Abstract: A method of spooling a crane rope (2) onto a crane drum through a crane rope spooling system (1) from a reel (31) under a predetermined back tension is described and includes the steps of: unspooling the crane rope (2) from a reel (31) and passing the crane rope through a tensioning system (10) comprising a primary back tensioner (12) and a secondary back tensioner (16); gripping the crane rope (2) within the secondary back tensioner (16) and thereby preloading the crane rope (2) with tension prior to the crane rope (2) passing through the primary back tensioner (12); and applying a predetermined back tension to the crane rope (2) with the primary back tensioner (12) as the crane rope (2) is being spooled onto the crane drum under the predetermined back tension.