Cable pulling requires many different components working together to successfully run electrical cables through floors, walls, and ductwork. If one component is not functioning properly, the whole operation can be compromised. Because of this, it is crucial that you use trusted, high-quality cable pullers and cable pulling ropes to prevent any complications during use.
What Can Go Wrong?
Using the wrong size and type of cable pulling rope can increase friction during the pulling process, which makes it more likely to break apart. The rope needs to be strong enough to withstand the downward force of gravity and the friction that is generated from the puller. If the rope is too fragile or is not wrapped enough, it can cause the rope to slip while it’s being pulled, which can create a variety of issues for the cable puller. The rope is the main component that stores energy during the cable pulling process, similar to a rubber band that is being stretched. If this component is not performing adequately, the whole process can be thrown off. Using rope with a high enough resistance capacity reduces energy loss causing less strain on the rope, pulling system, and the user.
The length of rope used also has a major impact on its performance. Sufficient tailing force is needed to keep the rope from breaking under the tension of the capstan. If the tailing is too short, the rope could slip on the capstan, which creates heat and wears down the rope faster.
How Do You Determine the Right Rope to Use?
Depending on the type of puller you have, it should specify the size and strength of rope needed for the best results. The diameter of rope will also affect the friction caused during the pulling process. You should thoroughly inspect your rope before using it to make sure it isn’t damaged and that it is the correct size for your cable puller. Ohio Power Tool has a wide selection of high strength pulling ropes for any cable pulling system, as well as a variety of other vital cable pulling tools and equipment. Below, we have compiled a list of rope recommendations for some of the most popular cable puller models produced by our trusted friends at Greenlee to help users feel confident in their equipment.
Greenlee G1 Versi-Tugger Handheld 1000 lb. Cable Puller (GRG1)
The Greenlee G1 Versi-Tugger Handheld 1,000 lb. Cable Puller (GRG1) is a handheld puller that has a 1,000 lb. capacity and is compatible with ropes with a maximum diameter of ½”. This is a great option for branch pulls, parking lot lights, and large pull set-ups to replace manual pulls. The G1 Versi-Tugger is 30% faster than manual pulling, plus the pulling head can be rotated in 5 different directions to provide the best angle for any cable pulling job.
Recommended Ropes:
- 3/8’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB121200) Tensile Strength = 5,000 lbs.
- 1/2’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope(ERIN-CDB161200) Tensile Strength = 10,000 lbs.
- Southwire Qwikrope UHMWPE Rope: 1/4’’ x 300 ft. 12 Strand Rope (SOUSPR-143) Tensile Strength = 7,500 lbs.
Greenlee G3 Tugger 2000 lb. Cable Puller (GRG3)
The Greenlee G3 Tugger 2,000 lb. Cable Puller (GRG3) is a great, versatile option because you can change the tail length, pull direction, and angle of pull very easily. This model has a maximum pulling force of 2,000 lbs. and should be used with ½” diameter ropes. The GRG3 is 25% stronger in its continuous pulling load than other competitive models, but another good puller that is similar would be the Current Tools 3,000 lb. High Speed Cable Puller (CUR33), which also works with the recommended ropes listed below.
Recommended Ropes:
- 1/2’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB161200) Tensile Strength = 10,000 lbs.
- 5/8’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB201200) Tensile Strength = 18,000 lbs.
- Southwire Qwikrope UHMWPE Rope: 9/16’’ X 1,200 ft. 12 Strand Rope (SOUSPR-9612) Tensile Strength = 32,000 lbs.
Greenlee G6 Turbo 6000 lb. Cable Puller (GRG6)
The Greenlee G6 Turbo 6,000 lb. Cable Puller (GRG6) is a more heavy-duty model, able to pull up to 6,000 lbs. Double Braided Composite Ropes with a ¾” diameter should be used with this tool to handle the higher level of force this machine can apply. 24,000 lb. max capacity rope is recommended for the most efficient results. Another similar cable puller model is the Southwire Maxis 6,000 lb. Cable Puller (SOUM6K).
Recommended Ropes:
- 3/4’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB241200) Tensile Strength = 26,000 lbs.
- 7/8’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB281200) Tensile Strength = 32,000 lbs.
- Southwire Qwikrope UHMWPE Rope: 9/16’’ X 1,200 ft. 12 Strand Rope (SOUSPR-9612) Tensile Strength = 32,000 lbs.
Greenlee UT10-22 Cable Puller Assembly (GRUT10-22)
The Greenlee UT10-22 Cable Puller Assembly (GRUT10-22) has a maximum pulling capacity of 10,000 lbs. and should be accompanied by a 7/8” diameter rope. Complete with a 2-speed motor and floor mount, this model is designed to tackle any pulling application, no matter how big or small. A similar equivalent to this model is the Southwire Maxis 10,000 lb. Extreme Duty Cable Puller (SOUXD10), which has the same pulling capacity.
Recommended Ropes:
- 7/8’’ X 1,200 ft. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB281200) Tensile Strength = 32,000 lbs.
- 1’’ X 1,200 FT. Composite Double Braid Pulling Rope (ERIN-CDB301200) Tensile Strength = 40,000 lbs.
- Southwire Qwikrope UHMWPE Rope: 9/16’’ X 1,200 ft. 12 Strand Rope (SOUSPR-6612) Tensile Strength = 32,000 lbs.
Check out all of Ohio Power Tool’s cable pulling tools and equipment here. If you have any questions about our products or need help choosing the right tool for you, the Ohio Power Tool team is here to help! Give us a call at 800-242-4424, email us at sales@ohiopowertool.com, or leave a comment below for assistance. To stay in the loop and be the first to know about new products and deals, subscribe to our e-newsletter and follow us on social media!
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