A Cable Gripper is an adjustable fastener that automatically grips and locks to any position on an aircraft cable using an internal, spring-loaded 3-ball gripping mechanism. This allows the Gripper to move freely up the cable but not down unless the mechanism is released.
No, the Gripper mechanism is released by pressing the plunger manually.
Most Grippers have optional “safety nuts” or “safety caps” to lock the mechanism off in both directions.
Generally no, but Grippers with metric threads are supplied with a corresponding bolt or lock nut.
You will need a ceiling attachment (cable coupler or connector), a cable with a terminal (stop sleeve) and a Cable Gripper, normally placed at the fixture. You may also need ceiling canopies and power cord. See Powercord & Accessories.
Yes, if you’re a lighting professional or a competent handyman.
Cable Couplers and ceiling attachments in general hold the cable to a structural attachment point by capturing the terminal (stop-sleeve).
The terminal at the end of the cable allows the cable to be connected to the cable coupler. Our fittings usually attain the full-published break strength of the cable alone and are proof loaded to 60% of that value.
Normally the cable coupler attaches to a ¼-20 stud at the ceiling. This stud could be part of a bracket-bar (cross-bar) attached to a junction-box, or in the form of a T-bar clip or any structurally mounted ¼-20 or 3/8-16 threaded stud. Please refer to our Cable Couplers & Connectors section to find the correct coupler for your application.
The cable has to be 7×7 or 7×19 stranded aircraft cable in stainless or galvanized steel. Cables should have factory installed terminals (stop-sleeves). The cable diameter depends of the weight of the fixture. Check the Weight Load Guidelines to determine Gripper and cable combinations.
The cable industry works on a safety ratio of 5:1. In other words your Gripper and cable combination should be 5 times stronger then the weight they have to support. To determine the correct Gripper and cable combination, see our Weight Load Guidelines in the Technical section. The 5:1 ratio has been applied to the figures in black. Please adhere strictly to them.
Both Stainless Steel and Galvanized Aircraft Cable have approximately the same break strength. Galvanized cable is less expensive and is used in 90% of all lighting applications. Griplock stocks both types. For details see About Aircraft Cable.
Yes, you can, but you should use a purpose-built Cable Cutter, which you can find under Miscellaneous. We recommend using a drop of super glue on the fresh cut to prevent the cable from fraying.
Griplock Systems strongly discourages this. Doing so will void our warranty for the entire suspension system.
Not significantly.
There’s a wide variety, but there are two distinct types. The Straight-Thru’ or standard Gripper allows the cable to exit through the Gripper’s thread into the fixture. The Side-Cable-Exit Gripper allows the cable to exit the Gripper from the side of the body before the Gripper enters the fixture, eliminating the possibility of a short circuit.
Most are made of nickel-plated brass. Some, like the 15-1420 series and the 15-1032 are of nickel-plated steel. The internal mechanism is stainless steel and brass. Other finishes include satin-chrome and black zinc.
It is not. For example, 1/16” cable has a minimum break-strength of 475Lbs. Type-15 Griplock Premium Grippers will break 1/16” cable at about 350 lbs. ZF Standard Grippers will break 1/16” cable at about 275 lbs. For detailed information see our Weight Load Guidelines.
Please refer to our section on Seismic Bracing.
Generally not, but Griplock products may be used outside for temporary rigging purposes.
The chemical atmosphere in most indoor pool areas can be detrimental to certain materials over time. Please consult with the Sales Team for more information.