Publish Time: 2022-07-21 Origin: Site
Steel wire rope clips—also known as wire rope clamps—are essential end fittings used to form load-bearing eyes or to connect two wire ropes together. Commonly seen on crane cables, winch lines, rigging slings, perimeter barrier ropes, and mooring lines at docks or parking facilities, steel wire rope clips play a crucial role in safely securing wire rope terminations.
The U-bolt wire rope clip is the most widely used type. It typically consists of a U-shaped bolt, two nuts, and a forged or cast steel saddle. Understanding the correct selection and installation of wire rope clips is vital for maintaining safe lifting and rigging operations.
These clips are made from cast or malleable steel and are suitable only for light-duty, non-lifting applications such as guardrails, fences, handrails, or boundary ropes.
Key characteristics:
The cast saddle does not provide high structural strength
Overloading may cause cracking or failure
Not suitable for critical lifting or heavy rigging
Drop-forged steel wire rope clips are manufactured by heating and hammering steel into shape. This process creates a uniform grain structure, offering superior strength and durability.
Recommended use:
Heavy-duty lifting operations
Cranes and winches
Hoisting and load-bearing ropes
Guy lines, towing lines, and tie-down applications
Offshore, marine, and industrial rigging
For critical applications, only drop-forged steel wire rope clips should be used.
Before installing or using steel wire rope clips, always perform the following inspections:
Check for cracks, corrosion, deformation, or wear
Confirm permanent identification marks (size, manufacturer)
Verify the clip type and size match the rope specifications
Ensure all components—saddle, U-bolt, nuts—are present and undamaged
Key principles:
Ensure the clip is oriented correctly.
Always place the saddle on the live (load-bearing) end of the rope.
Remember: “Never saddle a dead horse.”
3.Tighten nuts using a torque wrench according to manufacturer specifications.
4.After loading the rope, recheck and re-torque the nuts.
5.Follow the proper installation sequence and spacing.
Installation Steps for Forming an Eye or Thimble
Step 1 – Form the eye
Wrap the wire rope around a thimble or form a loop according to the required number of rope turns.
Step 2 – Install the first clip
Attach the first steel wire rope clip one saddle-width away from the dead end. Tighten to the specified torque.
Step 3 – Install the second clip
Place the second clip as close to the thimble or loop as possible. Again, tighten using a torque wrench.
Step 4 – Install additional clips (if required)
If more clips are needed, space them evenly between the first two clips. Tighten all nuts to the specified torque.
After Installation
Load the rope to test the assembly
Rotate the rope periodically
Recheck and retighten all nuts, as vibration and use may loosen them
Incorrect installation of steel wire rope clips can lead to serious failures. Avoid the following errors:
Not tightening to the manufacturer’s torque specifications
Using too few clips
Incorrect spacing between clips
Placing the saddle on the wrong side of the rope
Positioning the U-bolt on the live end
Alternating U-bolt positions between live and dead ends
Incorrect number of rope turns when forming the eye
Using the wrong type of clip for the application
Using mismatched sizes of clip and wire rope
Failing to retighten clips after the rope is loaded
Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of steel wire rope clips are essential for ensuring the strength and safety of wire rope systems. Using the correct type—especially drop-forged clips for heavy-duty applications—combined with correct installation procedures significantly reduces the risk of failure.
Whether you’re working in lifting, marine, construction, or industrial environments, understanding how to use steel wire rope clips properly is a critical part of safe and effective rigging operations.