Topic: Aerial Clamps

[rich30529]

What are these clamps called? I have heard them called Marconi Clamps, etc. They are the clamps that hold the cable to a pole or building. They have a U shaped piece of steel to go through the eye bolt, and a hole in which to insert the cable messenger. The hole for the messenger has directional spikes that prevent the messenger from slipping back out of the clamp. To adjust the tension, you slide the messenger through the clamp until you reach the desired tension. You cut off the excess messenger with bolt cutters. Do these clamps have a universal name, or part number? Who do you get them from?

[Marc Haycook]

Are you talking about Sledge Grips?

[rich30529]

Nope, Marc, that's not them. I have seen those used on the small flat drop wire. The clamps I am talking about has a hole for a 1/4" or 5/16" steel messenger wire. The cable itself does not bear any of the pressure or tension. The messenger holds all of the tension.

[KLD]

Richard,

I know exactly what you are thinking about.  There are several manufacturers and names on the clamps but they come in a lot of sizes....depending on the size of strand and whether they are for self-supporting (figure 8) or bare strand, even open wire.
I get mine from Graybar....some call them clevis clamps, some grips, and some call them "bullets".

[MrGemini]

Rich, are you referring to the span clamps?
C O & Q type.
http://www.seniorindustries.com/files/SrHdwe.pdf

[rich30529]

I think you might be on the right track, Ken.

Wayne- I checked it out, and it wasn't the span clamp. I do like the catalog though. Thanks :)

[rich30529]

I will see if I can find it in one of my catalogs. I ordered some through my old boss for a job about 5 years ago. And since he ordered them, I have no paperwork on them. And, as luck has it, he don't remember what they are called either. 

[silversam]

Rich -

When I did that kind of work we called them "strand vises".

Sam

[rich30529]

Bingo, Sam. That was it. Thanks everyone for the help. I at least have a part number and know what to ask for when I place the order. 

http://www.telephonecentral.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=110506

[rich30529]

Ken- These are the same as the ones you described as well. You were right on the money. Thank you.

[KLD]

Richard, I really wasn't much help.....but I'm better in the mornings when I'm fresh.... .....they were made by both GMP and Diamond.

[EV607797]

Rich, I call the small ones "wirevises" and the big ones "strandvises".  That was the terminology that Reliable Electric used for them.  Anyway, I have plenty of them in stock if you need a few.

[rich30529]

What size are the strand vises you have, Ed? I may need them. I will probably need the 1/4" at minimum.

[EV607797]

I have ones for .109, .134 and 1/4" strands.

[rich30529]

Thanks, Ed. As soon as I know something definite, I will let you know. Thank you!