Cable Pulling Grips: Size, Capacity & Selection

Start with cable construction, diameter and the type of pull

Greenlee separates pulling grips into set-screw and basket/mesh families. A set-screw grip clamps onto conductors. A basket-type grip uses wire mesh around the cable jacket/insulation. Heavy, long conduit or tray runs often use double-weave basket grips with a forged swivel eye, while other applications call for different grip architecture.

Do not choose only by the eye size or the phrase “heavy duty.” The cable must fall inside the manufacturer’s diameter range and the grip must have enough rated capacity for the pulling tool.

The governing capacity rule is explicit

Greenlee’s current grip pages state: select pulling grips with a maximum-rated capacity that meets or exceeds the cable pulling tool’s maximum pulling force. That means the puller’s maximum rating—not merely expected average tension—sets the minimum grip-capacity bar when following Greenlee’s selection rule.

Selected Greenlee basket-grip examples

This is a selection illustration, not a complete Greenlee grip catalog. Use the current manufacturer grip guide for the exact cable diameter and capacity required.

Greenlee 629 set-screw grip: 6,500-pound capacity and a different attachment method

The Greenlee 629 pulling grip set uses a flexible eye connected to two cable receptacles with clamping set screws. Greenlee lists it for heavy, long runs in 2-inch or larger conduit, with a minimum cable diameter of 3/8 inch and a 6,500-pound capacity.

This is not interchangeable with a mesh basket simply because both are called pulling grips. The cable-end preparation and attachment method differ.

Measure the cable—not the conduit—to select a basket grip

Greenlee’s puller manuals include a circumference-to-required-grip-diameter table. That is useful when the cable diameter is not known from the cable manufacturer. Measure the actual cable bundle/cable circumference as instructed and then select the documented grip range. Do not substitute raceway trade size for cable diameter.

Grip capacity must be coordinated with rope, swivel and puller

The grip does not carry load by itself. A typical pull may include cable → grip → swivel/clevis → pulling rope → capstan/puller, plus sheaves and an anchoring/mount system. Every component has its own rating and intended application. A high-capacity grip cannot compensate for an under-rated rope, and a 10K rope cannot compensate for a 6.6K grip.

Use the Cable Pulling Rope Guide to match rope capacity and construction to the tugger.

Do not treat “pulling sock” as a universal grip specification

Marketplace listings often use pulling sock, cable sock, mesh grip and pulling grip interchangeably. For professional work, selection should still be by the manufacturer’s cable-diameter range, weave/type, application and rated capacity. The nickname is not a compatibility standard.

Technical sources used for this guide

• Greenlee — Pulling Grip Set 629 — set-screw grip architecture, 6,500 lb capacity and selection rule.
• Greenlee — 30464 K-Basket Pulling Grip — 2.50–2.99 in cable range, 6,600 lb capacity and selection rule.
• Greenlee — 30998G K-Basket Grip — 0.62–0.74 in range and 1,360 lb capacity.
• Greenlee — 31000G K-Basket Grip — 1.00–1.49 in range and 3,280 lb capacity.
• Greenlee — 31002 K-Basket Grip — 2.00–2.49 in range and 5,440 lb capacity.
• Greenlee — 31004 K-Basket Grip — 3.00–3.49 in range and 8,200 lb capacity.
• Greenlee — 31006 K-Basket Grip — 4.00–4.49 in range and 9,600 lb capacity.
• Greenlee — Pulling Accessories — manufacturer categories for set-screw grips, basket grips, swivels, sheaves and rope.