The H-Lift Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Wire Rope Clip U.S. Type is a drop-forged rigging component manufactured to U.S. Federal Spec FF-C-450D and EN 13411-5 Type B standards. Constructed from Type 316 marine-grade stainless steel, these high-strength clips provide superior corrosion resistance and holding power for critical lifting and rigging applications in harsh environments, available in sizes from 1/8" to 1".
Drop Forged Heavy Duty - Marine Grade AISI 316
Unlike cast wire rope clips (DIN 741), drop forged clips feature a saddle formed by hot forging under extreme pressure. This process aligns the metal grain structure, creating a product that is significantly stronger, less brittle, and capable of handling safety-critical loads. Drop forged clips achieve higher efficiency ratings (up to 80% of the rope's breaking strength) and are essential for applications where failure is not an option.
This US Type drop forged clip is manufactured to the same FF-C-450 dimensional standards as the industry-leading Crosby G-450 wire rope clip. It serves as a functional equivalent with the added benefit of AISI 316 stainless steel construction for superior corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments.
All weights (N.W.) are approximate net weights per piece. Imperial sizing (inches) standard for US market compatibility.
| Item No. | Size (inch) | N.W. (kg) | Product Code | Item No. | Size (inch) | N.W. (kg) | Product Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-C1108 | 1/8 | 0.023 | 704132108 | S-C1102 | 1/2 | 0.345 | 704132102 |
| S-C1316 | 3/16 | 0.041 | 704132316 | S-C1916 | 9/16 | 0.450 | 704132916 |
| S-C1104 | 1/4 | 0.083 | 704132104 | S-C1508 | 5/8 | 0.460 | 704132508 |
| S-C1516 | 5/16 | 0.142 | 704132516 | S-C1304 | 3/4 | 0.690 | 704132304 |
| S-C1308 | 3/8 | 0.193 | 704132308 | S-C1708 | 7/8 | 1.110 | 704132708 |
| S-C1716 | 7/16 | 0.325 | 704132716 | S-C1101 | 1 | 1.150 | 704132101 |
Selection, Installation, Safety, and Maintenance
Wire rope clips (also called wire rope clamps or cable clamps) are mechanical fittings used to form eyes (loops) or temporary terminations at the end of wire ropes. They typically consist of a U‑bolt, a saddle, and two nuts that clamp the live and dead ends of the rope together.
When selected and installed correctly, wire rope clips can provide a secure and adjustable termination that reaches a high percentage of the rope’s original breaking strength. They are widely used in construction, lifting, marine, transportation, and general industrial applications.
The most common design, consisting of a U‑shaped bolt, a saddle, and two nuts.
These have two saddles and two through‑bolts, distributing the clamping force more evenly around the rope.
Most manufacturers mark clips by wire rope diameter. Below is a typical application range guide:
| Clip Size (inch) | Typical Rope Diameter (mm) | Typical Application Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 3–4 mm | Light cables, small lanyards, small barriers |
| 3/16" | 5 mm | Small guy wires, light suspensions |
| 1/4" | 6–7 mm | General utility cables, small hoisting lines |
| 3/8" | 10 mm | Construction and industrial rigging |
| 1/2" | 13 mm | Heavier rigging, structural guys |
| 5/8"–1" | 16–26 mm | Heavy construction, cranes, tower guys |
Exact sizing and designation depend on the manufacturer’s catalog and local standards.
Wire rope clips are used wherever a loop or temporary termination is needed on wire rope:
Wire rope clips work by clamping the live end and the dead end of the rope together over a sufficient length, using multiple clips with specified spacing and torque. The friction and deformation under the saddle prevent the rope from slipping.
“Never saddle a dead horse.”
This means the saddle must always be on the live (load‑bearing) end, and the U‑bolt on the dead end. Otherwise, the rope can be crushed and slip under load.
Before installing wire rope clips, always:
(Example values based on a common forged U‑bolt clip table)
| Rope Dia. (in) | Min. No. of Clips | Approx. Turnback Length (in) | Torque (ft‑lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 2 | 3.25–3.5 | 4.5 |
| 3/16" | 2 | 3.75–4.0 | 7.5 |
| 1/4" | 2 | 4.75 | 15 |
| 5/16" | 2 | 5.25 | 30 |
| 3/8" | 2 | 6.5 | 45 |
| 1/2" | 3 | 11.5 | 65 |
| 5/8" | 3 | 12–16 | 95 |
| 3/4" | 3–4 | 18–19 | 130–225 |
| 1" | 5 | 26–37 | 225 |
Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s data sheet, as exact numbers vary by brand and standard.
Several frequent mistakes significantly reduce the efficiency and safety of wire rope clips:
