Technical Foundation
What Is a Cable Pulling Grip Kit?
A cable pulling grip, also called a Kellems grip or wire mesh grip, is a woven wire mesh sleeve that slips over the end of a cable and tightens progressively along its length as pulling tension increases, gripping the cable's outer jacket without damaging conductors or requiring the cable end to be prepped with a separate pulling eye. As tension is applied, the mesh's basket-weave pattern constricts uniformly around the cable, spreading the pulling load along several inches of jacket contact rather than concentrating it at one clamp point.
Grips are sized to a specific cable diameter range — using one outside its rated range either fails to grip securely (too large) or crushes the jacket under load (too small). Split cable grips open along their length so they can be installed mid-span on an already-terminated cable, useful for tensioning or de-tensioning without disconnecting either end, while dead-end grips are used for a permanent support termination on overhead or vertical cable runs.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Diameter Range | Each grip rated to a specific range, e.g. 1.00-1.49 in | Undersized cable in an oversized grip won't seat and tighten correctly under tension |
| Pulling Capacity | Rated working load limit, commonly 1,000-6,000+ lb | Exceeding rated capacity risks mesh failure or slippage mid-pull |
| Grip Style | Closed-eye, split, or dead-end | Split grips allow mid-span installation without disconnecting cable ends |
| Mesh Material | Galvanized or stainless steel wire | Stainless resists corrosion in outdoor or wet-location pulls |
| Eye/Attachment Type | Single eye, double eye, or swivel connection | Swivel eyes reduce cable twist accumulation during long pulls |
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Applications
Where Cable Pulling Grip Kits Get Used
Cable pulling grip kits are specified anywhere a cable or conductor needs to be pulled through conduit, trays, or overhead spans under controlled tension.
Electrical Conduit & Cable Installation
Pulling large-gauge conductors through conduit runs in commercial and industrial electrical installs.
Overhead Utility Line Work
Dead-end grips terminating and supporting overhead cable spans at poles and structures.
Data Center & Telecom Cabling
Pulling grips used to route bundled fiber and copper cable through cable trays and risers.
Industrial Machine Wiring
Grip kits pulling heavy-gauge power cable through machine conduit and cable chase runs.
Mining & Underground Utility Work
Wire mesh grips pulling armored cable through conduit and bore paths in harsh environments.
Marine & Shipboard Cabling
Corrosion-resistant stainless grips specified for cable pulls in wet or salt-air shipboard environments.
FAQ
Cable Pulling Grip Kits Questions, Answered
How do I choose the right cable diameter range for a pulling grip?
Each grip is manufactured for a specific cable diameter range, and using one outside that range causes problems in both directions — too large a grip won't constrict enough to seat securely under tension, while too small a grip can crush or damage the cable jacket as the mesh tightens. Always measure the actual cable outer diameter and match it to the grip's rated range before use.
What's a split cable grip, and when do I need one instead of a standard closed grip?
A split cable grip opens along its length so it can be installed at any point along an already-terminated cable run, rather than only at a free end. This makes it the right choice for mid-span tensioning, de-tensioning, or temporary support work where disconnecting either cable end isn't practical.
How does a wire mesh grip actually hold the cable without damaging it?
The mesh is woven in a basket-weave pattern that constricts uniformly around the cable as pulling tension increases, spreading the grip force along several inches of jacket contact area rather than concentrating it at a single clamp point. This distributes the load and avoids crushing or cutting into the cable jacket the way a single-point clamp would under the same tension.
What pulling capacity do I need for my cable run?
Rated working load limits for wire mesh grips commonly range from around 1,000 lb up to 6,000 lb or more depending on size and construction, and the grip's rating should exceed the maximum tension expected during the pull, including friction losses through conduit bends. Consult the pull-tension calculation for your specific run length and conduit fill, not just the cable's own weight.
Galvanized or stainless steel mesh — does it matter which I use?
Galvanized steel mesh is standard for general indoor and short-term outdoor use, while stainless steel mesh resists corrosion significantly better in wet, humid, or salt-air environments like marine or coastal installations. For a pulling grip that will see repeated outdoor or wash-down exposure, stainless is the better long-term choice despite the higher upfront cost.
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