How is a rope lay measured?

Rope lay is a critical measurement in understanding how rope is constructed and how it will perform under load. Specifically, it refers to the length along the rope in which one strand makes one complete revolution around the core. This measurement is essential because it influences the rope's flexibility, strength, and how it behaves when in use, particularly in applications such as lifting and rigging.

The construction of wire rope includes multiple strands that are twisted around a core, and understanding the lay helps in identifying how the rope will handle torsional forces and wear. A well-defined lay contributes to the overall stability and performance of the rope when it is subjected to dynamic loads or when it is spooled and unspooled.

Other choices might refer to aspects of rope characteristics, but they do not accurately define the specific measurement of rope lay. For instance, while the distance from the core to the outer strand and the diameter of the rope when tight may pertain to rope structure, they do not describe the geometric revolution of the strands. The length of the rope when relaxed does not provide useful information about its construction or performance under load. Therefore, focusing on the length of the rope that correlates to one strand's revolution around the core is the most pertinent and accurate description of