A wire rope clamp, also called a wire rope clip, U clamp or bulldog grip, makes an eye or joins two ropes without special tools. Fitted correctly, a clip termination holds roughly 80% of the rope's breaking strength. Fitted wrongly, it can slip at a fraction of that.
Types of wire rope clamps
- U-bolt clip (bulldog grip): a U-bolt, a saddle and two nuts. The most common type.
- Fist grip (double saddle): both halves have a saddle, so it cannot be fitted the wrong way round.
- Forged vs malleable: use drop-forged clips for any load-bearing job; light malleable clips are for non-critical uses only.
Rule one: never saddle a dead horse
The saddle goes on the live end (the long, load-carrying part of the rope). The U-bolt goes on the dead end (the short tail). The U-bolt crushes the rope it sits on, so it must sit on the part that carries no load.
How many clips to use
The number of clips depends on rope diameter. Manufacturers' tables (for example the widely used Crosby table for U-bolt clips) start at:
| Rope diameter | Minimum number of clips |
|---|---|
| up to 11 mm | 2 |
| 12 – 16 mm | 3 |
| 19 – 22 mm | 4 |
| 26 mm | 5 |
| 28 – 30 mm | 6 |
| 32 mm | 7 |
These are minimums from one maker's table; always follow the table supplied with the clips you use. Many sites set a rule of at least three clips on any rope.
Fitting step by step
- Fit a thimble in the eye so the rope does not kink or wear.
- Turn back enough tail to fit all the clips with correct spacing.
- Fit the first clip one saddle width from the end of the tail, U-bolt on the dead end, and tighten.
- Fit the clip nearest the thimble next, snug but not fully tight.
- Fit the remaining clips evenly between them, about 6 rope diameters apart.
- Tighten all nuts evenly to the maker's torque, alternating between nuts.
- Apply a light load, then re-tighten. Check again after the first period of use, as the rope settles.
Where not to use clips
Clip terminations are best for guy lines, fencing, temporary rigging and tensioning. For lifting slings, use pressed ferrule or spliced eyes, which are tested and rated as a complete sling. Our mechanical slings are made this way.
Wire rope grippers are a different tool
A wire rope gripper (cable gripper or come-along clamp) is a jaw tool that grips a rope temporarily for pulling or tensioning, usually with a lever hoist or winch. It is not a permanent termination and should not replace clips or ferrules.
We stock forged wire rope clips, thimbles and other rigging hardware in all common sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Which way round does a wire rope clip go?
The saddle goes on the live (load-carrying) end and the U-bolt on the dead (tail) end. The usual memory aid is 'never saddle a dead horse'.
How many wire rope clips do I need?
It depends on the rope diameter: typically 2 for small ropes, 3 for 12 to 16 mm, 4 for 19 to 22 mm and more for larger ropes. Follow the clip maker's table.
Can wire rope clips be used for lifting slings?
For lifting slings, pressed ferrule or spliced eyes are the normal practice because the sling is rated and tested as a whole. Use clips for guys, tensioning and temporary rigging.