AS 11381992

Australian Standard

Thimbles for wire rope

This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee ME/25, Lifting Tackle. It was approved
on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 13 March 1992 and published on
15 June 1992.
The following interests are represented on Committee ME/25:
Australian Chamber of Manufactures
Australian Forging Group
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Confederation of Australian Industry
Department of Defence
Department of Employment, Industrial Relations and Training, Tas.
Department of Employment, Vocational Education, Training and Industrial Relations, Qld
Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce
Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, W.A.
Electricity Supply Association of Australia
Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia
Occupational Health and Safety Authority, Vic.
Work Health Authority, N.T.
WorkCover Authority, N.S.W.
Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to periodic
review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that
Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue
of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine The Australian Standard, which
subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of
withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are
welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without delay
in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 90044.
AS 11381992
Australian Standard

Thimbles for wire rope

First published as AS 11381971.
Second edition 1992.
PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 7446 1
AS 11381992 2
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee on Lifting Tackle, to supersede
AS 11381971, Thimbles for use with wire rope or fibre (natural or synthetic) rope.
This Standard covers thimbles that are strong enough to be used with wire rope (these types can also be used
with fibre rope). This Standard does not cover thimbles for fibre rope, which are not strong enough to be used
with wire rope. Thimbles for fibre rope are known to have been inadvertently supplied for wire-rope applications,
because the differences between the two types of thimble are not sufficient for obvious identification without a
close examination or comparison.
CONTENTS
Page
1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4 MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7 MARKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8 TESTING OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
APPENDICES
A INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE SUPPLIED WITH ENQUIRIES AND ORDERS . . . . . 10
B STANDARDS FOR COMPONENTS USED IN LIFTING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
C CONDITIONS FOR APPLICATION OF TEST FORCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
D MEANS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Copyright STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
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3 AS 11381992
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Thimbles for wire rope
1 SCOPE This Standard specifies requirements for thimbles that are suitable for use with Grade 1770, galvanized or
natural, round strand, equal lay, 6 36 Seale-Warrington + IWR steel wire ropes complying with Table 2.6 of
AS 35691989.
NOTES:
1 This Standard does not prevent the use of these or other types of thimble with fibre rope.
2 Guidance on information that should be supplied with enquiries and orders is given in Appendix A.
3 Standards for components that are used in lifting systems are listed in Appendix B.
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1065 Non-destructive testing Ultrasonic testing of carbon and low alloy steel forgings
1171 Methods for magnetic particle testing of ferromagnetic products and components
1199 Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes
1399 Guide to AS 1199Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes
1418 SAA Crane Code
1418.1 Part 1: General requirements
1442 Carbon steels and carbon-manganese steelsHot-rolled bars and semi-finished products
1443 Carbon steels and carbon-manganese steelsCold-finished bars
1444 Wrought alloy steelsStandard and hardenability (H) series
1446 Carbon steels and carbon-manganese steelsHot-rolled slab, plate and strip based on chemical composition
1448 Carbon steels and carbon-manganese steelsForgings (ruling section 300 mm maximum)
1449 Wrought alloy steel Stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet and strip
1595 Cold-rolled unalloyed low carbon steel sheet and strip
1627 Metal finishingPreparation and pretreatment of surfaces
1627.0 Part 0: Method selection guide for preparation and pretreatment of steel surfaces
1627.6 Part 6: Phosphate treatment of iron and steel surfaces
1650 Hot-dipped galvanized coatings on ferrous articles
1789 Electroplated coatingsZinc on iron or steel
1790 Electroplated coatingsCadmium on iron or steel
1816 Metallic materialsBrinell hardness test
1831 Iron castingsSpheroidal or nodular graphite cast iron
2074 Steel castings
2193 Methods for calibration and grading of force-measuring systems of testing machines
3569 Steel wire ropes
3678 Structural steelHot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs
3679 Structural steel
3679.1 Part 1: Hot-rolled bars and sections
3900 Quality systems Guide to selection and use
3904 Quality management and quality system elements
3904.1 Part 1: Guidelines
ISO
Guide
44 General rules for ISO and IEC international third-party certification schemes for products
3 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
3.1 Competent persona person having practical and theoretical knowledge and relevant experience, such as will
enable that person to detect and evaluate any defects and any weaknesses that may affect the intended performance of
the equipment.
