Wire ropes are one of the most critical pieces of rigging and lifting hardware. You can use wire ropes for lifting, rigging, and tying loads of virtually any size, shape, and type. To make the most out of wire ropes, however, you need a few additional rigging equipment, one of which includes wire rope clamps.

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Also known as wire rope clips, riggers often use this nifty little piece of hardware at the end of the length of a wire rope. You can use a wire rope clamp to:

• Tie two wire ropes together using a lap splice.
• Create a load-bearing eye at the end of a wire rope by bending the end of the same wire backward.

In short, a cable clamp is what makes a wire rope one of the most versatile pieces of rigging hardware. As these clamps come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, you will need to choose one that perfectly fits your lifting and rigging application. But before we get down to that, first, you need to understand what is wire rope clamp, its types, and a few other things.

What Is a Wire rope clamp?

It is a simple mechanical device. A typical wire rope clip consists of a saddle, U-bolt, and two hex nuts. This simple device is suitable for less permanent rigging and lifting applications. You must never use wire rope clips to make industrial slings.

The ASME B30.9 Slings standard clearly states that riggers should not use mechanical wire rope terminations that require periodic adjustments to create slings. In other words, you need to be careful when using rope clamps. You can use a wire rope clip to create an end loop for a winching or crane cable. You can also use it to build perimeter cables or increase the length of a wire rope going through a D-shackle or eye bolt.

Types of clamps

2. Double Saddle Wire rope clips

These clamps consist of two saddles with one leg each and two nuts. As the saddles are mirrored, they can fit into each other without a bolt. This unique design also means you can use these in either direction, which makes them more user-friendly.

Material From Which Wire rope clamps Are Made

Usually, there are three types of materials used for making rope clips. You can choose a material based on your application as each one comes with its unique strengths and weaknesses.

1. Drop Forged Galvanized

In this type of wire rope clip, the base or saddle is made from forged steel. The manufacturing process involves heating and hammering the clips into desired shapes. Riggers often use these cable clamps for critical and heavy-duty applications as they are very strong. You can see them in winch lines, crane cables, hoist lines, towing lines, scaffoldings, guy lines, and even tie-downs.

Properties Of  Drop Forged Galvanized U-Bolt Wire rope clamps

• They cost less than stainless steel wire rope clips.
• They are more suited for outdoor environments.
• But, they are not as corrosion resistant as their stainless-steel variants.

2. Malleable Galvanized

The base or saddle is made from cast iron. As cast iron lacks the metal properties of stainless steel, it is not that strong. So, the malleable galvanized wire rope clamps are not very strong. They can break under heavy usage. You will see them being used in small or light-duty applications like fencing, parameter cables, or guard rails.

Properties Of Malleable Galvanized Wire rope clamps

• They can be used in outdoor environments.
• But they are not as corrosion resistant as other types of wire rope clamps.
• Their surface can develop rust quickly when exposed to rain, snow, salty air, or saltwater environments.

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel wire rope clips are arguably the best ones. The base or saddle is made from high tensile strength stainless steel. They are durable and easy to use. You can find these cable clamps in temporary guard rails, flag posts, and other outdoor rigging applications.

Properties Of Stainless-Steel Wire rope clamps

• These are the most corrosion-resistant wire rope clamps.
• Being highly resistant to surface rust, even in saltwater environments, they are best suited for outdoor environments.
• As stainless steel is costly, they are a little expensive compared to other types of clamps.

1. Get It from A Reliable Rigging Hardware Manufacturer

The first step in choosing cable clamps is to buy them from a trusted and reputed rigging hardware manufacturer. The last thing you want is to use a defective or poor-quality clip. This will compromise the safety of your load and your crew.

Langnuo Mining Equipment supply professional and honest service.

2. Always Check the Instruction Manual First

As you can see, each wire rope clamp comes with unique properties. You need the instruction manual to understand when, where, and how to use the cable clamps. Make sure the clamps are accompanied by respective user manuals when making a purchase.

3. Consider Your Work Environment

By now, you know that some cable clamps are more suited for outdoor environments, while others aren’t. As a result, carefully think about where you want to use the wire rope clips. For example, if it’s a heavy outdoor application, stainless steel wire rope clamps would be a great fit.

4. Consider Your Load Specifications

Taking into account how large and heavy the load is also equally important. Heavier loads will require strong cable clamps that won’t break under stress. Also, you shouldn’t use clips for any permanent rigging or lifting applications. They are suited only for temporary load applications.

5. Conduct Expert Inspection

Lastly, it’s always better to get an expert on board when shopping for wire rope clips. Maybe you can hire an engineer or expert with considerable field experience to help you choose the right types of clamps. An expert will help you take every detail into account before making the purchase. Remember, if you choose the right cable clamps right off the bat, you’ll save considerable time and money down the line.

In Conclusion

Wire rope clamps are one of the essential rigging hardware. They land wire ropes more flexibility, allowing you to handle a wide range of applications with ease and safety. These are some tips that will help you choose the appropriate clamp for your need.

Everything You Need To Know About Cable Clamps

Cable clamps, or wire rope clamps, are clips used for cable routing and management that help provide a defined path for cables (sometimes called  U-clamps or U-clips). Aside from just keeping the cables in place, they also prevent tangling and reduce wear and tear. Additionally, some clamps provide cushioning to avoid abrasion and to protect cables from sharp edges or vibrations.

