Resources
Breaking strengths, construction and material guidance, and handling notes — everything you need to spec the right reel with confidence.
Breaking-strength & spec chart
7×7 vs. 7×19
7×7 — 7 strands of 7 wires. Semi-flexible and abrasion-resistant; a good all-rounder for railing, light rigging and small winch lines. We stock it in 3/32".
7×19 — 7 strands of 19 wires. More flexible and fatigue-resistant over sheaves and pulleys; our workhorse for 1/8" through 1/4".
Galvanized vs. 316 stainless
Galvanized — zinc-coated carbon steel. Best value, strong, good outdoor corrosion resistance for most land-based work.
316 stainless — marine-grade alloy that resists salt, chlorides and washdown chemicals. The right call for docks, boats and coastal or corrosive environments.
Working loads & design factors
Published breaking strength is not a working-load limit. For overhead lifting and life-safety applications, divide MBS by the design factor your standard requires (commonly 5:1, and higher for personnel). When in doubt, call us before you buy — we'd rather help you spec it right the first time.