Wire-Rope Clip Count and Spacing (OSHA Table H-2)
The minimum U-bolt wire-rope clips and their spacing to form a load-bearing eye, per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 Table H-2 (the old H-20): a 3/4 in rope takes 4 clips at 6 x the diameter (4.5 in) on center, a 1/2 in rope 3 clips, a 1 in rope 5. The U-bolt (saddle) goes on the DEAD end and the base on the LIVE end -- 'never saddle a dead horse' -- torqued to the maker's value in sequence and retorqued after the first load. Below 1/2 in the OSHA table lists no count; 2 clips is the common manufacturer minimum. A properly formed clip eye develops only about 80% of the rope's strength; the clip and rope manufacturer and OSHA govern the termination. A field reference, not a rigging sign-off.
Formula and source
clip_count from OSHA Table H-2 by rope diameter (1/2 & 5/8 -> 3, 3/4 & 7/8 -> 4, 1 -> 5, 1-1/8 & 1-1/4 -> 6, 1-3/8 & 1-1/2 -> 7; below 1/2 -> 2 per manufacturer); spacing_in = 6 x rope_diameter_in.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 Table H-2 (formerly Table H-20) wire-rope U-bolt clip requirements, by name; the clip and rope manufacturer and OSHA govern the termination.
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