Cable Grips Selection Guide
Cable grips come as permanent bundling sleeves or metal pulling grips used as an installation aid; for bundling sleeves, nominal size and stretch range matter.
This guide covers the points to look at when choosing products in the Cable Grips category.
How to tell a bundling sleeve from a pulling grip
Two different products with the same name are listed in this category. Those with "cable sleeve" or "cable bundling sleeve" in the name are a braided sleeve that stays permanently on the wiring. Those with "metal cable pulling grip" in the name are an installation aid: it is slipped over the end of the cable, the braid lengthens and narrows as it is pulled by its eye and grips the cable, and it is removed once the cable is in place.
Nominal size and stretch range of a bundling sleeve
When a braided sleeve is compressed lengthwise its diameter grows, and when it is pulled and extended it shrinks. For this reason each nominal size has not a single diameter but a stretch range. Examples from the values recorded for Gwest and Isıso products:
- 3 mm nominal size: 1-6 mm bundle diameter
- 10 mm nominal size: 7-19 mm bundle diameter
- 20 mm nominal size: 14-30 mm bundle diameter
- 50 mm nominal size: 40-80 mm bundle diameter
If the bundle diameter falls below the range, the sleeve sits loose; as it approaches the upper limit, the braid opens up and its coverage decreases. If the sleeve will be passed over a connector or socket, the widest dimension of that part must not exceed the upper limit of the range. Because the sleeve gets shorter as it widens, determine the cutting length after fitting the sleeve over the bundle.
Material, temperature and cutting
The models with a recorded material are made of PET (polyester) yarn. For Gwest and Isıso bundling sleeves the operating temperature is given as -50 °C to +150 °C, and for Gwest products the melting point as +250 °C. For wiring that runs near a motor or heater, evaluate this limit together with the cable's own temperature rating.
PET is a thermoplastic: at an end cut with scissors the yarns come loose and the braid frays, while when cut with a hot blade the yarn ends melt and bond together. After the sleeve is fitted, the ends are secured with heat-shrink sleeves, cable ties or insulating tape.
When to choose a sleeve, spiral or heat-shrink sleeve
- A braided sleeve is fitted by passing it over the end of the bundle, stays flexible and does not restrict bending of the wiring. Because its weave is open, it lets dust and liquid through.
- If protection will be added afterwards to a bundle whose ends are already connected, a slit polyamide spiral conduit that can be fitted from the side or a helical spiral is practical; with a helical spiral, cables can be taken out between the turns.
- For electrical insulation at splices and connection ends, a heat-shrink sleeve is used.
When choosing a pulling grip
The names of Konsan metal cable pulling grips include a dimension in millimeters and the grip length in centimeters (for example 30 mm, 90 cm); the larger the dimension, the longer the grip. The grip is selected according to the outer diameter of the cable; since the product record does not state which cable diameter range the dimension in the name covers, it must be confirmed from the manufacturer data. The terms "single eye" and "double eye" indicate the number of eyes on the pulling end of the grip.
The product records also do not include a pulling load value. The permitted pulling force of the cable and the load rating of the grip are determined from the project and manufacturer data.
Brands and ordering notes
- Konsan: KSN Series black cable sleeve rolls and single- and double-eye metal cable pulling grips.
- Gwest: black PET cable bundling sleeves.
- Isıso: IKTÇ Series cable bundling sleeves.
Gwest and Isıso bundling sleeves are listed by the meter. Konsan sleeves are sold by the roll, with the roll length stated in the product name (for example 100 m or 25 m), and pulling grips by the piece.
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | Single-Eye Cable Pulling Grip | Double-Eye / Split-Lace Support Grip | Expandable Braided Cable Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Grips cable end for pulling through conduits & trays | Supports vertical cable weight or mid-span strain relief | Bundles and protects wiring harnesses against abrasion |
| Diameter Sizing | Match exact cable OD range (e.g. 10–15 mm, 30–40 mm) | Match cable outer diameter and vertical load weight | Expands 2×–3× to slip over connectors and bundles |
| Material | High-tensile galvanized or stainless steel wire mesh | Dual-eye galvanized steel wire mesh (closed or lace-up) | Flame-retardant braided polyester (PET) / polyamide |
| Typical Application | Pulling heavy underground NYY/N2XH power feeders | Vertical risers, crane pendants & strain relief | Panel door harnesses, robotics & machine tool wiring |
Frequently asked questions
How is the cable sleeve size selected?
First measure the diameter at the thickest point of the bundle, then select the nominal size whose stretch range contains that diameter. According to the recorded values, for example, a nominal 10 mm sleeve wraps a bundle diameter of 7-19 mm and a nominal 20 mm sleeve 14-30 mm. If the sleeve will be passed over a connector, the widest dimension of the connector must not exceed the upper limit of the range.
How is a cable sleeve cut, and how is fraying of its ends prevented?
When a polyester braided sleeve is cut with scissors, the yarns come loose and the end frays. When it is cut with a hot blade, the yarn ends melt and bond together. After the sleeve is fitted over the bundle, both ends are secured with heat-shrink sleeve, a cable tie or insulating tape; this keeps the braid from unraveling and the sleeve from sliding on the bundle.
Does a cable sleeve protect against water and dust?
No. A braided cable sleeve has an open weave; dust and liquid pass between the yarns, and the sleeve does not provide an IP protection rating. Its job is to gather the bundle and protect the cables against friction. Where closed protection is needed, spiral conduit and a suitable fitting are used, and where electrical insulation is needed, heat-shrink sleeve.
Up to what temperature does a cable sleeve withstand?
For Gwest and Isıso bundling sleeves with a recorded temperature value in this category, the operating temperature is between -50 °C and +150 °C; for Gwest products the material is polyester (PET), with a melting point of +250 °C. For conductors operating at higher temperatures, fiberglass and silicone-coated fiberglass sleeves are listed in a separate category.
How does a cable pulling grip work?
A metal wire-braid pulling grip is slipped over the end of the cable and pulled by its eye with a rope. As the pulling force increases, the braid lengthens and narrows and grips the cable more tightly; when the force is released, the braid is pushed back to loosen it and the grip is removed. The grip is selected according to the cable's outer diameter; the permitted pulling force is taken from the data of the cable and grip manufacturer.