The Type Of Wire Rope Clips & How to Install Wire Rope Clips

Wire rope clips, also known as cable clamps, bulldog wire rope grips, are essential hardware used to create loops in wire ropes or connect two cables. They are widely used in construction, marine, utility, and industrial applications. However, with a wide variety of clamps available, incorrect installation of wire rope clamps would led to in property damage and injury to yourself or others. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which type of clamp is suitable for your application and choose the right one.

Types of Wire Rope Clips

Wire rope clips come in a variety of materials and finishes, but are primarily categorized into two types based on their design: U-bolt clamps and fist grip (double saddle) clamps.

U-Bolt Wire Rope Clip

The U-bolt wire rope clip is the most traditional and well-known style. It consists of a U-shaped bolt, a saddle, and two nuts for clamping the rope. U-bolt clips come in two main types: forged and cast.

Forged U-bolt clips are made of drop-forged steel for exceptional strength and are typically hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance. Some models are also available in 316 stainless steel for marine applications. Forged clamps are suitable for heavy-duty, static applications such as wire tensioning, bracing, and structural support.

Mallable iron U-bolt clips, are made from malleable cast iron and should never be used for lifting or overhead loads. They are suitable for light-duty, non-critical applications such as fencing, handrails, and temporary guardrails.

Common Model Recommended

US Type Drop Forged Wire Rope Clip – Based on Crosby G450 (the industry standard for forged clamps), they are forged, hot-dip galvanized, and feature a red U-bolt for easy identification. Sail Rigging not only offer U-bolts in red, green, brown, and orange, but also could customize as your specifications.

DIN 741 Wire Rope Clip – Based on DIN standards, they feature a malleable cast iron body and Q235 U-bolts. They are a reliable choice for light-duty, non-lifting applications.

DIN 1142 Wire Rope Clip – Based on DINstandards, they feature a malleable cast iron body and Q235 U-bolts. They are cast and finished with a zinc electroplated finish and come with a flange nut.

Fist Grip (Double Saddle) Wire Rope Clip

Fist grip wire rope clip, also known as double saddle clamps, feature saddles on both sides of the rope for even and secure clamping. This design helps prevent rope pinching or damage and simplifies installation, eliminating the need for live and dead ends, as with U-bolt clamps.

Fist-Grips are always forged for high strength and are typically hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance, making them suitable for outdoor and industrial environments. They are ideal for static applications such as guy wires, tower supports, and structural tie rods.

Common Model Recommended

US Type Fist Grip Clip — Reference Crosby G-429 Fist Clip – Forged, hot-dip galvanized double saddle clamps, suitable for industrial and heavy-duty use, and easy to install. While more economical than the Crosby, they meet the same specifications and are a trusted alternative.

How to Install Wire Rope Clips ?

The clamps are typically spaced approximately six times the diameter of the wire rope to provide adequate grip. Before the rope is tensioned, tighten the clamp. After applying a load to the rope, tighten the clamp again to account for the reduction in rope diameter caused by the load tension. A wire rope ferrule should be used at the eye to prevent kinking.

• bolt clamp. There is only one correct way to attach a U-bolt clamp to the end of a wire rope, as shown in the figure below. The base of the clamp presses against the live end of the wire rope; the “U”-shaped portion of the bolt presses against the neutral end of the wire rope.

Compare this method to an incorrect one. Five of the six clamps in the figure are connected incorrectly—only the middle clamp in the top view is correct. When the “U”-shaped portion of the clamp presses against the live end of the rope, the rope may be cut or kinked, resulting in rope breakage.

• Double-base clamp. The double-base clamp is installed as shown in the figure below. Due to its special design, installation is error-free.

FAQ

1. Why are wire rope clamps not recommended for lifting operations?

Wire rope clips reduce the rope’s strength to 80-90% of its rated strength, leading to more dangerous failures if improperly installed. Safer, more effective methods are recommended over clips.

2. What materials are wire rope clips made of?

Wire rope clips are available in galvanized steel, malleable cast iron, and 316 stainless steel.

3. How to choose the right wire rope clip?

• Load type , avoid using clips for lifting whenever possible

• Where do you use, galvanized wire rope clips are for outdoor use, stainless steel are for marine use.

• The Application you will use on, such as for critical static loads, always choose forged clips—never malleable wire rope clips.

4. When should hot-dip galvanized wire rope clips be used?

Hot-dip galvanized wire rope clips are suitable for general outdoor, industrial, and construction applications, offer excellent corrosion resistance, and are less expensive than stainless steel.

5. When should fist grip clips be used?

Fist-style clips are better suited for heavy-duty applications. They distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of rope crush injuries, and are easier to install correctly, making them ideal for heavy-duty static applications such as tower supports and wire ropes.