Why do you slip and cut drill line?

Because, after prolonged use and wear, the drilling line can become brittle in certain
places. As the drill string's weight increases, the drill line is pulled taut. That constant
tension has the potential to lengthen the working line. That is the first reason to keep an
eye on where the ropes are. Furthermore, any time the drill line wraps around a sheave
(at the crown, at the blocks), the compression of the line over those "pickup points" can
deform and weaken the line.

A typical slip and cut procedure

A slip-and-cutoff program involves unreeling (slipping) a certain length of new line off the supply reel
and reeling it onto the draw works drum. Crewmembers then cut off and discard the used part of the
line. Cutting off the used line keeps it from overfilling the draw works drum. The taller the derrick, the
more reserve is needed. Short derricks tend to wear the line faster than tall ones,

what are some signs of abnormal wear found on the drilling line?
Abrasion shows up first as small flat spots on the crown of the outside wires. worn grooves
that have become sharp and that shave away small bits of steel from the line corrugated
grooves that are rippled across the surface and dig into and damage the tightly wrapped
line. any surface irregularities that could also damage the line.

The common points of wear on the drilling line

Anything that moves is subject to wear, but much equipment wears out before its time due to
neglect, abuse and operating practices