U-bolt clamps can be used to join two metal cables together or to make a loop in a length of cable. The U-bolt clamp is made up of a U-shaped bolt with threaded ends and a “saddle” piece that slides over the end of the bolt. Two hex nuts tighten the bolt section against the saddle and clamp the two cables together. When used correctly, the U-bolt clamp creates a very strong connection.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Marking device
- Socket set
- 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
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Measure the diameter of the cable. The packaging information that comes with the clamps will tell you the number of clamps you will need based on the cable diameter.
Remove the two hex nuts from the threaded ends of the U-bolt and slide the saddle piece off the U-bolt.
Hold the pieces of cable together and place the U-bolt over the cut end of the cable. Slide the saddle piece over the U-bolt and hold the two sections together. Thread the hex nuts onto the U-bolt by hand and up to the base of the saddle piece. Hand-tighten the two hex nuts.
Refer to the packaging information to determine the spacing for the rest of the cable clamps.
Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the first cable clamp and make a mark on the cable at the distance specified in the packaging information.
Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the number of clamps specified in the packaging information.
Set the torque wrench to the specified setting given in the packaging information and tighten each hex nut. The cables are now joined.
