Abstract: A preforming apparatus for stranding machines for imparting to the wires or strands the helical wave shape the wires have to assume in the finished rope. For each wire or strand to be wound into the rope one particular preforming device is provided on a common base plate. Each preforming device comprises rollers around which the wires are guided. At least one roller in each preforming device is adjustable in its position relative to the other rollers of the device in order to vary the wave shape of the wires; and setting means are provided on the base plate for simultaneously and jointly setting all adjustable rollers in one single operating step.