Which socket uses molten zinc or resin to secure the end of a wire rope inside the socket?

• A. Spelter socket
• B. Socket cap
• C. Splice socket
• D. Swage socket

Answer: (A)

This type of termination relies on filling the socket with a material that hardens to lock the rope in place. A spelter socket uses molten zinc alloy (spelter) poured into the socket around the end of the wire rope, and resin-filled variants work similarly with resin. As the metal or resin cools and hardens, it encases the rope strands, creating a permanent, solid termination that cannot pull out. This approach is distinct from other socket types: a swage socket is formed by compressing a sleeve around the rope; a socket cap clamps or wedges the rope without filling; a splice socket is meant to join two rope ends rather than terminate one end inside the socket. So the use of molten zinc or resin to secure the rope end points to a spelter socket.