Wire-Rope Clip Count and Spacing (OSHA Table H-2)

Details, formula, and sources

ScopePer OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 Table H-2 (the old H-20): a 3/4 in rope takes 4 drop-forged clips (5 of other materials) at 6 x the diameter (4.5 in) on center, a 1/2 in rope 3, a 1 in rope 5, with the rope turnback from the Crosby G-450 table (18 in at 3/4 in). The U-bolt goes on the DEAD end and the saddle 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 or tableclip_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.

Source and editionOSHA 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.

Free accessThe clip count and spacing are in OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 Table H-2 (public federal regulation); the U-bolt orientation and torque come from the clip manufacturer.

What governsEstimate. Head rigger and manufacturer working-load-limit charts govern. Inspect every piece of hardware before the show.

• Clip count and spacing OSHA Table H-2 count by diameter; spacing = 6 x rope diameter on centerOSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 Table H-2
• Saddle on the live end U-bolt on the dead end, base on the live end; torque per the maker and retorque after first loadclip manufacturer / OSHA