Wire Rope Thimbles

Wire rope thimbles - also called steel rope thimbles, cable thimbles or simply wire thimbles - are used in conjunction with other wire rope hardware to support wire rope eyes. The thimble eye supports the integrity of the wire rope and helps prevent pinching, crushing, and fraying. Thimbles reinforce the loop of the rope and provide a durable connection surface for rigging hardware like hooks and turnbuckles while wire rope hardware pinches the dead end shut.

Huyett's selection of thimbles are available in 300 series stainless steel and carbon steel with polished or hot-dipped galvanized finishes.

As with any lifting and/or rigging component, there are a variety of points to consider before using a rope thimble in your application.

Rope Capacity: It is important to know how much weight your wire rope can hold so you can pair an appropriate thimble. There is no need to use an over-qualified thimble with a wire rope that cannot hold the same amount of weight. Vice versa, you need to make sure your thimble is strong enough to support the full weight of the application.

Load Movement: If your load will sway, twist, or move in similar ways, you may want to consider a heavy-duty thimble, as they are designed to better withstand deformation from the rope moving against it.

Rope Size: The rope's actual size should match the thimble size. Huyett provides an "application rope size" measurement for each thimble to help you make the right match.

Regulatory Compliance: Depending on your industry and region, there may be specific regulations or standards that dictate the use of certain wire rope thimbles. Ensure your chosen thimbles meet these requirements.

Environmental Elements: Will your thimble be exposed to weather, chemicals, dirt and debris, or other corrosive elements? This will influence your choice of material and finish.

Lifting: Huyett's wire rope thimbles are not designed for lifting applications and do not have a working load limit. Consider whether or not your application complies with these component characteristics.

Cable thimbles offer several key benefits to rigging applications.

Enhanced Wire Rope Lifespan: Thimbles provide a connection point between the rope and other rigging components that do not require direct contact - the rope rests on the thimble, which reduces wear, friction, and fraying; this elongates the rope's lifespan.

Load Distribution: Thimbles help distribute the load evenly, which prevents the rope from bending and kinking at heavier points.

Better Safety: By protecting wire ropes from damage and wear, wire thimbles enhance the overall safety of rigging systems.

Versatility: Wire rope thimbles are versatile components that can be used in a wide range of applications, from industrial lifting to recreational rigging.

Cost-Efficiency: Not only are wire thimbles economical, but undamaged thimbles can be reused. They also help reduce repair and replacement costs for wire ropes.

Huyett offers two types of high-quality thimbles through our Aztec Premium Lifting and Rigging Hardware product line:

To attach a thimble to a rope, simply loop the rope around the thimble groove. Use a wire rope fitting like a fist grip clip, wire rope clamp, or swage sleeve to attach and tighten the loose dead end of the rope to the live rope on the other side of the loop. Ensure the thimble sits tightly in the loop and will not slip out.

Wire rope hardware (or fittings) is a group of hardware that connects two ropes or the live and dead end of a single rope together. Hardware types include clamps, double saddles (or fist grips), and swage sleeves.

Wire rope clamps can be used to form a load bearing loop at the end of a wire rope or cable. Double saddle, or fist grip clamps, and swage sleeves can also be used to create a loop or lag splice for cable ends.