What is a wire rope clip and how is it properly installed?

• A. A clamp used to join two ends of wire rope; saddle on the dead side and tightened to manufacturer specs.
• B. A decorative clip used to secure rope to props.
• C. A clamp used to join two ends of wire rope; saddle on the live side and tightened to manufacturer specs.
• D. A device used to lubricate rope.

Answer: (C)

Wire rope clips are clamps used to join two ends of wire rope to form a loop or terminate the rope. They have a U-bolt, a saddle, and nuts, and must be installed with the saddle on the live (load-bearing) side. This orientation lets the rope under tension seat against the saddle while the U-bolt secures the opposite end, creating a secure bite that resists slipping as the load increases. If the saddle were on the dead end, the live portion could begin to slip or pull out from under the saddle, reducing grip and risking failure. Always tighten to the manufacturer’s specs, ensure the rope is seated properly in the grooves, and recheck after initial loading and during use. The other options describe decorative or unrelated functions, which do not reflect how a wire rope clip is used in lighting and rigging contexts.