Wire Rope Clips
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Professional Wire Rope Clips & Cable Clamps
Wire rope clips, also known as cable clamps or U-bolt clamps, are mechanical fasteners used to create loops and secure wire rope ends by clamping the rope back onto itself. These essential rigging fittings provide a removable, adjustable method for creating eye terminations, securing thimbles, and joining wire rope without splicing or swaging. US Rigging offers professional-grade wire rope clips in various types, sizes, and materials, engineered for strength, reliability, and dependable performance in marine rigging, industrial cable systems, and general wire rope applications.
What are Wire Rope Clips?
A wire rope clip consists of a U-shaped bolt, a saddle (or bridge), and two nuts. The U-bolt wraps around the wire rope, and the saddle clamps down on top when the nuts are tightened. Multiple clips are used together to create a secure connection. Unlike splicing or swaging, wire rope clips can be installed without special tools and can be adjusted or removed if needed.
Key Characteristics of Wire Rope Clips
- Mechanical Fastener: Clamps rope using U-bolt and saddle
- Multiple Clips Required: Typically 3-5 clips needed for proper connection
- Removable: Can be adjusted or removed unlike permanent terminations
- No Special Tools: Installed with standard wrenches
- Proper Installation Critical: Must be installed correctly for safety
- Various Sizes: Available for different wire rope diameters
- Corrosion Resistant: Stainless steel or galvanized options
- Cost-Effective: Economical method for wire rope terminations
Types of Wire Rope Clips
Standard Wire Rope Clips (U-Bolt Clips)
The most common type, featuring a U-bolt and saddle design. Also called drop-forged clips.
Key Features:
- U-bolt wraps around rope
- Saddle (bridge) clamps on top
- Two nuts secure the connection
- Most common and economical type
- Drop-forged construction
- Various sizes for different rope diameters
Fist Grip Clips (Simplex Clips)
Single-piece design that grips the rope without a separate saddle. Easier to install but generally lower strength than standard clips.
Key Features:
- Single-piece construction
- Easier to install than U-bolt clips
- Lower profile
- Generally lower strength rating
- Good for light-duty applications
Double Saddle Clips
Feature two saddles for improved grip and higher strength. Used for critical applications.
Key Features:
- Two saddles for better grip
- Higher strength than standard clips
- More expensive
- Used for critical applications
Materials
Material Options
- Stainless Steel (316): Best corrosion resistance for saltwater marine applications
- Stainless Steel (304): Good corrosion resistance for freshwater and general use
- Galvanized Steel: Economical with good corrosion protection for general use
- Malleable Iron: Traditional material, galvanized for corrosion protection
Marine Recommendation: For saltwater applications, use 316 stainless steel wire rope clips for maximum corrosion resistance.
Proper Installation - Critical for Safety
The Golden Rule: "Never Saddle a Dead Horse"
CRITICAL: The saddle (bridge) must ALWAYS be placed on the live (load-bearing) end of the rope. The U-bolt goes on the dead (tail) end. Installing clips backwards dramatically reduces strength and can cause failure.
Remember: "Never saddle a dead horse" - the saddle goes on the live end, never on the dead end.
Installation Steps
- Form the Loop: Create eye around thimble (if using) to desired size
- Position First Clip: Place first clip closest to the loop, with saddle on live end
- Install Remaining Clips: Space additional clips evenly along the tail
- Tighten Nuts: Tighten nuts to recommended torque (hand-tight plus 1/2 turn typically)
- Apply Load: Apply load to the connection
- Re-tighten: Re-tighten all clips after initial loading
- Periodic Re-tightening: Check and re-tighten periodically during use
Number of Clips Required
The number of clips needed depends on wire rope diameter:
- 1/4" rope: 2 clips minimum (3 recommended)
- 3/8" rope: 3 clips minimum
- 1/2" rope: 3 clips minimum
- 5/8" rope: 4 clips minimum
- 3/4" rope: 4 clips minimum
- 7/8" rope: 4 clips minimum
- 1" and larger: 5+ clips minimum
Always follow manufacturer specifications for your specific rope diameter and application.
