Wire Rope Socket

A wire rope socket is a type of device used to terminate the end of a wire rope. It consists of a metal fitting that is attached to the end of the wire rope, usually through a process of swaging or splicing. The fitting typically includes a cone-shaped cavity that is designed to hold the strands of the wire rope in place, along with a locking mechanism that secures the rope in the socket.

Wire rope sockets are commonly used in a variety of industries, including construction, mining, and marine operations. They provide a secure way to terminate a wire rope and are often used in applications where the rope will be subject to heavy loads or extreme conditions. They can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, and are available in a range of sizes and configurations to suit different types of wire rope and applications.

Socketing is the process of attaching a termination fitting to the end of a wire rope cable.

A socket can be attached to the end of a wire rope cable using a variety of different methods, including:

• Hydraulic pressure
• Pouring molten or epoxy material
• Using a mechanical wedge

When considering a poured or a swaged socket, note that both types are available in either an open or closed design.

An open socket has a pin or bolt that can attach the wire rope assembly to another type of fitting, or possibly a hook block.

A closed socket fitting has a hole in it that is designed to accept a pin or bolt

Swaged Sockets

A swaged socket is applied to the end of a wire rope cable and is then forced into place using special dies and a hydraulic machine called a swager. When properly applied with the correct sized fitting, swaged sockets have an efficiency rating of 100% of the breaking strength of the rope.

Swaged fittings are more resistant to wire fatigue at the point where the cable and socket come together. 

However, swaged sockets are not recommended for use on fiber core or lang lay wire rope cables.

Spelter / Poured Sockets

A poured socket, commonly referred to as a spelter socket, attaches a termination fitting onto the end of a wire rope cable by pouring molten zinc or resin into a socket that then hardens and holds the fitting onto the end of the cable.

Poured sockets are one of the most efficient types of wire rope end attachments—delivering 100% efficiency of rope breaking strength.

Due to the rigidity of this type of termination, the wires of the rope are subject to fatigue where the wires enter the socket, if the poured socket is subject to constant vibration.

Wedge Sockets

Wedge sockets secure the rope to the end attachment by passing it around a grooved, wedge-shaped piece of steel and pulling it down under load into the bowl of the fixture.

Wedge sockets are popular because they can be installed in field and adjusted in field – providing 80% efficiency of rope breaking strength. Wedge sockets are popular in applications where the wire rope may be subjected to abuse and abrasion—particularly in construction and mining applications.

Wedge sockets allow the end-user to adjust the length of a wire rope cable if exact and matched sets of crane cables are not available.