Installation and usage specifications for wedge sockets

　Wedge sockets are typically used for the termination of wire rope ends, serving as connecting components that clamp the wire rope end and secure it to a specific structure (such as an engineering component). Common types are shown in Figure 1, and specially designed types are shown in Figure 2.
            

图1：常规型 

Figure 2: Special type

Wedge sockets can be installed and dismantled on site, with simple and convenient operation. They are widely used in lifting machinery, commonly for the termination of wire rope ends in port portal cranes, ship unloader grab ropes, mobile cranes, and other applications.

Figure 3: Application examples of wedge sockets

1. Construction of wedge sockets  
A wedge socket consists of three parts: a wedge socket body, a wedge, and a pin (Figure 4).

2. Working principle of wedge sockets  
When the main rope of the wire rope inside the wedge socket is under load, the tension of the main rope pulls the wedge to slide toward the narrower end of the socket body. As the wedge slides, the space between it and the inclined inner wall of the socket body decreases, clamping the wire rope securely. The greater the load on the wire rope, the deeper the wedge is driven in, and the radial clamping force and axial friction resistance both increase correspondingly, achieving automatic self-locking of the wire rope.


3. Installation of wedge sockets

Figure 6: Installation steps for wire rope en

d termination with a wedge socket

　　　
              

4. Minimum breaking force of wedge sockets  
When terminating a wire rope with a wedge socket, the minimum breaking force of the wedge socket shall be as specified in the standard GB/T 5973-2026 *Lifting appliances – Termination sockets for steel wire ropes* .