Google-Fu! Yessssss!I have numbers in my head from the swage and cable clamps I wanted to double check them. Then I have heard about verlocks but don't have much info on them and was hoping the brain trust here would have a better faster responce then my Google Fu. The Document connect by Robert is exactly that type of thing I was hoping for thanks.
A couple of caveats before I start.
1) All hardware efficiency is based on proper installation. So for swags fittings that's correct number of compressions for the tool being used. For wire rope clips that's orientation and torque.
2) in the entertainment industry we predominantly use 2 design factors for wire rope. 5:1 for standing rigging (slings) and 8:1 for running rigging (lift lines that move over a sheave)
3) the proper way to determine the working load limit is the following equation. (Breaking Strength x termination efficiency) / design factor.
4) We are looking for the weakest link. Terminations are not compounding on the breaking strength. So a sling with a termination at either end would have a working load limit of whichever termination is the weakest.
5) the efficiencies I am going to give are the average of the popular manufacturers. You need to check the documentation on each piece of hardware you are specifically using.
Now for the rest of our story.
A properly installed stage fitting is 100% efficient. There is no strength reduction. So a wire rope with a breaking strength of 100lbs using copper swage fittings and thimbles to form a sling would have a working load limit of (100 x 1.0) / 5 = 20lbs.
Wire rope clips on average have a efficiency of 80%. Same for "fist grips".
Now VERlocks and Griplocks are different than other terminations in that they don't have an efficiency rating, but a Working load limit. For instance a griplock for 1/8" wire rope has a WLL of 250 ponds. The wire rope has a WLL of 400lbs when used as a sling with an 5:1 df and 250lbs when used as running rigging with a 8:1 df.
There are other options as well such as Flemish eyes or epoxy based terminations. You will usually see these in other industries such as telecommunications.
And then there is the famous Circus knot. More art than science.
Hope this helps muddy the waters.
Ethan
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