Rope Grips

Rope Grips and Wire Rope Clips for Australian Rigging and Construction

Rope grips (also called wire rope clips, U-bolt clips, or fist grips) are the mechanical fasteners that terminate wire rope — forming an eye, joining two ropes, or creating a stopper end without swaging. Used widely in rigging, construction, fencing, and tensioning applications, rope grips are the everyday method for forming wire rope terminations on site without specialist equipment. AIMS Industrial supplies rope grips in galvanised and stainless steel for trade customers across Australia.

The rope grip types we stock

• U-bolt rope clips (the standard) — U-shaped bolt with saddle and nuts for clamping wire rope
• Fist grips — symmetric clamp design with both saddles equal-pressure on the rope
• Drop-forged grips — stronger forged construction for higher-load applications
• Heavy-duty grips — oversized for larger wire rope and higher loads

Sizing and pack quantities

Rope grip size is matched to wire rope diameter. Common sizes range from 3mm rope (smallest U-bolt grips) through 32mm rope and beyond. Each grip carries a stamped size designation indicating the rope diameter it's rated for. Pack sizes are typically 50 or 100 per box, with bulk packs for fitout and rigging contractors.

Number of grips per termination — the safety rule

Australian rigging practice requires multiple rope grips per termination. The minimum number depends on the rope diameter:

• Up to 12mm rope — minimum 3 grips
• 12mm to 19mm rope — minimum 4 grips
• 19mm to 25mm rope — minimum 5 grips
• 25mm to 32mm rope — minimum 6 grips

Spacing between grips is typically 6-7 times the rope diameter. The first grip is placed close to the eye (4-6 rope diameters from the thimble); subsequent grips space toward the dead end. The "live" side of the rope (under load) gets the saddle of the U-bolt; the dead end gets the U-bolt itself — "never saddle a dead horse" is the traditional reminder.

Where rope grips earn their place

• Wire rope termination — forming eyes for connection to shackles, hooks, and pin connections
• Joining two wire ropes — for extending or repairing wire rope runs
• Construction tensioning — bracing, guy wires, and structural cable applications
• Fencing — terminating wire fence runs at end posts and corner posts
• Marine applications — wire rope terminations on boat fittings (use stainless 316 grips)

Versus swaged terminations

Swaged terminations (compressed sleeves and ferrules) are typically 90-95% efficient — the swaged termination retains nearly the full rope strength. Properly-installed rope grip terminations are typically 75-85% efficient — somewhat weaker than swaged. For lifting and life-safety applications, swaged terminations are preferred; for general rigging, tensioning, and structural applications, rope grips are widely used and accepted.

Compliance and standards

Rope grip terminations used in lifting applications must comply with the relevant lifting standard. Inspection schedules and competency requirements apply. For non-lifting structural applications, the relevant building or engineering code governs the requirement.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Beaver and Yoke cover the rope grip range across the standard sizes in galvanised and stainless steel. Drop-forged options are stocked for higher-load applications.

Companion ranges at AIMS

Rope grips sit alongside our broader rigging hardware range — see ropes, lifting shackles, rigging screws, and rigging and lifting slings for the related products.

Need help with rope grip sizing or termination practice? contact our team — we'll match by rope diameter and application.