The method of knotting (or connecting) steel wire ropes should be selected based on the usage scenario (such as temporary/permanent, light load/heavy load), with the core being to ensure the connection strength and safety. The following are several commonly used methods and precautions

1. Temporary connection (knot method, suitable for light-load scenarios)

Rope knot connection will reduce the strength of the steel wire rope (usually by 30% to 50%), and is only suitable for non-load-bearing or light-load temporary fixation. It is strictly prohibited to use it in heavy-load scenarios such as lifting and hoisting

1. Single loop knot (single loop knot)

Features: Simple structure, easy to operate, suitable for temporary binding.

Steps

Bend one end of the steel wire rope into a closed ring (adjust the size of the ring as required);

② The other end (the rope end) passes through the ring and is wound around the main rope (the non-rope end side) for 2 to 3 turns.

Finally, pass the rope end through the small loop formed by itself, tighten the main rope and the rope end, and ensure that the loop does not loosen.

2. Double loop knot (double loop knot

Features: It is more stable than a single knot and bears force more evenly, making it suitable for scenarios that require two force points.

Steps

Bend one end of the steel wire rope into two parallel circular rings (the two rings are of similar size and about 10cm apart).

② Pass the end of the rope through two rings, wrap it around the main rope 2 to 3 times, and then pass it back through the ring close to the end of the rope.

③ Tighten the main rope and the rope end to ensure that the two loops are evenly stressed.

Ii. Permanent/Heavy-duty Connection (Rope clamp method, Industrial standard Method)

For heavy-load scenarios such as lifting, hoisting, and load-bearing, wire rope clamps (rope clamps) must be used for connection. This is an industry-standard method and is more reliable in strength (correct installation can retain over 80% of the strength of the wire rope).

Rope clamp connection steps

Prepare the tools: Select the matching rope clamps based on the diameter of the steel wire rope (the specifications must be consistent, for example, M10 rope clamps are used for a 10mm diameter steel wire rope), and the quantity should follow the specifications

Rope diameter ≤10mm: 3 pieces; 10-20mm: 4 pieces; 20-30mm: 5 pieces (the more, the more reliable the strength).

Pass through the heart-shaped loop (optional) : If the connection end needs to be fixed (such as hung on a hook), first pass one end of the steel wire rope through the heart-shaped loop (rigging loop) to form a "return rope" (the rope end is parallel to the main rope, with a length of about 6 to 10 times the rope diameter).

Install the rope clamp

The "U-bolt" of the rope clamp must be clamped at the end of the rope (the side of the retractable rope), and the clamp seat (flat plate) must be clamped at the side of the main rope (avoid installing it in reverse, otherwise it will cause the main rope to be clamped or loosened).

The first rope clamp is close to the heart-shaped ring (or connection point), with a spacing of about 6 to 7 times the rope diameter. The subsequent rope clamps are arranged in sequence, with the same spacing.

Tighten the U-bolt with a wrench until the steel wire rope is slightly flattened (about 1/3 of its original diameter), avoiding being too loose (sliding) or too tight (damaging the steel wire rope).

Inspection and fixation: After installation, gently tap the rope clamp and steel wire rope with a hammer, and then tighten the bolts again (they may loosen under force and need to be reinforced a second time). Check for any sliding or deformation after a test pull.

Iii. Key Points to Not

No heavy load knots: Knots are only suitable for light load temporary scenarios. Rope clamps must be used for lifting, hoisting and other operations; otherwise, they may break and cause accidents.

Matching specifications: The specifications of the rope clamps must be consistent with the diameter of the steel wire rope. It is strictly prohibited to mix them (such as using small rope clamps on thick steel wire ropes).

Regular inspection: The connection parts need to be inspected regularly (such as whether the rope clamps are loose, whether there are broken wires or deformations in the steel wire rope). Any problems found should be replaced immediately.

Avoid damage: When connecting, do not strike the steel wire rope with sharp tools. Avoid excessive bending (the minimum bending radius should not be less than 6 times the rope diameter) to prevent a decrease in strength.

Select the appropriate method based on the scenario. For heavy-load scenarios, it is essential to follow industry standards and give priority to using rope clips for connection to ensure safety.