How To Select 
Rigging Products
At Griplock Systems we believe that the customer should be as well informed as possible before purchasing any of our products. Griplock offers a broad range of fully-adjustable Gliders (cable grippers), couplers, connectors and cables, including our award-winning ultra-heavy-duty Gliders for cable sizes up to 5/16” with a safe working load up to 1,300 lbs! That includes the industry-wide 5:1 safety ratio. Check out our new Type-50 and Type-80 non-reflective black zinc-plated Gliders! Download our new Rigging Catalog here.
Your safety is our business
Anyone in the motion picture, theatrical, tradeshow or general rigging industries will tell you that safely is their first and most critical concern. Improper installation and the wrong choice of components can have devastating consequences.
Take a look at the Examples section in the left navigation pane for some typical rigging applications and view our General Installation Instructions for the dos and don’ts of adjustable cable suspension. We’ve also compiled a list of FAQs that may help you. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
The first step is to determine the weight of the object you’re suspending and the number of cables you’re going to use. Remember that suspensions involving more than two cables may leave one or more cables redundant. Please follow the link to Weight Load Guidelines for more information on cable and Glider combinations. NOTE: These figures apply only to Griplock Systems cable suspension products.
Once you have determined the proper cable size you are ready to select a Glider. You can sort by cable size to find the appropriate Glider.
NOTE: We carry cables up to 1/8” for safe working loads up to 225 lbs. Heavier cables are available by special order.
NOTE: As robust as this system is, it is only as strong as the structure, stage-truss, etc. to which the components are attached, and the fasteners used to attach them. If you have any questions, please contact us directly or seek the advice of a qualified engineer.
FAQs
What is a Cable Glider (cable gripper)?
Do I need tools to adjust the Glider?
Do I need a safety nut?
Are locknuts provided with the Gliders?
What type of cable do I need?
How much weight will the cable hold?
What’s the difference between galvanized and stainless cable?
Can I cut the cable myself?
Can I crimp my own terminals and cable loops?
Does cable stretch?
What are Gliders made of?
Is a Glider/cable combination as strong as the cable alone?
Can I use these products outdoors?
Do you custom manufacture parts?
Can I get a drawing of these products?
What’s the difference between Griplock & CableFast?
What are the major dos and don’ts?
What is a Cable Glider (cable gripper)?
A Cable Glider is an adjustable fastener that automatically grips and locks to any position on an aircraft cable using an internal, spring-loaded 3-ball or 6-ball gripping mechanism. This allows the Glider to move freely up the cable but not down unless the mechanism is released. For a detailed description please see how it works.
Do I need tools to adjust the Glider?
No, the Glider mechanism is released by pressing the plunger manually.
Do I need a safety nut?
Most Gliders have optional “safety nuts” or “safety caps” to lock the mechanism off in both directions.
Are locknuts provided with the Gliders?
Generally no, but Gliders with metric threads are supplied with a corresponding bolt or lock nut.
What type of cable do I need?
The cable has to be 7x7 or 7x19 stranded aircraft cable in stainless or galvanized steel. Cables should have factory installed terminals (stop-sleeves) or crimped loops and thimbles. The cable diameter depends of the weight of the fixture. Check the Weight Load Guidelines to determine Glider and cable combinations.
How much weight will the cable hold?
The cable industry works on a safety ratio of 5:1. In other words, your Glider and cable combination should be 5 times stronger then the weight they have to support. To determine the correct Glider and cable combination, see our Weight Load Guidelines in the Technical section. The 5:1 ratio has been applied to the figures in black. Please adhere strictly to them.
What’s the difference between galvanized and stainless cable?
Both Stainless Steel and Galvanized Aircraft Cable have approximately the same break strength. Galvanized cable is less expensive and is used in 90% of all rigging applications. Griplock stocks both types. For details see About Aircraft Cable.
Can I cut the cable myself?
Yes, you can, but you should use a purpose-built Cable Cutter, which you can find under Miscellaneous. We recommend using a drop of super glue on the fresh cut to prevent the cable from fraying.
Can I crimp my own terminals and cable loops?
Griplock Systems strongly discourages this. Doing so will void our warrantee for the entire suspension system.
Does cable stretch?
Not significantly.
What are Gliders made of?
Most are made of nickel-plated brass. Some, like the 15-1420 series and the 18-1032, are of nickel-plated steel. The internal mechanism is stainless steel and brass. Other finishes include satin-chrome and black zinc.
Is a Glider/cable combination as strong as the cable alone?
It is not. For example, 1/16” cable has a minimum break-strength of 475Lbs. Type-15 Griplock Gliders will break 1/16” cable at about 350 lbs. CableFast Gliders will break 1/16” cable at about 275 lbs. For detailed information see our Weight Load Guidelines.
Can I use these products outdoors?
Generally not, and never for permanent applications. Griplock products may be used outside for temporary rigging purposes.
Do you custom manufacture parts?
Yes, but be aware that custom parts can sometimes take time to design, prototype and test before going into production. In addition there may be associated development and tooling costs.
Can I get a drawing of these products?
Griplock will produce SolidWorks drawings of any new kit or product. In addition we have an extensive line drawing and solid model library of existing products and assemblies.
What’s the difference between Griplock & CableFast?
Griplock Gliders are built for Griplock by Reutlinger GmbH of Frankfurt, Germany. CableFast Gliders are Asian-built to Griplock’s specific designs. Griplock Gliders are built to a higher degree of precision than their CableFast counterparts and therefore have a higher load-bearing capacity. For more information click here. Also see our Weight Load Guidelines to compare test results.
What are the major dos and don’ts?
Please refer to the General Installation Guidelines.