A wedge socket is a versatile fitting used to securely terminate the end of a wire rope. Its unique design uses a wedge to lock the wire rope under load. Unlike a spelter socket, which requires a permanent connection using a resin or molten zinc, a wedge socket allows for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the wire rope.
What is a wedge socket used for?
Wedge sockets are particularly effective in situations that call for:
- Ease of installation: no permanent bonding is required, so wedge sockets allow for quick assembly (and disassembly) on site, without the need for any special tools.
- Ease of replacement: in industries where wire ropes wear out quickly due to heavy use, the reeving design of wedge sockets enables fast and easy replacements, reducing downtime.
- Ease of adjustability: the rope length can be adjusted without removing the entire fitting.
Applications of wire rope wedge sockets
Our wedge sockets wire rope solutions are trusted in industries where safety and efficiency are critical:
- Construction and infrastructure: Ideal for cranes, hoists, bridges and structural support systems.
- Mining, dredging and heavy industry: Perfect for securing ropes in high-stress environments.
- Mooring, marine, ports and offshore: Suited for dynamic maritime conditions.
- Utilities and energy: Used in powerline terminations and wind turbine installations.
Whether you’re securing a heavy load or adjusting tension, wire rope wedge sockets offer unmatched reliability and flexibility.
Discover a selection of projects where our products have been adopted
How does a wedge socket termination work?
The wedge socket termination process involves inserting the wire rope through the socket body, wrapping it around a wedge, and pulling it tight. This creates a self-tightening mechanism where the load increases the grip on the rope.
Benefits of the wedge socket wire rope termination include:
- Providing a strong grip under load while allowing quick removal.
- Quick reeving and removal of the wire rope.
- Reusability, making it a cost-effective option for industries with frequent rope replacements.
Why choose our wedge sockets?
At Global Rope Fittings, our AqualLine wire rope wedge sockets are engineered for performance, safety, and longevity:
- Engineered for the extreme
Designed for environments where every connection counts, from turbulent seas to towering cranes. - Designed to Perfection
All our AqualLine products are manufactured with corrosion-resistant and high-strength materials, our wedge sockets stand the test of time. - Custom made for your needs
Every project is unique, and we embrace that. We offer both standard and custom solutions to match your exact specifications.
Explore our range of wedge sockets
Types of wedge sockets we offer
- Open wedge sockets – With their open-end design they facilitate a quick attachment with a pin, shackle or sling.
- Open wedge sockets with an integrated tail clamp – A wire rope clip is secured to the symmetrical enlarged wedge, preventing the wedge from dislocating during a peak load.
- Closed wedge sockets – Featuring an enclosed eye, providing a fixed and more secure attachment.
- Custom wedge sockets – Tailored designs to suit your specific project requirements.
Discover our customizable wedge socket options
Why Global Rope Fittings?
Choosing the right wire rope wedge socket is critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your operations. At Global Rope Fittings, we:
- Use only the highest quality materials for our products.
- Perform rigorous testing to meet and exceed industry standards.
- Offer expert advice and tailored solutions to match your unique needs.
Contact us for wedge sockets
Ready to upgrade your wire rope terminations with premium AqualLine wedge sockets? Whether you need an open or closed wedge socket wire rope termination, or a custom solution, Global Rope Fittings has you covered.