Want to learn how to install wire rope clips on your own? Here you will learn all about how to install wire rope clips, so you can look like a pro in front of your co-workers or friends!
Parts of a Wire Rope Clip
The parts of a wire rope clip include the saddle, U shaped bolts and nuts. The longer part of the cable that extends to the other connection point is called the live end; this is the part that will be holding the load.
The short portion that is turned back so the clips have something to grab onto is called the dead end. When you use clips to make an eye or an end this is called termination. Having all the components together is called an assembly.
Ever hear of the phrase, “Never saddle a dead horse.” with wire rope clips this phrase means never apply the saddle of the clip to the dead end. And lastly, the length of the cable starting from the base of the eye to the end of the dead-end is a turnback.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin to assemble your wire rope clips, there are some much-needed materials. Here is a list of materials you should have before beginning:
- Tape measure
- Torque wrench
- Clips
- Seizing tape
Also, remember to be safe when cutting any wire rope!
Preparation
Take a look at your wire rope and if there is any unraveled wire or a knot, cut that part of the wire rope off. If your rope does need to be cut, take the end of your rope and your seizing tape and seize the end of your rope.
Seizing your cable with tape before cutting it helps keep the end tight. If your rope does not need to be cut, still seize the end of your rope, but make sure to tightly wrap it so it keeps the structure of the wire rope. If you are dealing with a thicker cable try wrapping the end with soft wire for tighter security.
Measure your turnback. This would be the length of the cable from the base of the eye to the dead end. You want to measure and mark your turnback length. Next, you want to decide how large the eye in your cable is and mark the live end across from the turnback measurement. The last thing you want to do is make sure you mark your live end where your dead end ends.
Installing Wire Rope Clips
First, you want to line up your markings from earlier, and apply your first clip to your assembly while making sure you space the wire rope clip one saddle length from the dead end.
Next, you want to tighten and torque the nuts. Make sure the nuts are clean and there is no lubrication. When tightening the nuts, alternate to ensure they are taking on the pressure evenly. Using a torque wrench will help get to the recommended torque requirement for holding the load. Over tightening your nuts will permanently kink the wire rope and cause future failures.
Now, apply your second clip, but remember to place your saddle on the live end. Make sure it is pushed up against your thimble or the lines you marked during prep. This time you want to hand tighten your nuts. Alternate between nuts to keep an evenly distributed amount of pressure.
If you are creating an assembly that requires three or more clips, space them out evenly and remember to never alternate your clips orientation.
Tighten your remaining clips beginning with the clip closer to the dead-end while making sure to remove any slack in the cable between the clips. To remove slack, push it to the eye as you work your way down tightening your clips in the termination.
When you have your clips tightened, do your first load on the assembly to seat all of your components. You want to load your assembly with a load that is equal or greater than the load you would expect your assembly to hold.
Inspect your assembly during the first load and tighten or re-torque clips as needed. When you have inspected and finalized your wire rope clip, your assembly is ready for use.
Still Need Help?
If you still need help assembling or have questions about stainless steel wire rope clips, you can always call Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging! We know all about heavy-duty lines of wire rope and double saddles. We would love to help and get you up to expert wire rope clip status, so don’t wait and contact us today!