Don’t forget to tighten your bug nuts! Improperly terminating lashing wire is not just a mistake, it will result in broken lashing wire and put your aerial plant at the whim of poor connection, injury, and potential damage to the entire span. Follow this guide to effectively terminate lashing wire the right way —every time.

Fastening to a bug nut is essentially the same regardless of whether you’re fastening to an E Lashing Wire Clamp or a D Lashing Wire Clamp. Terminating correctly is of the utmost importance, as improper termination renders your aerial plant dangerous. Follow this step by step procedure to accurately secure lashing wires.

  • The first step to properly securing your bug nut is to place the groove of the clamp over the strand two inches outside the first lashed cable support or cable suspension clamp. D Cable Lashing Clamps can be used will all sizes of lashing wire and various ground wires (No. 6 or B) and galvanized strands (6M, 6.6M, 10M, and 16M).
  • Next, cut your lashing wire so that it will leave a 1/4 inch tail after being threaded through the bug nut. Before cutting the lashing wire, secure the lashing wire to the strand with a lashing wire grip. Similarly, before securing the ends of lashing wire either permanently or temporarily, tap the strand sharply a few times while maintaining a pull on the wire to remove any slack which may have been introduced in the lashing wire.
  • Then, wrap the lashing wire around the strand twice following the natural twist of the strand.
  • Fourth, bend the lashing wire around the stud back halfway between the stud collar or shoulder and the second washer. Do not wrap the lashing wire around the stud a full 360°. This mistake can lead to pinching, breakage, and premature failure.

  • Once the wire is in place tighten the terminating nut. The nut can be tightened or loosened with a C Socket Wrench or B Ratchet Wrench.
  • Finally, tuck the loose end of the washing wire into the nook in the top of the clamp, so that it is out of the way. Tucking the end away will additionally ensure that the end of the lashing wire does not score the cable sheath.

  • When over lashing follow the third and fourth steps, but secure the second lashing wire between two flat washers. Furthermore, when terminating ground wires, place the wire between the two washers for the best electrical connection.

    The D Cable Lashing Clamp may be used to join two lashing wires, where the first termination is behind the second washer and the second termination is between the first and second wires. However, this should not be used in spans as it prevents the lashing of a second cable.

    General Machine Products has been a leader in supplying the telecom industry since 1936. To discover more essential tools for your toolbox, visit us today at gmptools.com or call us at 215-357-5500.