Wire rope grips

Working with wire rope? Find out about using wire rope grips, including their tightening torque.

AS2076 Wire rope grips for non lifting applications

Wire rope grips

The standard does not give any preference or recommendations for different applications on any of the wire rope grips pictured above. But some other authorities or departments have their own regulations.

Note: fist grips (double throat grip) are not commonly used in the construction industry.

Use of wire rope grips

Wire rope grips are generally used for temporary adjustment.

Wire rope grips are not to be used for:

• lifting
• live running ropes
• supporting persons
• suspending loads

For example, counterweight take-up towers are sometimes gripped. They should be done using a wedge socket. Note: grips can be left and right handed.

Wire rope grip size range

Here are sizes covered in the standard:

Fitting method

These images show how wire rope grips are fitted:

As shown above, the bridge of the wire rope grip must be fitted to the working part of the wire rope (not the tail).

Thimbles are shown in the images, but soft eyes can be used.

For intermediate size wire rope grips, the next largest size of wire rope grip should be used.

When tightening the wire rope grips, start with the one next to the thimble or eye. Then work outwards. The nuts must be torqued.

Wire rope grips can be used if the rope has to be shortened. But do not use wire rope grips for operations when the rope may be lengthened. This is because damage that may have occurred to the wire rope by the grip would then become part of the working rope.

Number of grips and tightening torque

Refer to AS2076