How to Use Cable Clamps on Hoist Ropes

A rope hoist is any system of pulleys and ropes where mechanical advantage is employed with the gear use. A hook is attached to the end of the rope or cable on the hoist and that attaches to the cargo or nets needing lifting and lowering. A cable clamp is used to set hoist distance or to gather the lines together to prevent knots and tangles when the hoist rope is not in use. It is essential to use a proper sized clamp for your hoist system.

Things You'll Need

  • Hoist rope(s)
  • Cable clamp of the appropriate size
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the diameter measurement of your hoist rope. On many climbing or static line ropes used for outdoor recreation, the millimeter size is listed on the end of the rope on the taped edge. For rope without this measurement, use a ruler to get the size in millimeters.

    • 2

      Purchase a cable clamp at least the same size in diameter or 5 millimeters over. This is the measurement of the clamp when closed on the first notch. For example, a 20 millimeter clamp may be 20 millimeters at the first notch but close down to 15 millimeters.

    • 3

      Open the clamp and wrap the jaws around the hoist rope and then click it down. The clamp has ridged teeth that lock into the mechanism and does not release until the trigger is hand actuated. Slide the clamp to the point where you wish to limit the rope hoist. Tighten the jaws as snug as possible on the rope.

    • 4

      Gather all ends of the rope when the hoist is not in use and wrap the clamp around all strands. Click the clamp together to lock all strands of rope into one cohesive unit, thus preventing knots and tangles.