What are the Two Types of Wire Rope Clips?

ire rope clips, also known as cable clamps, are essential hardware used to form eyes in wire rope or join two lengths of cable together. They're widely used in construction, marine, utility, and industrial settings. But with so many variations out there, it's important to understand which type of clip is right for your application — especially when safety is a factor.

Although wire rope clips are available in various materials and finishes, they are categorized into two main types based on their design: U-bolt clips and Fist-Grip (double saddle) clips.

U-Bolt Wire Rope Clips
U-bolt wire rope clips are the traditional, most widely recognized style. They consist of a U-shaped bolt, a saddle, and two nuts that clamp the rope in place. U-bolt clips come in two key variations: forged and malleable.

Forged U-bolt clips are made from drop-forged steel for maximum strength and are typically hot-dip galvanized to resist corrosion, though some are available in 316 stainless steel for marine use. Forged clips are suitable for heavy-duty static applications like guy lines, bracing, and structural supports.

Malleable U-bolt clips, on the other hand, are made from cast malleable iron and should never be used for lifting or overhead loads. They are intended for light-duty, non-critical uses such as fencing, handrails, and temporary barriers.

Popular models include:

• Crosby G-450 – Made in the USA, forged, hot-dip galvanized, and easily identified by its red U-bolt; considered the industry standard for forged clips.
• Van Beest Green Pin G-6240 – Made in Europe, forged, hot-dip galvanized, and recognized for its green U-bolt, offering a trusted alternative to Crosby.
• Chicago Malleable Clips – Made in the USA, cast malleable iron, zinc-plated, and a reliable choice for light-duty, non-lifting applications.

Fist-Grip (Double Saddle) Wire Rope Clips
Fist-Grip wire rope clips, also known as double saddle clips, feature saddles on both sides of the rope for an even, secure grip. This design helps prevent crushing or damaging the rope and makes installation easier, as there’s no need to worry about "live" and "dead" ends like with U-bolt clips.

Fist-Grips are always forged for heavy-duty strength and typically hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance in outdoor and industrial environments. They are ideal for static applications such as guy wires, tower bracing, and structural tie-backs. Popular options include:

• Crosby G-429 Fist-Grip – A forged, hot-dip galvanized double saddle clip, trusted for industrial and heavy-duty use and easy to install.
• Imported, unbranded double saddle clips – Generally forged and galvanized, these are available as cost-effective alternatives and typically meet the same specs as branded versions, though quality may vary by manufacturer.

Why We Don’t Recommend Wire Rope Clips for Lifting
Although forged wire rope clips (like Crosby G-450 and G-429) are rated to ASME B30.26 rigging hardware standards and can be used for lifting when installed perfectly, we generally do not recommend using wire rope clips for lifting or overhead loads. Here’s why:

• Wire rope clips reduce rope strength — Even when installed properly, clips usually reduce the rope’s strength to 80–90% of its rated capacity.
• Improper installation is common — Using the wrong number of clips, incorrect spacing, under-torqued nuts, or reversing the saddle/U-bolt orientation can easily lead to dangerous failures.
• Better, safer alternatives are available — Options like swaged fittings, spliced eyes, and poured (socketed) terminations preserve more of the rope's strength and offer greater safety and reliability for critical applications.
• If the application involves lifting, overhead suspension, or life safety, we strongly recommend swaged, spliced, or poured fittings over clips.

✅ FAQ

What are the two types of wire rope clips?
The two main types are U-bolt clips, with a U-shaped bolt and saddle, and Fist-Grip (double saddle) clips, which use saddles on both sides for an even grip.

What materials are wire rope clips available in?
Wire rope clips are available in hot-dip galvanized steel, 316 stainless steel, and malleable zinc-plated cast iron.

What are the benefits of stainless steel wire rope clips?
Stainless steel clips provide superior corrosion resistance, making them ideal for marine, saltwater, and highly corrosive environments.

When should I use hot-dip galvanized wire rope clips?
Hot-dip galvanized clips are suited for general outdoor, industrial, and construction uses, offering good corrosion protection at a lower cost than stainless.

What are malleable wire rope clips used for?
Malleable clips are intended for light-duty, non-critical applications like fencing and handrails — never for lifting, overhead loads, or critical applications.

What are U-bolt wire rope clips commonly used for?
U-bolt clips are used to form eyes in wire rope or secure static loads, such as guy wires and structural bracing.

What makes double saddle (fist-grip) clips better for heavy-duty uses?
Fist-Grip clips distribute pressure evenly, reduce the risk of rope crushing, and are easier to install correctly — making them ideal for heavy-duty static applications like tower bracing and guy lines.

How do I choose the right wire rope clip?
Consider:

• Type of load (static vs. lifting — avoid clips for lifting when possible)
• Environment (galvanized for outdoor, stainless for marine)
• Application (for critical static loads, always choose forged clips — never malleable)

Shop Wire Rope Clips from Trusted Brands
Looking for high-quality wire rope clips? Bishop Lifting stocks a full range of forged U-bolt clips, fist-grip clips, and malleable clips from trusted brands like Crosby, Van Beest, and Chicago Hardware — ready to ship fast and priced competitively.

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