How to choose wire rope, clips and turnbuckles: galvanised or stainless steel?

For tie lines, bracing, fences and tensioned lines choose galvanised wire rope for general use and stainless steel wire rope where there is damp, water or an aggressive atmosphere. Clips, thimbles and turnbuckles should be of the same size as the rope (in the collection the sizes go up to 22 mm, also given in inches, for example 3/8"), preferably in the same material. Please note: these components are not a substitute for ropes certified for lifting or fall arrest.

The types

• Galvanised and stainless steel wire rope: sold by the metre, on reels or in coils; lengths range from a few metres to 500 m. It is cut to size for tie lines and bracing.
• Wire rope kits: rope supplied with end fittings and accessories, so you get compatible parts in a single purchase.
• Galvanised rope clips: close the loop of the rope back on itself. They come by size, for example 5 mm (3/16") and 10 mm (3/8") from Vigor.
• Thimbles: protect the eye of the rope from tight bending and wear.
• Turnbuckles: eye and eye, or eye and hook, for tensioning and adjusting the rope. Eye bolts are the anchor points to which they are attached.
• Ratchet cable tensioners: such as the Fervi 0066 double-ratchet model, for tensioning with a ratchet.
• Clothesline wire: coated, in a box or on a 200 m or 500 m reel, such as the Vigor 09200-05. It is for domestic and light use.
• Seismic cables: specific products, such as the Fischer FWI-S, to be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Rope diameter (mm): the data sheets range from 2 to 10 mm and beyond. This is the figure to match to the clips and thimbles.
• Clip size: for example 5 mm (3/16"), 10 mm (3/8"), 12 mm (1/2"), 20 mm (3/4"). The clip must match the rope diameter, not a nearby size.
• Material and finish: galvanised steel, stainless steel; the finish may be galvanised or tropicalised.
• Length: reels of 100, 200 and 500 m or coils of 10, 25 and 100 m. For repeated jobs the reel is the better buy.
• Type of end fitting: eye and hook, two eyes, thimble: it determines where and how the line is attached.

Common mistakes

• Using these components for lifting or fall arrest. Those tasks require certified ropes and accessories.
• Wrong clip size. A clip that is too big does not grip, one that is too small damages the strands.
• Fitting the saddle on the wrong side. The saddle goes on the live part of the rope, not on the free end.
• Forgetting the thimble. Without it the loop is crushed and the rope wears at the bend.
• Not re-checking the tightness. After the first loads the clips settle: also check the condition of the rope periodically.

Frequently asked questions

Galvanised or stainless steel wire rope?

Galvanised for general use and normal environments, stainless steel for damp outdoor locations, water and aggressive atmospheres. In any case, match clips and turnbuckles in the same material.

How do I make a loop with clips?

Bend the rope around the thimble and close the section with the clips, with the saddle on the side that takes the load. Then tension it with the turnbuckle and lock it.

Can I use this rope to lift a load?

No, unless it is certified for lifting. For that you need marked ropes and accessories with a declared capacity.

How do I lock a turnbuckle?

Once adjustment is finished, with the lock nuts or the locking feature provided on the model, so it does not work loose with vibration.

You will find wire rope, clips and turnbuckles in the Galvanised or Stainless Steel Cables and Wire Rope Kits collection: to choose sizes and combinations, ask the AMES technicians for a quotation or advice.