Pulling cables through conduit to and from different points offers a basic challenge which is to string or pull the cables without damaging them. A cable pulling grip is used to overcome this challenge. It offers sufficient grip on cables while pulling cables or stringing them with overhead utility lines. As such this pulling grip is a necessity in cable installation and/ or repair.
Cable pulling grips can be made from stainless steel or can be galvanized. Experts say that a secure and strong grip on the cable is necessary for reliable installation without damage to the cables. Ensuring secure grips is preceded by determining the type of application at hand. The frequency of bends must also be considered. Different grips are used for indoor installations and outdoor applications. The type of cable being installed i.e. copper or fiber optic also determines the type and strength of cable pulling grip one should use.
Grips are available in a range of varieties. The most commonly used types are the set-screw and wire-mesh and slack grips. The set-screw grip is used for pulling heavy copper cables. They rely on opposing screws to lock the cables. They are large in size, flexible and they can pull anything.
Wire-mesh grips rely on several mechanical gripping points. The crosses of the wire-mesh grips hold the cable. Therefore, the risk of the cable popping off is very minimal. The wire-mesh design can be customized depending on the size of the cable to be pulled. Multi weaves are usually stronger than single weaves. Slack grips are used for underground applications to pull slack from underground cables for final installation.
When choosing a cable pulling grip, you need to ask how much tension the grip can sustain before breaking so that you pick one that sufficiently serves the purpose without popping off the cables.