Figure 13-21.—Wedge socket.
earthmoving equipment is the wedge socket, as shown
in figure 13-21. The socket is applied to the bitter end
of the wire rope.
NOTE: The wedge socket develops only 70% of the
breaking strength of the wire rope due to the crushing
action of the wedge.
Figure 13-22.—Speltering a socket.
Speltered Socket
Speltering is the best way to attach a closed or open
socket in the field.
“Speltering” means to attach the
socket to the wire rope by pouring hot zinc around it, as
shown in figure 13-22. Speltering should only be done
by qualified personnel.
Forged steel speltered sockets are as strong as the
wire rope itself; they are required on all cranes used to
lift personnel, ammunition, acids, and other dangerous
materials.
NOTE: Spelter sockets develop 100% of the
breaking strength of the wire rope.
Wire Rope Clips
Wire rope clips are used to make eyes in wire rope,
as shown in figure 13-23. The U-shaped part of the clip
with the threaded ends is called the U-bolt; the other part
is called the saddle. The saddle is stamped with the
diameter of the wire rope that the clip will fit. Always
place a clip with the U-bolt on the bitter (dead) end, not
on the standing part of the wire rope. If clips are attached
incorrectly, the standing part (live end) of the wire rope
will be distorted or have mashed spots. A rule of thumb
when attaching a wire rope clip is to NEVER saddle a
dead horse.
Two simple formulas for figuring the number of
wire rope clips needed are as follows:
3 x wire rope diameter + 1 = Number of clips
6 x wire rope diameter = Spacing between clips
Figure 13-23.—Wire rope clips.
Figure 13-24.—Twin-base wire rope clip.
Another type of wire rope clip is the twin-base clip,
often referred to as the universal or two clamp, as shown
in figure 13-24. Both parts of this clip are shaped to fit
the wire rope, so the clip cannot be attached incorrectly.
The twin-base clip allows for a clear 360-degree swing
with the wrench when the nuts are being tightened.
13-11