Cable clamps are great for routing as they can be open for adjustments. It is also faster to make a new enclosure when using cable clamps as compared to zip ties and adhesive cable mounts.

Common types of cable clamps

• Plastic cable clamps are lightweight, easy to install, and mainly used for light-duty applications. The simplest plastic cable clamp material is nylon, but PP is used for automotive and appliance wiring, and PE is used for outdoor applications. Plastic clamps are often adjustable.
• Metal cable clamps are strong and durable and suitable for heavy-duty and harsh environments. The most common metal for cable clamps is stainless steel, but aluminium cable clamps are also common. Galvanized steel cable clamps are used for outdoor rugged environments. Metal clamps are usually not adjustable and are designed to fit specific cable diameters.
• Cushioned cable clamps have rubber or silicone cushions to protect cables from vibration and abrasion. They can be used in vehicles, boats, industrial machinery, and HVAC systems. There are adjustable options of cushioned clamps.
• Hook & loop clamps are primarily made from fabric materials, specifically woven nylon or polyester. The clamp consists of a hook side with stiff, tiny hooks that latch onto the soft, fuzzy loops of the loop side when pressed together. They are reusable, flexible, and adjustable. They are used for electronics, in homes, and offices.
• Flat cable clamps are specialized clamps designed to secure and manage flat cables, such as ribbon cables, data cables, and other types of flat-profile wiring. These clamps provide a reliable way to organize flat cables, ensuring they remain securely in place without kinking or tangling. That can be made either from metal or plastic.

NEC requirements for cable clamps

The NEC mandates the use of cable clamps when installing cables into metal boxes or conduit bodies, including types like NM, AC, MC, and MI cables [Sec. 314.17 (C)]. This also applies when installing NM cable into boxes without built-in clamps [Sec. 334.30], such as plastic boxes.

Exceptions include:

1. NM cables in plastic boxes with integral clamps do not require additional clamps [Sec. 314.17 (C) Exception No. 1].
2. MI or MC cables installed with listed fittings that provide adequate strain relief do not need clamps [Sec. 314.17 (C) Exception No. 2].
3. Flexible cords installed into boxes with specific fittings do not require clamps [Sec. 400.14].

How to install cable clamps?

1. Position the clamp:
• Position the clamp over the cable where it needs to be secured.
• Ensure the clamp is oriented correctly, with the opening facing in the direction that allows easy access if adjustments are needed.
2. Mount the clamp:
• For clamps that require screws or bolts, position the clamp, and use a screwdriver or drill to secure it firmly to the mounting surface.
• If using adhesive-backed clamps, peel off the backing and press the clamp firmly onto the surface. Hold for a few seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
3. Secure the cable:
• Place the cable inside and snap the clamp closed to secure it. Ensure it holds the cable snugly without pinching.
• For adjustable clamps, tighten them around the cable to achieve the desired grip. Ensure it’s tight enough to hold but not so tight that it damages the cable.
4. Check cable movement:
• Gently pull the cable to check that the clamp securely holds it and does not move excessively.
• Ensure there’s some slack to prevent excessive tension, especially near connection points.
5. Repeat as needed:
• Install additional clamps along the cable path as required, spacing them evenly to prevent sagging or movement.
• If the cable layout changes, adjustable clamps can be easily repositioned.

Tips for effective use:

• Avoid over-tightening: This can damage cables, especially for delicate or sensitive wiring.
• Regular maintenance: Periodically check clamps in high-vibration areas to remain secure.
• Choose UV-resistant clamps: For outdoor use, select clamps that can withstand sun exposure to prevent degradation.

Types of Metal Cable Clamps at Nassau National Cable

At Nassau National Cable, we have specific types of metal clamps, mostly used for particular niche purposes. Here are they:

• Buchanan clamps for electrical splicing and wire connections. These clamps usually consist of a metal barrel that crimps onto the wires.
• Metal hose clamps are stainless steel galvanized clamps for securing hoses to fittings in automotive, plumbing, and industrial applications.
• Spring loaded torque V-Band for high-pressure and high-vibration environments like exhaust, turbochargers, and machinery. They use a V-shaped band and a spring-loaded mechanism to secure hoses and tubes.
• Muffler clamps are U-bolt-style clamps designed specifically to secure mufflers and exhaust pipes in place on vehicles.
• Exhaust clamps for joining exhaust pipes and components in automotive exhaust systems.
• Hose ferrules for crimping hoses in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• T-Bolt Clamps for high-pressure, heavy-duty hose securing. They feature a T-bolt fastener that provides high-strength clamping pressure.
• F-Clamps for temporary holding in woodworking and metalworking. They are adjustable clamps with an F-shaped design that hold objects firmly in place.

At NNC, you can also buy NM and MC cables that are used with cable clamps.

Author Bio

Vita Chernikhovska

is a dedicated content creator at Nassau National Cable, where she simplifies complex electrical concepts for a broad audience. With over a decade of experience in educational content and five years specializing in wire and cable, her work has been cited by authoritative sources, including the New York Times. Vita's popular series, such as 'What is the amp rating for a cable size' and 'How to wire different switches and appliances,' make technical information accessible. She also interviews industry professionals and contributes regularly to the wire and cable podcast.