A cable stocking is a device that may be used in a variety of situations, but always for the same purpose - to grip or lift a cable, hose or other linear entity in order to apply or relieve an axial load. Cable stockings are designed to securely grip all types of bare cables devoid of end fittings. Cable stockings will not damage bare cables being pulled and are available in single eye, double eye, offset eye and lace up configurations.

Due to the peculiar helical construction of the braid, a stocking exhibits some interesting properties. One of these is its capacity to shrink radially on application of an axial load. This means that it grips more tightly the harder it is pulled, ie. effective grip increases in proportion to the applied load. A properly selected and fitted stocking should never slip, no matter what the conditions.

Cable stockings are used in the electricity, mining, construction and telecommunications industries for crane maintenance, electrical and fibre optic installation, and a wide range of pulling and hauling operations. Their uses include:

• Hauling electricity conductors into place, both overhead and underground
• Installing wire ropes and load suspension cables in cranes, marine and mining installations
• Supporting power cables in high buildings or mine shafts
• Hauling power cables on heavy mining machines

Cable pulling stockings are a precision specialty product which require reliability and strength, eliminating all brazing, soldering and bare wire ends.

Standard cable stockings are available in a range of sizes, with special sizes on request. The available types of cable stockings are listed below:

This is the most commonly used cable stocking. The stocking is a tubular woven covering. One end is open, and one end is closed with a single eye. It is fitted onto the end of a cable in order to pull it into place. The stocking is designed to pull the cable by the end of the cable. This type of stocking is used mainly for installing overhead and underground conductors, wire ropes, etc, and uses a pilot or pulling-in rope. Applications include electrical and hydraulic work, crane work, construction site handling work and pulling reinforcement strand.

This tubular woven design allows the cable to pass clear through the stocking so it can be fitted any distance from the cable end. Both ends open with a double eye at one end. This "open" design allows the cable to pass through the stocking hence the cable can be pulled either at the end or at any point along the cable.

This stocking must be fitted to the cable or hose before any bulky terminations are fitted, and it cannot be removed thereafter. Since it becomes a permanent fixture it should be fitted with a thimbled eye to prevent chafing at the bearing point.

Flat (lace-up) stocking with a double eye. The stocking is "split" so that it can be wrapped around the cable and then laced.

Open both ends without eyes. Designed to join two ropes for installation purposes. Allows reasonably smooth join to pass over sheaves.

This design allows the cable to pass clear through the stocking so it can be fitted any distance from the cable end. Its main use is to support electrical cables and hydraulic and other hoses in maritime, industrial and mining applications. This stocking can also be used for strain relief on trailing supply lines.

This stocking must be fitted to the cable or hose before any bulky terminations are fitted, and it cannot be removed thereafter. Since it becomes a permanent fixture it should be fitted with a thimbled eye to prevent chafing at the bearing point.