What the numbers mean

A construction code contains two numbers: strands and wires per strand. 6x19 means six strands of nineteen wires; 6x36 means six strands of thirty-six wires. Both are laid around a core, but the wire arrangement inside the strand differs.

6x19 is commonly supplied in filler (12/6+6F/1) and sealed (9/9/1) versions. 6x36 is written 14/7+7/7/1: four layers of finer wire put more wires at the strand surface and spread bending strain. See the wire rope construction guide, to check the code.

Same diameter, different rope

At the same diameter, 6x36 uses more, finer wires. The rope is more flexible, can run over smaller sheaves and drums, and resists repeated bending fatigue better. 6x19 uses fewer, thicker wires: a stiffer rope with better outer-wire wear resistance.

• Flexibility: 6x36 is better than 6x19.
• Bending fatigue: 6x36 is better than 6x19.
• Outer-wire wear: thicker 6x19 wires have the advantage.
• Availability and cost: 6x19 is more common and usually more economical.

Where 6x19 wins

6x19 is the long-standing general-purpose construction for ordinary engineering, lifting and guy lines. Thicker outer wires suit dragging, guiding and abrasive conditions, and replacement is easy to source.

Not every diameter is made in 6x19. In our range 6x19 starts at 14 mm; below that, look at 7x19 or 7x7.

Where 6x36 wins

The finer wires make 6x36 more flexible and spread bending strain across more outer wires. It suits crane hoisting, grabs and winches where the rope bends repeatedly.

At the same diameter, 6x36 is not automatically stronger than 6x19; what it buys is bending life and the ability to run over smaller sheaves. Do not select on the strength column alone.

Breaking strength is not just the construction

Breaking strength depends on construction, diameter, core and wire strength grade. At 10 mm and 1770 MPa, published minimum breaking load is 63.0 kN for 6x36 IWRC, 58.8 kN for 6x7, 55.6 kN for 7x19 at 1570 MPa, and 92.9 kN for 1x19.

These figures show that the stiffest construction at a given diameter can carry about two-thirds more breaking load than the most flexible one. Check the full tables by construction, diameter and grade in the wire rope breaking strength guide, where each size is listed.

Start with the sheave and drum

Selection is usually set by the equipment, not by preference. A small sheave or drum with frequent bending points to 6x36 or 7x19; a straight pull with little bending and a demand for wear resistance points to 6x19.

A rope that cannot bend around the sheave will fail early no matter how wear-resistant it is. When replacing a rope, confirm lay direction and lay length from the manual or the old rope; left and right lay sit differently on a drum. See the wire rope selector, to filter by duty.

When to consider rotation-resistant rope

For a single-leg lift where the load must not rotate, neither 6x19 nor 6x36 is suitable. Use a rotation-resistant construction with opposite lay between layers, such as 18x7, 19x7, 32x7 or 35x7.

Rotation resistance comes from the strand arrangement, not from an accessory. See the rotation-resistant wire rope, listed by construction with published breaking load at 16 mm.

What to send for a quotation

Give construction, diameter, core, strength grade, lay direction and lay length, surface, end fitting and duty. Send what you know; the supplier can confirm the rest against the application.

The construction code is only the opening. Send the parameters and we will check the available diameters for both 6x19 and 6x36, plus the published wire rope technical data, before recommending a construction.