How to Best Connect Wire to a Rope for Pulling

How to Best Connect Wire to a Rope for Pulling
Written By
F
FrankBingham
Published: Dec 14, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Using a clevis to make a loop

Verify that the pull rope is large enough for the wires you pull. Rope size depends on conduit size. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 inch for every 1 inch of conduit, such as 1-inch diameter rope for a 4-inch conduit.

Step 2

Bowline loop for large conduit

Make a loop. If you use large conduit, 1 1/4 inch or larger, use a bowline to make a loop. If the conduit is from 1/2 to 1 inch, consider using a metal clevis. To make a permanent loop or for all conduit sizes, it's better to whip a loop in the end of the rope.

Step 3

Using wire

Strip enough insulation from each conductor to make a suitable hook. For No. 12, make it at least 6 inches. For 4/0, make it about 24 inches.

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Step 4

Forming a hook

Divide all the strands of each conductor into two equal sections. Bend 1/2 of the strands back along the conductor, leaving 1/2 of the strands sticking straight out. Cut off the straight strands close to the insulation. Then bend the bent wires so they are straight. This keeps all the strands straight with no barbs to snag the walls of the conduit.

Step 5

Pulling wire through a conduit

Form a hook using the bare strands of each conductor so the end just touches the part where the insulation starts. Do all conductors exactly the same way. The result should be a hook that is the same diameter as the wire.

Step 6

Attach the hooked wired to the rope. Begin by gathering all the hooked wires around the rope loop. Tape the bare copper wire hooks and the rope loop into a single long length. The bundle of wires and the rope should look like a straight black tube with no bulges.

Photo Credits

electrician,electrical, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

rope image by Tomasz Plawski from Fotolia.com

bowline knot image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com

electrical image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

hook image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com

The sailor image by Hunta from Fotolia.com

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