3.2 Regulatory authorityan authority with legislative powers to control the use of thimbles.
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AS 11381992 4
3.3 Self-coloureda surface colour of closely adheringbrown/blue oxides resultingfrom heat treatment and subsequent
handling during manufacture.
3.4 Shallindicates that a statement is mandatory.
3.5 Shouldindicates a recommendation.
3.6 Nominal size of a thimblethe nominal diameter of wire rope that the thimble is designed to accept.
3.7 Gusset (or fillet)a permanent reinforcement in the throat of the thimble, to restrict deformation under load.
3.8 Point of a thimblethe angular end of a thimble that is intended to be fitted adjacent to the splice of the eye.
3.9 Thimblea fitting that while retained within an eye formed at the end of a wire rope will reinforce the eye and
obviate damage and wear to the wire rope from any connected lifting tackle or other connection.
NOTE: A typical attachment of a thimble to a wire rope by a ferrule secured eye is illustrated in Figure 1, and a typical single-leg wire rope sling
with ferrule secured eyes is illustrated in Figure 2.
3.9.1 Ordinary thimblea thimble by which a fitting can be attached to the end of a wire rope in such a manner that
the fitting is capable of full articulation (see Figure 3(a)).
3.9.2 Reeving thimblea thimble, of internal dimensions adequate to permit the eye of a wire rope, reinforced with
a thimble of the same size, to pass through (see Figure 3(b)).
3.9.3 Contiguous thimblea thimble manufactured without a join (such as by casting or forging, see Figure 3(c)).
3.9.4 Solid thimblea thimble that has a cylindrical hole passing laterally through it to permit it to be secured by means
of a pin, bolt, or similar fastening (see Figure 3(e)).
FIGURE 1 TYPICAL ATTACHMENT OF A THIMBLE TO A WIRE ROPE BY A FERRULE SECURED EYE
FIGURE 2 TYPICAL SINGLE-LEG WIRE ROPE SLING WITH FERRULE SECURED EYES
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5 AS 11381992
(i) Without point or gusset (ii) With point without gusset
(iii) With gusset without point (iv) With point and gusset (v) In the open condition
NOTE: See Figure 3(d) and Table 2 for dimensions.
(a) Ordinary thimble
(i) Without point (ii) With point
NOTE: See Figure 3(d) and Table 2 for dimensions.
(b) Reeving thimble
FIGURE 3 (in part) TYPES OF THIMBLES
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AS 11381992 6
NOTE: See Figure 3(d) and Table 2 for dimensions.
(c) Contiguous thimble (d) Section through crown of ordinary,
reeving, and contiguous thimbles
NOTE: See Table 3 for dimensions.
(e) Solid thimble
FIGURE 3 (in part) TYPES OF THIMBLES
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7 AS 11381992
4 MATERIALS Thimbles should be manufactured from iron or steel complying with one of the specifications listed
in Table 1. The use of other grades of iron or steel or other materials is not precluded, provided that they suit their
purpose.
TABLE 1
SPECIFICATIONS FOR RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Australian Standard Grades
1442
1443
1444
K1022 to K1045
CD1 to CD4
8620 to 4140
1446
1448
1449
K1022 to K1045
K1020 to K1040 and XK1320
201, 304 or 316
1595 (see Note 1)
1831 (see Note 2)
2074
CX1
370/17 or 400/12
C3
3678
3679.1
Any
Any
NOTES:
1 Only for ordinary thimbles and reeving thimbles.
2 Only for solid thimbles.
5 DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE
5.1 Dimensions Thimbles shall conform to the relevant dimensions specified in Tables 2 and 3.
NOTES:
1 Thimbles may be supplied with or without points.
2 Gussets may be required on thimbles with a size of 20 mm and greater, to reduce deformation.
3 Thimbles may be supplied in the open condition.
4 Where a thimble is used with a steel wire rope that has a grade of more than 1770 MPa, it may be necessary for the thimble to have a nominal
size that is larger than the rope to provide adequate resistance to deformation.
