Swage Sleeves
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Professional Swage Sleeves - Wire Rope Fittings & Cable Ferrules
Swage sleeves, also known as cable ferrules or cable crimp sleeves, are metal sleeves that are compressed onto wire rope to create permanent terminations, secure loops, or form stops. These essential wire rope fittings provide reliable connections when properly installed with swaging tools, serving two main functions: creating eye terminations with thimbles for strong connection points, or forming stops at rope ends to prevent passage through hardware. US Rigging offers professional-grade swage sleeves in various types and materials, made in America and designed to meet high standards and safety guidelines for marine rigging, industrial cable systems, and general wire rope applications.
What is Swaging?
Swaging is a process that terminates the end of a wire rope by compressing a metal sleeve onto the rope. The swaging process permanently deforms the sleeve, creating a tight mechanical bond. A swage sleeve is used to bind/splice a loop in a wire rope or hold back the end of a rope from passing beyond a fixed point. Properly swaged connections retain 90-95% of the wire rope's breaking strength, making swaging one of the strongest methods for wire rope terminations.
Types of Swage Sleeves
Oval Sleeves
Standard egg-shaped swage sleeves designed to bind the end of a wire rope into a loop. The most common type for creating eye terminations with thimbles.
Key Features:
- Classic oval/egg shape
- Designed to bind together an eye in wire rope
- Stronger than stop sleeves
- Used for non-critical applications
- Available in stainless steel for corrosion resistance
- Most common type for eye terminations
- Works with thimbles for professional terminations
Common Applications:
- Wire rope eye terminations
- Marine rigging connections
- Cable railing systems
- Architectural cables
- General wire rope loops
Duplex Sleeves (Hourglass/Double Barrel Sleeves)
Hourglass-shaped sleeves engineered to bind together eyes in wire ropes. The smoothest cable crimp sleeves available.
Key Features:
- Hourglass/double barrel shape
- Smoothest cable crimp sleeves
- Designed to bind together an eye in wire rope
- Stronger than stop sleeves
- Available in aluminum or copper
- Available with zinc or tin plating for corrosion resistance
- Used for non-critical applications
Stop Sleeves (Button Sleeves)
Circular-shaped sleeves that attach at the end of wire rope to create a stopping point. Anchors the line similar to how a bolt anchors a nut, preventing the rope end from slipping through gaps and holes.
Key Features:
- Circular shape
- Form a stopping point without requiring an eye
- Prevent fraying
- Made for simple swaging
- Can often be installed easily by hand
- Alternative to wire clips and thimbles for stops
- Available in aluminum, copper, and zinc materials
- Not as strong as oval sleeves but simpler installation
Common Applications:
- Cable stops
- Preventing rope from pulling through hardware
- Simple terminations without loops
- Fraying prevention
- Light-duty applications
Swage Sleeve Materials
Material Selection Guide
When choosing a swage sleeve, consider the type of wire rope you're using and whether the sleeve will be used indoors or outdoors.
Stainless Steel Swage Sleeves
Made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel, offering the best resistance to weather and harsh conditions.
Key Features:
- Resistant to corrosion
- Good for indoor or outdoor use
- Withstands challenging conditions
- Can be used with galvanized steel or stainless steel wires
- Best choice for marine applications
- Higher cost but superior durability
Aluminum Swage Sleeves
Most economical material option, suitable for many applications with proper use.
Key Features:
- Most economical material
- Good for indoor use
- Tin or zinc plating increases resistance to corrosion
- Should NOT be used with stainless steel wire
- Lightweight option
Important: Aluminum sleeves are not recommended for use with stainless steel wire as these materials can form a chemical reaction that causes corrosion.
Copper Swage Sleeves
Economical choice with good performance characteristics, especially for shock loads.
Key Features:
- Economical material
- Good for indoor use
- Hold up well in heavy shock loads
- Tin or zinc plating increases resistance to corrosion
- Traditional choice for galvanized rope
Material Matching Guide
Matching Sleeve Material to Wire Rope
- Stainless Steel Wire Rope: Use copper or stainless steel sleeves (NOT aluminum)
- Galvanized Wire Rope: Use aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel sleeves
- Marine/Outdoor Applications: Use stainless steel sleeves or plated sleeves
- Indoor Applications: Aluminum or copper sleeves are economical choices
Critical: Match sleeve material to wire rope material to prevent galvanic corrosion. Never use aluminum sleeves with stainless steel wire rope.
