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Address：Home > Technology > Technical documentation >

Cable Pulling Grips & Swivels: How to Choose the Right Attachment

Author：jiujiu Release time：2026-09-13 20:37:35 Number of views：147order

Why the Right Grip Matters

The cable pulling grip is the critical connection between your pulling line and the cable. A wrong-sized or incorrectly applied grip can:

Damage the cable jacket — causing shorts, signal loss, or failure
Slip under load — causing failed pulls and wasted labor
Crush delicate fibers — permanently ruining fiber optic cables
Break mid-pull — creating a dangerous whipping hazard

Choosing the correct grip for your cable type and size is one of the most important decisions in any cable pull.

Types of Pulling Grips

Kellems Grip (Wire Mesh Grip)

The most versatile and widely used pulling grip. Woven wire mesh sleeve that grips tighter as tension increases, distributing force evenly around the cable circumference.

Applications: Fiber optic, coaxial, instrumentation, and most general cables

Advantages: Gentle on jackets, easy to install/remove, reusable

Basket Weave Grip

A heavier-duty mesh grip with a tighter or wider weave depending on cable size. Designed for larger, heavier cables where standard Kellems grips aren't sufficient.

Applications: Power cables, large-diameter communication cables

Advantages: Higher holding capacity, excellent for heavy pulls

Stocking Grip

A lightweight, flexible mesh sleeve for small and medium data cables. Very gentle gripping action ideal for sensitive cable types.

Applications: CAT5e/CAT6, patch cords, small control cables

Advantages: Extremely gentle, low cost

Cone Pulling Grip

Rigid cone head attached to a mesh tail. The cone guides the cable into the duct opening at the correct angle while the mesh distributes tension.

Applications: Duct entry protection, angled pulls

Advantages: Prevents jacket abrasion at duct mouths

Preformed / Helical Grip

Helically wrapped wire strands that grip along the cable length without a mesh sleeve. Used for permanent or semi-permanent installations and overhead messenger attachment.

Applications: Overhead cable support, permanent terminations

Advantages: Long-term holding, weather resistant

Grip Sizing Guide

Proper sizing is essential — a grip too large won't hold; a grip too small crushes the cable.

Cable Diameter	Recommended Grip	Typical Use
3-6mm	Small stocking / mini Kellems	Patch cords, drop cables
6-12mm	Small Kellems grip	CAT6, coax, 12-fiber cables
12-25mm	Medium Kellems / basket weave	Trunk cables, 24-144 fiber
25-50mm	Large basket weave	Power cables, heavy trunk
50mm+	Extra-large / custom grips	Industrial power, submarine

⚠ Sizing Rule: Measure the actual cable diameter (including jacket) and select a grip whose rated range includes that size. Never "make do" with a grip that's close but not exact.

Swivels & Their Role

A pulling swivel connects the pulling line to the grip while allowing rotation. Without a swivel, twisting forces during the pull can damage cables and cause the grip to bind.

Types of Swivels

Standard swivel: Rotates freely to relieve twisting — for most pulls
Breakaway swivel: Calibrated to separate at a preset tension — protects the cable from over-tension
Heavy-duty swivel: Reinforced for high-tension industrial pulls

When to Use a Breakaway Swivel

Fiber optic pulls where tension limits are critical
Unknown or variable duct conditions
Long pulls where tension can spike at bends
Training new crew members

How to Choose the Right Setup

Pull Scenario	Recommended Setup
Fiber optic, short run (<50m)	Kellems grip + breakaway swivel + hand pull
Fiber optic, long run	Kellems grip + breakaway swivel + rodder + tension meter
Copper data cable	Stocking grip + standard swivel
Power cable, medium	Basket weave grip + heavy-duty swivel
Multiple cables bundled	Multi-cable grip or individual grips + load distribution plate

Inspection & Care

Inspect mesh wires for broken strands before every use — replace damaged grips immediately
Check swivel rotation — it must turn freely under load
Verify breakaway swivels are at the correct tension rating for the job
Clean grips after use in dirty environments
Store grips in a dry place to prevent corrosion
Never exceed a grip's rated pulling capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I reuse pulling grips?

A: Yes, mesh grips are reusable if inspected and maintained properly. Replace them when you find broken wires, deformed mesh, or corrosion.

Q: How do I attach a Kellems grip to the cable?

A: Slide the mesh over the cable end, then wrap the grip's loop end around the swivel or pulling eye. The mesh tightens automatically as tension is applied. For best results, the mesh should cover 3-4 times the cable diameter.

Q: What is the maximum pulling force of a Kellems grip?

A: It depends on the grip size and wire gauge. Typical ratings range from 200kg for small grips to 2000kg+ for large basket weave grips. Always check the manufacturer's rating.