TABLE 2
DIMENSIONS OF ORDINARY, REEVING, AND CONTIGUOUS THIMBLES
millimetres
Nominal size
of thimble
d
A
B
F G H J
Ordinary
thimbles
Reeving
thimbles
Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Max. Min. Min. Max.
2.5d 3d 3.8d 6.0d 7.5d 8.0d 1.55d 0.45d 1.07d See Note
8
9
10
20
23
25
24
27
30
31
35
38
48
54
60
60
68
75
64
72
80
12
13
15
3.6
4.1
4.5
9
10
11
4.4
4.9
5.5
11
12
13
28
30
33
33
36
39
42
46
50
66
72
78
83
90
98
88
96
104
17
18
20
5.0
5.4
5.9
12
13
14
6.0
6.6
7.1
14
16
18
35
40
45
42
48
54
54
61
69
84
96
108
105
120
135
112
128
144
21
24
27
6.3
7.2
8.1
15
18
20
7.7
8.8
9.9
20
22
24
50
55
60
60
66
72
76
84
92
120
132
144
150
165
180
160
176
192
31
34
37
9.0
9.9
11
22
24
26
11
12
13
26
28
32
65
70
80
78
84
96
99
107
122
156
168
192
195
210
240
208
224
256
40
43
49
12
13
15
28
30
35
14
15
24
36
40
44
90
100
110
108
120
132
137
152
168
216
240
264
270
300
330
288
320
352
55
62
68
17
18
20
39
43
48
27
30
33
48
52
56
120
130
140
144
156
168
183
198
213
288
312
336
360
390
420
384
416
448
74
80
86
22
24
26
52
56
60
36
39
42
60 150 180 228 360 450 480 93 27 65 45
NOTE:
For d 28 mm, J
max
= 0.55d.
For d >28 mm, J
max
= 0.75d.
5.2 Holes The connecting hole in solid thimbles shall be machined normal to the plane of the rope groove of the
thimble.
NOTE: Solid thimbles may have a lightening hole or recess toward the point of the thimble, provided that the strength of the thimble complies
with this Standard.
5.3 Bosses Bosses may be provided on each side of solid thimbles.
5.4 Heat treatment Forged thimbles shall be normalized. Thimbles manufactured by other methods may require heat
treatment to relieve undesirable residual stresses.
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AS 11381992 8
TABLE 3
DIMENSIONS OF SOLID THIMBLES
Nominal size
of thimble
d
C D E F G H J
Min. Max. Max. Max. Min. Min. Min.
3.3d 7d 2d 1.55d 0.45d 1.07d 0.5d
8
9
10
27
30
33
56
63
70
16
18
20
12
13
15
3.6
4.1
4.5
9
10
11
4.0
4.5
5.0
11
12
13
37
40
43
77
84
91
22
24
26
17
18
20
5.0
5.4
5.9
12
13
14
5.5
6.0
6.5
14
16
18
47
53
60
98
112
126
28
32
36
21
24
27
6.3
7.2
8.1
15
18
20
7.0
8.0
9.0
20
22
24
66
73
80
140
154
168
40
44
48
31
34
37
9.0
9.9
11
22
24
26
10
11
12
26
28
32
86
93
106
182
196
224
52
56
64
40
43
49
12
13
15
28
30
35
13
14
16
36
40
44
119
132
146
252
280
308
72
80
88
55
62
68
17
18
20
39
43
48
18
20
22
48
52
56
159
172
185
336
364
392
96
104
112
74
80
86
22
24
26
52
56
60
24
26
28
60 198 420 120 93 27 65 30
5.5 Defects and finish Thimbles shall be free from any roughness, sharp edges, or other defects that may impair the
strength or service life of the thimble, or cause a reduction of strength or service life of wire rope, or create a handling
hazard.
NOTE: Where a thimble is to be opened and closed after manufacture to allow for the insertion of another component, care must be exercised to
avoid any surface cracking that may impair its strength or service life.
5.6 Surface finish The surface finish shall be one of the following:
(a) Self-coloured (see Clause 3.3).
(b) Hot-dipped galvanized coating complying with AS 1650.
(c) Class A1, Class A2, or Class B phosphate coating complying with AS 1627.6.
