The wire rope clamp is used to secure the loose end of the loop back to the wire rope. It can also be called a cable clamp, clip, or clevis.

When you browse the website that handles rigging supplies, you encounter multiple options in wire rope clips. These include wire rope clamps with stainless steel or galvanized finishes. You can choose based on the job requirements and the strength you need.

As with all rigging supplies, wire rope clips are designed to make lifting easy and safe. If used properly, you can save a lot of effort. However, improper use may result in compromised safety. Improper handling can be catastrophic and lead to serious accidents resulting in damage and injury. It also reduces workload limits by nearly 40%.

Installation of a wire rope clamp or U-bolt clamp sounds as simple as clamping the end of the wire after looping it back. However, to properly attach it, you need to know how many wire rope clips you need. In general, the job requires at least 2-3 wire rope clamps to properly secure the end to the entire rope. It depends on the length of the wire. It is also important to use the saddle to secure the live end of the wire. There is a common misconception that you need to reverse all fixtures.

In this article, we'll let you know the proper way to use a rope clip. Also, it is important to read all the information provided in the accompanying manual. Read all about installation and usage. Skipping even minor things can have a big impact.

There are two types of rope clips.

Double saddle clamp: 

This type of rope clamp has two saddles. Each saddle has a leg and two nuts. One nut is at the top and the other is at the bottom. These can be used in any orientation and you don't need to worry about the proper placement of live and dead ends.

U-bolt rope clamp: 

The U-bolt rope clamp consists of a U-bolt, a forged or cast saddle that has two holes for the U-bolt, and 2 nuts that go into the saddle holes to secure the device. There are also two types under the u-bolt clamps, described below:

1) Forged wire rope clamps: These are heavy-duty rope clamps designed to withstand overhead loads. However, it is not recommended to use rope clips in overhead lifting situations. You must use swaged sleeves instead. Some examples of using forged wire rope clamps include support wires, guy wires, scaffolding, etc. They are very durable and corrosion resistant thanks to the heavy zinc coating on them.

2) Malleable wire rope clamps: These are light-duty clamps and cannot be used for overhead lifting tasks. Malleable refers to the flexible wire, so it's ideal for fencing and other uses that don't involve overhead loads.

As unbelievable as this may sound, overhead lifting is not the same as maintaining an overhead load. An easy way to know if you can use a rope clip is to see if the object will move or just stay in place. Do not use wire rope clamps if you plan to move the load.

When the load needs to be held in place, check that it will hang from the ground or be fastened to a fence or other object. If it will be suspended from the ground, forged wire rope clamps must be used. Malleable clamps are safe to use if the load will go over fences or other objects.

First, turn from the thimble back to the specified rope length.

Place the first clip at a distance of one saddle width from the dead end of the rope being caught.

Take the end that will carry the load (the live end) and place it on the saddle.

Place the U-bolts on the dead ends. When done, tighten the nuts.

Place the second clip as close to the ring or thimble as possible. Put in the nut and tighten slightly. Proper torque has not been reached.

Now install the remaining clips between these two clips, keeping the spacing between them equal. Remember to install the nut securely, but not to the proper torque.

Apply slight tension to the rope, now tighten the nut to the proper torque

Apply light tension to the wire rope assembly to take up slack in the rope, then tighten all nuts evenly to the proper torque.

The rope working load limit is reduced by nearly 20% when rope clamps are used.

If you are using cord clips on vinyl-coated cables, you must remove the coating where the cord clips will connect to the wires. Fixing to the coating greatly reduces the strength of the assembly.

During the process of choosing end fittings, make sure you are choosing based on the cable diameter and not the coating diameter.

As a rule of thumb, remember that the saddle should be in contact with the live end, while the U-bolt must be in contact with the dead end.

There should be no scratches or cracks on the rope clip

Watch for signs of repair or remodeling. If you find rope clips, discard them.

Carefully choose the size of the clip.

Use appropriate pliers according to the size of the clamps.

The above briefly describes the correct use of wire rope clips and precautions. If you want to know more or want to buy wire rope accessories, please contact us.

Terada Hardware is a professional custom wire ropes and accessories manufacturer. We offer a full range of hardware. Our accessories are widely used in shading structures, tensile structures, fabric stretching, wire railings, railing systems, railing systems, marine, lifting, and other industries.