Requirements:
Leave the purchased cable on the reel. Before making a loop in the cable, first check whether the cable has been cut cleanly. When cutting, it is important that the cable is cut straight, round, and without protruding wires. A special wire rope cutter has a rounded jaw and ensures that the cable remains round after cutting.
Tip: If you cannot cut the cable properly, use a piece of tape around the cable. Then cut the cable through the center of the tape. Especially useful for thinner wire rope.
Galvanized: The most commonly used is galvanized. Galvanized wire rope is affordable, flexible, and easy to handle. The galvanized coating protects against rust. The most commonly used crimp sleeve for this cable is the aluminum crimp sleeve.
Plastic coated: In addition to galvanized cable, plastic-coated or PVC-coated cable can also be used. This type is easy to handle because the outer layer is coated. An aluminum crimp sleeve can also be used for this cable. Use the outer diameter as a reference.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel wire rope is the most weather-resistant and visually appealing option. Stainless steel is harder than galvanized steel and therefore slightly more difficult to work with. For this cable, copper or stainless steel crimp sleeves are the best solution.
Sizing:
For crimp sleeves, the cable diameter is always used. This can sometimes be confusing because the cable passes through the sleeve twice. Example: If you have 3 mm wire rope, you should also use a 3 mm crimp sleeve.
Making the loop
Insert the cable through the crimp sleeve. If you want to use multiple sleeves on one loop, you can slide them onto the cable as well. Once in place, insert the cable back through the crimp sleeve.
Optionally, you can now place a thimble. This protects the cable, strengthens the assembly, and ensures better load distribution.
Use a crimping tool.
For crimping 1 to 2 mm cable, use crimping tool ST001. This tool is easy to operate with one hand. Once the sleeve is fully crimped, the tool will automatically release.
For crimping cable from 2 to 5 mm, use crimping tool 18500TN. Place the wire clamp or crimp sleeve vertically in the jaws of the tool. Use the jaw that best fits around the sleeve. Then fully squeeze the handles together to complete the crimp.
Frequently asked questions
Question: I can’t get the wire rope into the sleeve. What should I do?
Answer: First insert the cable through the crimp sleeve and pull it through a bit. Then insert the cable back through the sleeve.
Question: Can I use aluminum crimp sleeves for stainless steel?
Answer: The crimp itself will hold, but over time—especially outdoors, and even faster with salt water and extreme weather—there will be a reaction with the aluminum. This will weaken the crimp.
Question: What size crimp sleeve or wire clamp should I use?
Answer: Use the same size as your wire rope. So for 3 mm wire rope, use 3 mm crimp sleeves.
Question: What size clamp should I use for plastic-coated cable?
You can crimp through the plastic/PVC. Choose the size based on the outer diameter. So for 3/4 mm cable, use 4 mm clamps.
Question: If I buy PVC-coated wire rope 3/4 mm, do I need to strip the coating and then use a 3 mm clamp?
Answer: No, stripping is not necessary. You can place the clamp directly over the coating.