(d) Fe/Zn 12c electroplated zinc coating complying with AS 1789.
(e) Fe/Cd 12c electroplated cadmium coating complying with AS 1790.
(f) Painted coatings.
NOTE: AS 1627.0 gives guidance for preparing steel surfaces for painting.
(g) Any other surface finish that does not cause a degradation of the mechanical properties of the finished product.
6 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
6.1 Strength Each thimble shall be capable of supporting a test load equal to the relevant minimum breaking force
of test rope that is specified in Column 2 of Table 4 under the conditions specified in Appendix C, while retaining the
test rope in the groove of the thimble.
6.2 Deformation Each thimble shall be capable of supporting a test load equal to 0.4 times the relevant minimum
breaking force of test rope as specified in Column 3 of Table 4 under the conditions specified in Appendix C, without
dimension A in Figure 3 being reduced by more than 10 percent.
7 MARKING Any indented marking shall not have sharp edges and the depth and location of any marks shall not
reduce the strength of the thimble.
NOTE: Manufacturers making a statement of compliance with this Australian Standard on a product, packaging, or promotional material related
to that product are advised to ensure that such compliance is capable of being verified.
8 TESTING OF MECHANICALPROPERTIES Compliance of each design with the requirements of Clause 6 shall
be demonstrated.
NOTES:
1 The test of each design is known as the type test, which determines the adequacy of the design for achieving the required performance.
2 Each change in manufacturing process, grade of material, design, and size necessitates separate type testing, to demonstrate compliance with
the requirements of Clause 6.
3 In addition to type testing, effective quality control necessitates systematic testing of each lot or batch to ensure continuing compliance with
the requirements of Clause 6.
4 Means for demonstrating compliance with this Standard are given in Appendix D.
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TABLE 4
TEST FORCES
1 2 3
Nominal size
of thimble
mm
Minimum breaking
force of test rope
(see Note)
kN
Deformation force
(see Clause 6.2)
kN
8
9
10
40.2
51.1
63.1
16.1
20.5
25.3
11
12
13
76.3
90.8
107
30.6
36.4
42.8
14
16
18
124
161
204
49.6
64.4
81.6
20
22
24
252
305
363
101
122
146
26
28
32
426
494
646
171
198
259
36
40
44
817
1010
1220
327
404
488
48
52
56
1450
1710
1980
580
684
792
60 2270 908
NOTE: The values for minimum breaking force of test rope in Column 2 are specified in
Column 5 of Table 2.6 of AS 3569 for Grade 1770, galvanized or natural, round strand,
equal lay, steel wire rope.
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AS 11381992 10
APPENDIX A
INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE SUPPLIED WITH ENQUIRIES AND ORDERS
(Informative)
The following information should be supplied with enquiries and orders for thimbles:
(a) Description or type.
(b) Whether thimbles are to be supplied with or without points.
(c) The size of the opening of thimbles that are to be supplied in the open condition.
(d) Nominal size.
(e) The dimensions of the adjoining tackle to which the thimbles will be attached.
(f) Grade of steel wire rope to be supported by the thimble where the rope has a grade of more than 1770 MPa.
(g) Relevant interfacing dimensions of adjoining components.
(h) Surface finish, unless self-coloured.
(i) Any required means for demonstrating compliance with this Standard (see Appendix D).
(j) Whether any additional testing such as analysis of material or non-destructive testing is required (see Clause 8).
NOTE: Any ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, or Brinell hardness testing should be in accordance with AS 1065, AS 1171, or AS 1816
respectively.
(k) Type of certificate required for detailing verification of compliance (e.g. NATA, certifying authority, supplier).
(l) Whether a copy of the test certificate is to be supplied.
