Safely Using Wire Grips in Tandem

In the power and utility industry, there are some distribution and transmission applications that require linemen to use two wire grips in tandem.

One application where this may be necessary is when you need to ensure the safe working load of a single grip is not exceeded. When using two grips together, the grips will share the weight of the load, increasing the safe working load limit of each grip by 1-1/2 times the lower capacity wire grip.

Another application where you may need to use two wire grips in tandem would be when the cable is at risk of being deformed. To prevent deformation, Columbus McKinnon suggests using two grips with ACSR or AAC conductors if the load will exceed either 12,500 lbs. (5,670 kg) or 40 percent of tensile strength of the conductor – whichever is less. When using ACSS conductors, we suggest utilizing two wire grips if the load will exceed 10,000 lbs. – or 40 percent of the strength of the conductor – again, whichever of the two is lesser.

How to Use Wire Grips in Tandem

1. First, secure the two grips to the conductor. They should be attached approximately five feet apart. Use shackle connections where necessary.
2. Attach a pulley block to each grip. The pulley block should be attached to the eye of the wire grip. This will ensure that the grips share the load equally.
3. As shown in Figure 1, attach a chain hoist to the pulley block. Ensure the hoist is the appropriate capacity to handle the load.
4. Lastly, tension the hoist to the appropriate tension as shown in Figure 2.

Columbus McKinnon offers a large selection of hoist and rigging products designed for utility transportation and distribution applications. Learn more.

Need help choosing the right wire grip for your application? See our blog article.
Learn how to properly inspect your lever strap hoist here.

This article is not intended to be a detailed instructional manual for performing these procedures.  Always consult your company or industry procedures, as well as the manuals for the equipment, including, without limitation, the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines, prior to performing these procedures. Columbus McKinnon Corporation disclaims any liability, in tort, contract or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising from use of the information in this article, including but not limited to indirect or consequential damages, lost profits or goodwill, or punitive damages.