Wire rope clips offer a convenient and effective way to form the ends of cables. They are commonly used to create load-bearing eyes. The end of the cable is looped to form an “eye.” Wire rope clips are then used to secure the end. Once in place, wire rope clips will prevent the eye from coming undone, thereby allowing the cable to support loads. Here are five important things to consider when choosing wire rope clips.
#1) Material
You can find wire rope clips in different materials. Some of them are made of high-carbon steel, whereas others are are made of stainless steel. There are even cast iron wire rope clips available. Different materials, of course, have different characteristics. High-carbon steel is very strong and durable. Stainless steel offers a superior level of protection against rust and corrosion. Cast iron is particularly heavy and strong.
#2) Installation
You should consider the installation requirements when choosing wire rope clips. Most wire rope clips are installed using a torque wrench. After placing the U-bolt over the cable, you’ll need to tighten two nuts using a torque wrench. There are some wire rope clips, however, that require a different installation technique. Therefore, you should check to see how the wire rope clips are installed before purchasing them.
#3) Torque Rating
Something else to consider when choosing wire rope clips is the torque rating. As previously mentioned, most wire rope clips are installed using a torque wrench. You’ll need to apply a specific amount of torque when tightening the nuts to secure the cable in place. The torque rating represents how much torque is required. Some wire rope clips require 15 pounds per foot of torque, whereas others require up to 65 pounds per foot.
#4) Size
One of the most important things to consider when choosing wire rope clips is the size. Some cables are thicker than others. Thick cables require larger wire rope clips than thin cables. Therefore, you should choose wire rope clips that are sized to fit the cable with which you intend to use them.
#5) Quantity
How many wire rope clips are you planning to buy? Most applications require multiple wire rope clips to fully secure the end of the cable. For thick cables, three or more wire rope clips may be required. Applications involving heavy loads may also require three or more wire rope clips.