What is the term used when wire rope strands become untwisted?

The term used when wire rope strands become untwisted is "unstranding." This refers specifically to the process where the individual wires or strands of a wire rope begin to separate or come apart from their twisted configuration. Over time, due to factors like wear, abrasion, or improper handling, the integrity of the wire rope can be compromised, leading to unstranding.

Understanding this term is crucial for safety and maintenance practices in rigging, as unstranding can weaken a wire rope, making it less effective for lifting and rigging applications. Recognizing the signs of unstranding is important for operators to ensure that the equipment remains safe and functional.

The other options provided do not accurately describe the process of wire rope strands becoming untwisted. For instance, "unraveled" may suggest a more complete disassembly and is typically not used in the context of wire rope. "Untwisting" could imply a reversal of the twisting process, not specifically addressing the condition of the strands themselves. "Debraiding" is generally related to removing a covering or shell but is not a term used in the context of wire rope strands.