A wire rope is only as strong as its weakest fitting. This guide explains the common wire rope fittings and when to use each one.
Quick reference
| Fitting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Thimble | Lines the eye so the rope keeps its shape and does not wear |
| Ferrule | Pressed sleeve that secures an eye permanently |
| Wire rope clip | Bolted clamp for making an eye or joining ropes |
| D shackle | Connects fittings for straight, in-line pulls |
| Bow shackle | Connects multiple legs or takes loads at an angle |
| Turnbuckle | Adjusts tension in a rope or tie |
| Socket / swaged end | High-strength permanent terminations |
Thimbles
Always fit a thimble in a rope eye that goes over a pin, hook or shackle. Without one, the rope flattens and wears quickly. Standard thimbles (G-411 pattern) suit light and general use; heavy-duty thimbles (G-414 pattern) are made for slings and heavier loads.
Ferrules
Aluminium ferrules are pressed onto carbon steel rope to make a mechanically spliced eye, which is how most wire rope slings are made. The press and die must match the rope and ferrule size. Stainless steel rope is usually terminated with copper or stainless ferrules instead.
Wire rope clips
Clips (U-bolt or bulldog grips) make eyes without a press, for guys, fencing and temporary rigging. The saddle goes on the live end. See our full wire rope clamp fitting guide.
D shackles and bow shackles
- D shackle (dee or chain shackle): a narrow shape for loads in a straight line, for example connecting a sling to a lifting lug.
- Bow shackle (anchor shackle): a rounder bow that can take two or more sling legs or a load at an angle.
- Screw pin shackles (G-209 pattern) are for temporary connections; safety bolt shackles (G-2130 pattern) with a nut and cotter pin are for long-term or rotating connections.
Never replace a shackle pin with an ordinary bolt.
Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles tension guy ropes, bracing and stays. End fittings come as eye, hook or jaw. Turnbuckles are for tensioning, not for overhead lifting, and hook ends should only be used where the load cannot jump off. Lock the body after adjustment so it cannot unscrew.
Sockets and swaged terminals
Open and closed spelter or resin sockets, and swaged fittings, give terminations close to the full strength of the rope. They are used on crane pendants, structural stays and bridge cables.
Tools: wire rope cutters and crimping tools
- Wire rope cutters make a clean square cut without crushing the rope. Seize (tape or wire-bind) both sides of the cut first so the strands do not unravel.
- Hand crimping (swaging) tools press small ferrules on light ropes, typically a few millimetres in diameter. Slings and larger ropes need a hydraulic press and a proof-load test.
We stock thimbles, shackles, turnbuckles, clips, wire rope cutters and other rigging hardware.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a D shackle and a bow shackle?
A D shackle has a narrow, straight shape for in-line loads. A bow shackle has a rounder bow so it can take several sling legs or loads at an angle.
Why use a thimble in a wire rope eye?
A thimble protects the eye from flattening and wear where it bears on a pin, hook or shackle, which keeps the termination strong.
Can a turnbuckle be used for lifting?
No. Turnbuckles are designed for tensioning ropes and stays, not for overhead lifting.