Wire Rope Clips

Wire Rope Clips are fittings used to form a temporary eye or loop in wire rope by clamping two parts of the rope together. They are the most common method of making field-fabricated wire rope connections — essential for securing wire rope to thimbles, forming eyes for temporary rigging, and making end terminations where swaged or spliced fittings are not available.

Proper installation is critical. Wire rope clips must be installed with the saddle (U-bolt base) on the live (load-bearing) side of the rope and the U-bolt on the dead end. The industry saying is "never saddle a dead horse." The number of clips required depends on the wire rope diameter — manufacturer torque tables specify both the quantity and the torque value for each clip size.

Two types are available: U-bolt clips (most common) and double saddle clips, which grip from both sides and can be installed in either orientation. Both types are covered under ASME B30.26.

Amick stocks wire rope clips from our Pittsburgh facility.

The essential field connection — wire rope clips stocked in Pittsburgh. Call 412-429-1212.

Type

U-bolt wire rope clips and double saddle wire rope clips. Available for all standard wire rope diameters.

Applications

Forming eyes and loops in wire rope for temporary and permanent connections, securing wire rope to thimbles, guy wire terminations, and any field application where a swaged or spliced termination is not available. Used across construction, utility, marine, and general rigging.

Exceptions

Install with the saddle on the live (loaded) side — never saddle a dead horse. Use the correct number of clips for the wire rope diameter per manufacturer specifications. Torque clips to the manufacturer's recommended value and re-torque after initial loading. Inspect for proper seating, torque, and wire rope condition at each clip location. Wire rope clips provide a connection efficiency of approximately 80% of the wire rope's rated breaking strength when properly installed.