A rope lay is the length along the rope that a strand makes one complete spiral around the rope core. This is a measurement frequently used. This is a measurement frequently used in wire rope inspection. Standards and regulations require removal when a certain number of broken wires per rope lay are found.
Strands that are wound to the right are right-hand lays. Strands that are wound to the left are left-hand lays. Wires that are wound in the opposite direction of the strand is a regular lay. Wires that are wound in the same direction as the strand is a lang lay.