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APPENDIX B
STANDARDS FOR COMPONENTS USED IN LIFTING SYSTEMS
(Informative)
The following is a list of Standards for components that are used in lifting systems:
AS
1138 Thimbles for wire rope
1353 Flat synthetic-webbing slings
1353.1 Part 1: Product specification
1353.2 Part 2: Care and use
1380 Fibre-rope slings (of natural or synthetic rope)
1438 Wire-coil flat slings
1504 Fibre ropeThree-strand, hawser laid
1666 Wire-rope slings
1752 Fibre ropeEight-strand plaited
2076 Wire rope grips
2089 Sheave blocks (including ships cargo blocks) of maximum lift 60 t
2317 Collared eyebolts
2318 Swivels for hoists
2319 Rigging screws and turnbuckles
2321 Short-link chain for lifting purposes (non-calibrated)
2740 Wedge-type sockets
2741 Shackles
2759 Steel wire ropeApplication guide
2841 Galvanized steel wire strand
3569 Steel wire ropes
3585 End fittings for flat-webbing slings
3775 Chain slingsGrade T
3776 Lifting components for Grade T chain slings
3777 Shank hooks and large-eye hooksMaximum 25 t
B291 Lifting rings and links
APPENDIX C
CONDITIONS FOR APPLICATION OF TEST FORCES
(Normative)
The following conditions apply to the application of test forces to thimbles:
(a) The testing machine shall be calibrated in accordance with AS 2193 and shall be capable of Class A results.
(b) Manufacturing processes shall be completed.
(c) The thimble shall be fitted to a wire rope, typically as shown in Figure 1.
(d) The thimble shall be loaded with the test load by a pin having a nominal diameter of 1.5 times the nominal
diameter of the wire rope.
(e) The test force shall be applied by the wire rope in tension to the thimble.
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AS 11381992 12
APPENDIX D
MEANS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD
(Informative)
D1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the following methods by which compliance with this Standard can be
demonstrated by the manufacturer or supplier:
(a) Assessment by means of statistical sampling.
(b) The use of Standards Australias StandardsMark scheme.
(c) Assurance using the acceptability of the suppliers quality system.
(d) Other means proposed by the manufacturer or supplier and acceptable to the customer.
D2 STATISTICAL SAMPLING Statistical sampling is a procedure that enables decisions to be made about the
quality of batches of items after inspecting or testing only a portion of those items. This procedure will only be valid
if the sampling plan has been determined on a statistical basis and the following requirements are met:
(a) The sample is drawn randomly from a population of product of known history that enables verification that the
product was made from known materials at essentially the same time by essentially the same processes and under
essentially the same system of control.
(b) For each different situation, a suitable sampling plan is defined. A sampling plan for one manufacturer of given
capability and product throughput may not be relevant to another manufacturer producing the same items.
For statistical sampling to be meaningful to the customer, the manufacturer or supplier needs to demonstrate how the
above conditions have been satisfied. Sampling and the establishment of a sampling plan should be carried out in
accordance with AS 1199, guidance to which is given in AS 1399.
D3 PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONSTANDARDSMARK The general purpose of StandardsMark certification is
to provide independent assurance of the claim by the manufacturer that products comply with the stated Australian or
International Standard.
It is a certification scheme that meets the criteria of an ISO Type 5 scheme as specified by ISO Guide 44 in that, as
well as full type testing from independently sampled production and subsequent verification of conformance, it requires
the manufacturer to maintain an effective quality plan to control production to ensure conformance with the relevant
Standard.
The StandardsMark serves to indicate that the products consistently conform to the requirements of the Standard.
The StandardsMark can only be used by manufacturers approved and licensed by Standards Australia and only when
accompanied by the number of the applicable Standard.
D4 SUPPLIERS QUALITYSYSTEM Where the manufacturer or supplier can demonstrate an audited and registered
quality management system complying with the requirements of the appropriate or stipulated Australian or International
Standard for suppliers quality systems, such demonstration may provide the necessary confidence that the specified
requirements will be met. The quality assurance requirements need to be agreed between the customer and supplier and
should include a quality or inspection and test plan to ensure product conformity.
Guidance in determining the appropriate quality management system is given in AS 3900 and AS 3904.1.
D5 OTHER MEANS OF ASSESSMENT If the above methods are considered inappropriate, determination of
compliance with the requirements of this Standard may be assessed on the basis of the results of testing coupled with
the manufacturers guarantee of product conformance.
Irrespective of acceptable quality levels (AQLs) or test frequencies, the responsibility remains with the manufacturer
or supplier to supply products that conform fully with the requirements of the Standard.
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