Common Applications
Marine Rigging
- Wire rope eye terminations
- Rigging connections
- Lifeline installations
- Standing rigging
- General marine cable work
Architectural & Construction
- Cable railing systems
- Architectural cables
- Deck railing
- Structural cables
- Tension systems
Industrial Applications
- Cable assemblies
- Wire rope terminations
- Equipment rigging
- Industrial cable work
- Custom fabrication
General Purpose
- Wire rope loops
- Cable stops
- Rope terminations
- DIY cable projects
- Equipment connections
Choosing the Right Swage Sleeve
Key Considerations
- Application: Eye termination (oval/duplex) or stop (stop sleeve)
- Wire Rope Diameter: Sleeve must match rope diameter exactly
- Wire Rope Material: Match sleeve material to rope (no aluminum with stainless steel)
- Environment: Indoor (aluminum/copper) or outdoor (stainless steel/plated)
- Load Requirements: Oval/duplex stronger than stop sleeves
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel or plated for harsh conditions
- Budget: Aluminum most economical, stainless steel most durable
- Swaging Tool: Ensure you have proper tool for sleeve size
Proper Installation
Installation Requirements
- Proper Tool: Use correct swaging tool for sleeve size
- Correct Size: Sleeve must match wire rope diameter
- Clean Components: Ensure sleeve and rope are clean
- Proper Insertion: For eye terminations, insert thimble and thread rope through sleeve
- Complete Compression: Compress fully per manufacturer specifications
- Inspect Results: Verify proper compression before loading
Critical Installation Warnings
- Proper Tool Required: Never use pliers or improper tools
- Correct Size: Wrong size sleeve will not hold properly
- Material Match: Use correct sleeve material for wire rope type
- Complete Compression: Partial compression will fail under load
- One-Time Process: Cannot re-swage - must cut off and start over if incorrect
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between oval and duplex sleeves?
Both are designed for creating eye terminations in wire rope. Oval sleeves have a traditional egg shape, while duplex sleeves have an hourglass or double barrel shape. Duplex sleeves are considered the smoothest cable crimp sleeves. Both provide similar strength and function - the choice often comes down to availability and personal preference.
Can I use aluminum sleeves with stainless steel wire rope?
No. Aluminum sleeves should NOT be used with stainless steel wire rope as these materials can form a chemical reaction that causes galvanic corrosion. For stainless steel wire rope, use copper or stainless steel sleeves. This material matching is critical for preventing corrosion and ensuring connection integrity.
When should I use stop sleeves instead of oval sleeves?
Use stop sleeves when you need to create a stopping point at the end of a rope without forming a loop - they prevent the rope from passing through hardware. Use oval or duplex sleeves when you need to create an eye termination with a thimble for connecting to shackles or other hardware. Stop sleeves are simpler but not as strong as oval sleeves.
Do I need zinc or tin plating on my sleeves?
Zinc or tin plating increases resistance to corrosion, making it beneficial for outdoor applications or humid environments. For indoor use, unplated aluminum or copper sleeves are adequate. For marine or outdoor applications, use stainless steel sleeves or plated sleeves for maximum corrosion resistance and longevity.
What percentage of rope strength do swage sleeves retain?
Properly swaged sleeves typically retain 90-95% of the wire rope's breaking strength, making swaging one of the strongest termination methods. However, this requires proper installation with the correct swaging tool, correct sleeve size, and complete compression. Improper swaging significantly reduces strength.
Professional Swage Sleeves from US Rigging
US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience and a commitment to operational excellence, we offer professional-grade swage sleeves made in America and designed to meet high standards and safety guidelines.
Our swage sleeve collection includes oval sleeves, duplex (hourglass) sleeves, and stop sleeves in stainless steel, aluminum, and copper materials, with zinc and tin plating options for corrosion resistance. Whether you need stainless steel oval sleeves for marine rigging eye terminations, aluminum duplex sleeves for cable railing systems, or copper stop sleeves for simple wire rope terminations, we have the quality cable ferrules for reliable, permanent connections.
Browse our swage sleeve selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade swage sleeves and wire rope fittings you can depend on.