5.9.16 Wire rope grips (Bulldog grips)
1) Wire rope grips (bulldog grips) are often used to terminate wire ropes. If used correctly, with a thimble to make an eye, they provide a simple and effective way of securing the ends of wire ropes without splicing or socketing. Where the termination is correctly made, the resultant safe working load of the wire will be between 75 and 85% of the breaking strain of the wire.
2) The first grip must be placed as close to the thimble as possible and further grips should be placed approximately six times the diameter of the rope apart. It is essential that grips are applied so that the U bolt is on the tail or dead end of the rope (non-load-bearing end).
3) Grip threads and bearing surfaces of nuts should be lightly greased and the nuts tightened to the correct torque as detailed in the chart on the opposite page. The torque should be rechecked after application of the load and thereafter at periodic intervals when in continual use.
4) Wire rope grips should not be used to make lifting slings, long splices or to join two wire ropes together unless thimbles or eyes are used.