In U-bolt wire rope clip installation, the U portion should be on which end?

• A. The live end
• B. The dead end
• C. The long end
• D. The short end

Answer: (B)

When you install a U-bolt wire rope clip, the key idea is how the clip bites into the rope to prevent slipping under load. Placing the curved part on the dead end means the U-bolt clamps the short, non-load-bearing tail while the live end continues toward the load. As tension increases, the live end is pressed more firmly into the saddle, and the clamp bite on the dead end helps resist the rope sliding through the clip. If the curved portion were on the live end, the rope would be more prone to shifting and the clip could loosen, compromising the connection. So, the U-bolt should be on the dead end to maximize grip and security under load.