Socketing Procedures

As the resin hardens and cures, shrinkage occurs that creates a frictional bond to the wires. Silica is blended into the resin mixture to add frictional grip properties. The silica also serves to absorb heat caused by the chemical reaction that results when hardening agent is added to the resin.

As load is applied to the rope, the resin cone is pulled downward in the bowl of the socket. As this is happening, the cone shape forces compression of the hardened resin cone against the individual wires and the socket walls. This compression then generates a tremendous frictional grip between the wires and resin resulting in a strength that exceeds the breaking strength of the rope.

Note: Some sockets have grooves that may prevent the cured resin cone from seating properly as loading occurs. Filling the grooves with putty is an acceptable method to correct this situation. Seating of the cone is necessary to generate compression and frictional forces required to achieve 100% termination efficiency of the assembly.

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Determine if socket has grooves. Inspect inside of socket bowl to determine if socket has grooves. If grooves are present, fill grooves with socketing putty.

Only use soft annealed iron wire for seizing wire.

Socket Lock resin must be gelled and cured before assembly can be used.

Socket Lock is not to be used with stainless steel rope in a salt water environment.

Never use oversized sockets for wire rope.

Never use Socket Lock beyond the expiration date.

Never heat socket prior to pouring resin in an effort to accelerate the curing of the resin as it may cause the resin to prematurely gel prior to reaching the bottom of the socket bowl. Doing this could cause the assembly to fail.

Caution: Exposure to some strong chemicals may affect the cured polymer (hardened resin mixture) in a way that could weaken the assembly. Please contact Sea Fit, an authorized distributor or the manufacturer if this has occurred.

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When handling the resin or hardener, goggles and protective clothing are recommended. Impervious gloves are recommended.

Always work in a ventilated area.

Avoid skin or eye contact. Wash skin with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. If contact with eyes, flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Avoid ingestion. If ingestion occurs, DO NOT induce vomiting. Drink milk or water to dilute and call for medical attention.

Avoid inhaling vapors. If excessive vapors are inhaled, move to a fresh air area. If breathing has stopped or is labored seek medical attention.

Never aim an open flame at Socket Lock. Keep away from heat. Resin is a flammable liquid.

Whenever using chemicals, always reference the MSDS sheet for safety and handling guidelines.

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Cold Temperature Issues

In cold temperatures, ideally, the rope, socket and resin would be stored indoors to maintain the components of the assembly at a warmer temperature. It is best if all three components are the same temperature. Please note that if these three components are stored at room temperature, booster packs should not be used at even the coldest temperatures.

It is not recommended to aggressively apply heat (as with a flame) to the socket prior to pouring since the heat may cause the resin to gel prematurely and prevent the resin from reaching the bottom of the socket cone. Wrapping the socket in a heat blanket to facilitate controlled and uniform heating is a safe and effective method of accelerating the cure process.

NOTE: Thorough mixing is required to achieve approximate times listed in the table to the right.

Approximate time to gel begins once resin has been mixed.

Approximate time to cure begins once resin has gelled.

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Step 1 - Measure Socket Bowl

To determine where to apply seizing wire, measure socket from bottom of socket to the top of the bowl.

The end of the rope should be long enough so the ends of the wires after being broomed will be at or slightly below the top of the socket bowl.

Step 2 - Slide Socket onto Rope

Step 3 - Apply Seizing Wire at Base of Socket

Apply the seizing wire one (1) socket bowl length from the rope end and continue to apply, working away from the rope end. The seizing length must be at least two (2) rope diameters long. Additional information is available from the Wire Rope Users Manual, Wire Rope Manufacturer’s Catalogues or National Standards.

Plastic coated, plastic filled wire ropes and fiber cored ropes must have all plastic material and nonmetallic materials removed from within the broomed area.

Step 4 - Broom Wire Rope End

Keys to Making a Good Socket Pour - Properly Broom Rope End

As tension is applied to a finished socket assembly, friction between the hardened resin and wires must exceed the friction between the outside of the resin cone and inner socket wall preventing the wires from pulling out, and allowing for the resin cone to seat and compress. The compression that is then generated between the wires and resin cone becomes stronger than the wire rope itself. For proper friction to occur, it is very important that the rope end be properly broomed and opened all the way down to the seizing to allow resin to reach the bottom of the socket bowl. See illustration below.

Clean Wires Throughly

Thoroughly cleaned wires provide greater adhesion; therefore, providing more friction that helps enable proper seating of the resin cone and generating compression to provide the required strength of the assembly.

Align Vertically When Pouring Resin

A socket assembly that was properly aligned during the pouring of the socket will allow for even distribution of forces on the wire and resin cone; therefore, possessing strength greater than the wire rope. If the rope is not properly aligned while pouring of the resin into the socket, the rope will be set at an angle. Testing has shown that when this occurs, the rope will break at the base of the socket below the catalog breaking strength of the rope.

Step 5 - Clean Wire Rope End

Swish the broomed-out rope end in a solvent and make sure that the wires are clean from the very bottom of the broom up to the seizing band. After cleaning, place the broomed-out rope end pointing downward. Allowing it to remain inverted until all solvent has evaporated and the wires are dry. Solvent should never be permitted to remain on the rope or on the serving band since it will run down the wires when the rope is turned upright.

NOTE: Clean solvent is recommended to achieve best results.

Step 6 -
Pull Broom Into Socket Bowl

Pull the socket up over the rope broom. Make sure the rope wires are uniformly spaced in the socket bowl, with the wire ends slightly below the top edge of the bowl and the axis of the rope and the socket are aligned.

The top of the seizing should be even with the bottom of the socket. Be sure not to allow any broomed wire to extend below the base of the socket.

Step 7 -
Seal Bottom of Socket

Wrap the bottom of the socket with socketing putty, being sure to press the putty into the valleys between the strands.

To provide a greater seal, wrap electrical tape over the socketing putty.

Step 8 - Mix Resin

Knead resin pouch for approximately 30 seconds prior to cutting open to mix the resin/silica thoroughly.

Cut open the resin pouch and squeeze contents into mixing container provided.

Cut open the hardener pouch and squeeze contents into resin.

With a mixing paddle, thoroughly mix resin and hardener until color is uniform, then continue mixing for 30 seconds to ensure complete mixing.

Proper Mixing is Essential to Achieve 100% Termination Efficiency

Step 9 - Pour Resin Mixture Into Socket

After mixing resin and hardener, immediately prepare to pour it into the socket.

Position the provided “Fast Funnel” so that the resin will discharge out of the funnel into the socket bowl along the socket wall. This will help the resin reach the bottom of the bowl and reduce chance of trapping air.

Fill to the top edge of the socket bowl. As resin mixture penetrates down into the bowl, it may be required to add more resin to the socket bowl. Never add more resin to the bowl after resin has begun to gel and harden.

Allow resin to firmly gel prior to moving assembly. Prematurely moving the assembly could damage the resin before it hardens; therefore, reducing the efficiency of the termination. Wait 10 to 15 minutes after the resin has gelled before moving the assembly. Please refer to Temperatures and Times on this web page for approximate gel times.

When recommended procedures are followed and resin has been allowed to fully cure, socket assemblies prepared with Socket Lock resin will attain 100% Termination Efficiency.

Step 10 - Re-Lubricate Wire Rope

After the resin has cured, re-lubricate the wire rope to replace any lubricant that may have been removed during the cleaning process.

Step 11 - Proof Test Assembly (Recommended)

It is recommended to proof load the assembly to twice the safe working load prior to putting the assembly into service per ASME B30.9.

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