FF-C-450 Clamps, Wire RopeThis specification covers clamps, wire, rope, bolted, and clamps, wire rope, threaded. These clamps are also commercially known as clips, wire rope.

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FF-C-450F

3.5.1.1 Type I clamps. Type I clamps shall be in accordance with MS16842. The inside width between the

parallel U-bolts legs shall be at least 1/16 inch greater than the nominal wire rope diameter for size one inch and

under and 1/8 inch greater for sizes over one inch. The thread length on U-bolt legs shall be sufficient to permit

properly gripping a rope doubled over.

3.5.1.1.1 Saddles (Type I). Saddles for class 1 and 2 of type I clamps shall have a semicircular path running in the

longitudinal direction of the rope, sided by two wings on each side of the path for guiding the U-bolt and nesting the

wire rope. The rope path shall have corrugations to accommodate a rope having a right-hand helix. The two holes

for the U-bolt legs shall be dimensioned and spaced to fit the legs without binding.

3.5.1.2 Type II clamps. Type II clamps shall be in accordance with FF-C-450/1. The width between the parallel U-

bolt legs with saddles assembled shall accommodate the applicable wire rope. The thread length on the U-bolt legs

shall be sufficient to permit the saddles to grip two ropes between saddles with nuts fully engaged.

3.5.1.2.1 Saddles (Type II). The "loop" saddle for type II clamps, which in the assemble is slipped between the U-

bolt legs, shall be formed with outside grooves and two top ridges for centering and holding it inside the U-bolt loop.

The "clamping" saddle shall be of a rectangular shape with taper ends and shall have the eyes dimensioned and

spaced to fit the U-bolt legs without binding. The "loop" and "clamping" saddles shall be grooved for nesting the wire

rope. These grooves shall be made with corrugations running in the direction of the rope strands of a rope having a

right hand helix and they shall be formed to give the maximum grip in the longitudinal direction with the rope

remaining straight.

3.5.1.3 Type III clamps. Type III clamps shall be in accordance with MS51868. The width between the bolts of the

assembled clamp shall accommodate the applicable wire rope. The clamps shall have the eyes so dimensioned and

spaced that the halves assemble without binding.

3.5.1.3.1 Bolts and saddles (Type III). The L-shaped bolt with integral clamp saddle for class 1 clamps shall be in

accordance with MS51868 (see figure titled; "Clamp, double grip, double saddled wire rope � type III, class 1"). The

saddle and bolt assembly for class 2 clamps shall be in accordance with MS51868 (see figure titled; "Clamp, double

grip, double saddled wire rope � type III, class 2"). Saddles of both classes shall be grooved for nesting the wire

rope. These grooves shall be made to run in the direction of the rope strands having a right-hand helix and they shall

be formed to give the maximum grip in the longitudinal direction with the rope remaining straight. The thread length

on the bolt section shall be sufficient to permit the saddles to grip two ropes between saddles with nuts fully engaged.

3.5.1.4 Type IV clamps. Type IV clamps shall be in accordance with MS16843. The threads of the component

half clamps and nut shall be tapered and be in alignment when assembled. Each half clamp shall have the inside

channel either cross corrugated or helically grooved for nesting the wire rope. Helical grooves shall run in the

direction of the strands of a rope having a right-hand lay, unless a left-hand lay is specified (see 6.2). The nuts shall

have no visible evidence of cracks and when specified (see 6.2) shall be capable of passing the magnetic particle test

3.5.2 Assembly. Clamps of the same size, type, and class, with the exception of type IV, shall assemble readily

with random selection of component parts. Type IV half clamps are made in matching pairs and parts are not

interchangeable.

3.5.3 Identification marking. Clamps shall be legibly and permanently marked with size and the manufacturer's

identifying mark in accordance with MIL-STD-130.

3.5.4 Protective finish. Protective coating shall be, mechanically deposited zinc coating in accordance with ASTM-

B695, class 50, type II zinc coated (hot dip galvanized) in accordance with ASTM-A153/A153M or zinc coating

(electrodeposited) in accordance with ASTM-B633, Fe/Zn 5, type VI (4.4.1).

3.5.4.1 Environmental safety note. If at all possible and for a safer environment, do not use cadmium or hexavalent

chromate conversion. It is Recommend to use ASTM-B633, Fe/Zn 5, type VI.

3.5.5 Workmanship. All component parts of clamps shall be free of defects such as burrs, fins, sharp edges,

cracks, flaws, corrosion, and malformations. Threads and corrugations shall be clean and properly formed. Coating,

as specified (see 3.5.4), shall be adherent and shall cover all surfaces uniformly.