as around fittings on vertical wire balustrades.
• 7 x 19 wire rope is the most flexible and ideal for going through blocks and pulleys.

How do I stop my wire rope balustrade from rusting?

Lanotec is a natural Lanolin product which does a great job of protecting Stainless from corrosion and is great for wiping on Stainless Steel Wire to protect it. This in combination with a regular Cleaning and Maintenance Program will ensure the Stainless Steel Wire maintains its good looks. If any discoloration or Tea-staining does occur then Action Gel, which is a phosphoric acid based gel, can be used to to bring back the good looks of the Stainless Steel Wire.

Even 316 grade Stainless Steel, which is by its very nature considered ‘marine grade’, will corrode and tea-stain (stainless steel rust) if not looked after. As Wire has a lot of crevices between the wire strands, it is more susceptible to trap salt and dirt and kick start the corrosion.