The term lay refers to the direction of the twist of the wires in a strand and to the direction that the strands are laid in the rope. In some instances, both the wires in the strand and the strands in the rope are laid in the same direction; and in other instances, the wires are laid in one direction and the strands are laid in the opposite direction, depending on the intended use of the rope. Most manufacturers specify the types and lays of wire rope to be used on their piece of equipment. Be sure and consult the operator's manual for proper application. Five different lays of wire rope are shown in figure 13-4. The five types of lays used

in wire rope are as follows: .

Right Regular Lay: In right regular lay rope, the wires in the strands are laid to the left, while the strands are laid to the right to form the wire rope.

Left Regular Lay: In left regular lay rope, the wires in the strands are laid to the right, while the strands are laid to the left to form the wire rope. In this lay, each step of fabrication is exactly opposite from the right regular lay.

Right Lang Lay: In right lang lay rope, the wires in the strands and the strands in the rope are laid in the same direction; in this instance, the lay is to the right. Left Lang Lay: In left lang lay rope, the wires in the strands and the strands in the rope are also laid in the same direction; in this instance, the lay is to the left (rather than to the right as in the right lang lay)

Lay	Definition	Characteristics
	Most common lay in which the wires wind in one direction and the strands the opposite direction. (right lay shown)	Less likely to kink and untwist; easier to handle; more crush resistant than lang lay.
	Wires in strand and strands of rope wind the same direction.(right lay shown)	Increased resistance to abrasion; greater flexibility and fatigue resistance than regular lay; will kink and untwist.
	Strands wound to the right around the core. (regular lay shown)	The most common construction
	Strands wound to the left around the core. (regular lay shown)	Used in a few special situations - cable tool drilling line, for example.
	Alternate strands of right regular lay and right lang lay.	Combines the best features of regular and lang lay for boom hoist or winch lines.