Clip Spacing
- First clip should be placed one rope width from the loop
- Space remaining clips evenly at approximately 6 rope diameters apart
- Last clip should be at the end of the tail
- Ensure adequate tail length extends beyond last clip
Common Applications
Marine Applications
- Wire rope eye terminations
- Thimble securing
- Rigging connections
- Anchor rode terminations
- General marine rigging
Industrial & Rigging
- Cable assemblies
- Wire rope terminations
- Guy wire connections
- Equipment rigging
- General cable work
Architectural & Construction
- Cable railing systems
- Structural cables
- Tension systems
- Deck railing
- Architectural cables
General Purpose
- Wire rope loops
- Cable securing
- Temporary connections
- DIY cable projects
- General rigging
Strength & Efficiency
Efficiency Ratings
Wire rope clips, when properly installed, typically retain 80-90% of the wire rope's breaking strength. However:
- Proper installation is critical for achieving rated efficiency
- Incorrect installation (saddle on dead end) reduces efficiency to 40-50%
- Insufficient number of clips reduces strength
- Improper torque affects holding power
- Regular re-tightening maintains connection strength
Important: Wire rope clips are not as strong as spliced or swaged terminations. For critical lifting or life safety applications, consider professional splicing or swaging.
Choosing the Right Wire Rope Clips
Key Considerations
- Rope Diameter: Clips must match wire rope diameter exactly
- Material: Stainless steel for marine, galvanized for general use
- Type: Standard U-bolt for most applications, fist grip for light duty
- Quantity: Purchase correct number for rope diameter
- Application: Marine, industrial, architectural, or general purpose
- Environment: Corrosive environments require stainless steel
- Load Requirements: Ensure adequate for your application
- Quality: Use drop-forged clips from reputable manufacturers
Inspection & Maintenance
Inspection Guidelines
- Nut Tightness: Check that all nuts remain tight
- Clip Orientation: Verify saddle is on live end (correct installation)
- Corrosion: Check for rust or corrosion
- Rope Condition: Inspect wire rope for damage at clip locations
- Deformation: Look for bent U-bolts or damaged saddles
- Number of Clips: Verify correct number of clips are installed
Maintenance
- Re-tighten After Loading: Always re-tighten after initial loading
- Periodic Re-tightening: Check and re-tighten regularly during use
- Freshwater Rinse: Rinse after saltwater exposure
- Lubrication: Apply anti-seize to threads during installation
- Replace if Damaged: Replace bent or corroded clips immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way do wire rope clips go?
The saddle (bridge) ALWAYS goes on the live (load-bearing) end of the rope. The U-bolt goes on the dead (tail) end. Remember: "Never saddle a dead horse." Installing clips backwards reduces strength by 50% or more and can cause dangerous failures. This is the most critical aspect of wire rope clip installation.
How many wire rope clips do I need?
The number depends on rope diameter. Minimum is typically 2-3 clips for small rope (1/4"-3/8"), 3-4 clips for medium rope (1/2"-3/4"), and 5+ clips for larger rope (1" and up). Always follow manufacturer specifications. Using too few clips will result in inadequate holding power and potential failure.
How tight should I tighten wire rope clips?
Tighten nuts to manufacturer's recommended torque. A general rule is hand-tight plus 1/2 turn with a wrench. Don't over-tighten as this can damage the rope. After applying load to the connection, re-tighten all clips. Check and re-tighten periodically during use as the rope may compress under load.
Can I use wire rope clips for overhead lifting?
Wire rope clips can be used for rigging, but they're not as strong as spliced or swaged terminations. For critical overhead lifting or life safety applications, professional splicing or swaging is recommended. If using clips for lifting, ensure proper installation, adequate number of clips, regular inspection, and appropriate safety factors.
Why do I need to re-tighten wire rope clips?
Wire rope compresses slightly under load, which can loosen the clips. After initial loading, always re-tighten all clips. Continue to check and re-tighten periodically during use. This is essential for maintaining connection strength and safety. Failure to re-tighten is a common cause of wire rope clip failures.
Professional Wire Rope Clips 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, we offer professional-grade wire rope clips in various types, sizes, and materials, engineered for strength, reliability, and dependable performance in demanding applications.
Our wire rope clip collection includes standard U-bolt clips, fist grip clips, and double saddle clips in stainless steel and galvanized steel construction for various wire rope diameters. Whether you need corrosion-resistant stainless steel clips for marine rigging, heavy-duty galvanized clips for industrial cable systems, or general-purpose clips for wire rope terminations, we have the quality fittings for reliable connections.
Browse our wire rope clip selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade wire rope clips and cable clamps you can depend on.