Open Wedge Socket For Wire Rope Sling

Open Wedge Socket

Gostern Open Wedge Socket for Wire Rope Sling is a high-strength, quick-termination fitting designed for fast and adjustable attachment of wire rope ends in lifting and rigging applications. The socket consists of a cast steel body, a removable wedge, and a clevis pin, allowing the wire rope to be installed or removed quickly without specialized tools. The open wedge design enables easy re-reeving of crane hoist ropes and is widely used in applications where rope length adjustment is frequently required . Manufactured in compliance with DIN 15315 and ASME B30.26 standards, with 80% wire rope efficiency . Available in sizes from 5mm to 38mm wire rope diameter, with hot dip galvanized or painted finish options.

This Wire Rope Wedge Socket offers simplicity, ease of installation, and detachability without damaging the wire rope, making it the preferred termination for mobile crane hoist lines, theatre rigging, and earth-moving equipment where ropes are frequently reeved . The wedge grips the rope securely as tension is applied – the heavier the load, the tighter the grip. A wire rope grip (bulldog clip) should be applied to the tail (dead end) below the socket to prevent wedge dislodgment . Available in forged/cast alloy steel construction, with 100% magnetic particle inspection per AS1171, and marked with size and wire rope diameter for easy identification. It is widely used as Open Wedge Sleeve for overhead crane hoist ropes, as Clevis Wire Rope End Fitting for lifting beam connections, as Quick Release Wire Rope Socket for dragline and pile driver applications, and as Tailgrip Wedge Socket for sub-zero temperature environments .

Installation Guidelines :

1. Insert the wire rope through the socket body

2. Place the wedge on the dead (non-load-bearing) end of the rope

3. Pull the wedge back into the socket body until it jams securely

4. The live (load-bearing) end must exit the socket in a straight line

5. Apply a wire rope grip to the tail (dead end) below the socket

6. Secure with clevis pin and cotter pin – torque to specifications

7. Test all assemblies for required strength before use 

Important Warning: Wedge sockets are directional – the wire rope must be reeved so that the live (loaded) end exits in a straight line from the socket. Incorrect reeving (dead end on the sloping side of the wedge) will cause wire failure where the rope enters the socket . Regular inspection is required to check for wedge slippage, wear at the jamming point, and pin security .

We support Custom Size Wedge Sockets, OEM, ODM and proof testing services to meet different lifting requirements.