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Bulldog Grips

Bulldog Grips – Not for Lifting or Mooring! Bulldog grips (also known as wire rope clamps) are commonly found onboard ships, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right tool for the job.

🛠️ Bulldog Grips – Not for Lifting or Mooring!

Bulldog grips (also known as wire rope clamps) are commonly found onboard ships, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right tool for the job. In fact, the MCA Code of Safe Working Practices clearly states:

Bulldog grips must not be used on lifting wires or mooring wires.

Let’s break down what this means for shipboard safety and good seamanship.

⚠️ Why Bulldog Grips Are Not Recommended

Although easy to install, bulldog grips have serious limitations:

  • ❌ Not for Lifting: They cannot be trusted to safely hold a lifting load. Even when correctly installed, they only retain about 80% of the rope’s minimum breaking load.

  • ❌ Not for Mooring: Mooring lines are subject to dynamic loads and shock, which bulldog grips are not designed to withstand.

  • ❌ Not for Plastic-Coated Rope: These grips are ineffective on plastic-sheathed wire ropes.

  • ❌ Not for High-Vibration Use: Vibrations can loosen the clamps over time — dangerous during critical operations.

✅ If You Do Use Bulldog Grips

In some non-critical applications, bulldog grips may still be allowed — but only if installed 100% correctly:

  • 🔩 The “U” part of the grip must always go on the dead end of the rope.

  • 📏 Keep a spacing of approximately six rope diameters between each grip.

  • ➕ Use the minimum recommended number of grips based on the rope diameter (consult manufacturer’s instructions).

  • 🔧 Re-tighten after the rope has been under tension for several hours — and inspect regularly.

🧰 Safe Alternatives

Instead of bulldog grips, use:

  • Properly swaged terminations

  • Wire rope sockets

  • Spliced eyes

  • Certified shackles and fittings

These options provide reliable holding power and meet safety regulations for lifting, rigging, and mooring.

📌 Final Reminder

Bulldog grips have their place — but not where safety is critical. If you see them used for mooring or lifting onboard, it’s time to speak up. Following manufacturer guidelines and maritime codes isn’t optional — it’s your duty to safety.

Bulldog Grips – Not for Lifting or Mooring! Bulldog grips (also known as wire rope clamps) are commonly found onboard ships, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right tool for the job.
Bulldog Grips – Not for Lifting or Mooring! Bulldog grips (also known as wire rope clamps) are commonly found onboard ships, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right tool for the job.




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