Rope Sheaves are for fibrous rope. They have a full radius or groove. Wire rope Sheaves are "v" grooved, cradling the wire rope to prevent it from coming out of the groove. Wire rope sheaves are up to 3/8" maximum diameter and go up to 1" rope. Wire rope is not as flexible as regular rope, so it is not advisable to use wire rope in a regular rope sheave, because it will force the wire rope to bend around too tight a radius. This can cause it to bunch up, and unwind.<br />
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Ball Bearing ...This story is related to the following:Wire Rope Sheaves | Bronze Bushings