IWS-1608M Wire Rope Swaging Tool & Cutter Kit, 3/64–1/8 in.

Portable sleeve swaging for small wire rope loops

The IWS-1608M hand swager compresses compatible aluminum or copper sleeves to form wire rope eyes and loops. Its 15-inch manual format suits on-site repairs, workshop projects and small cable assemblies without a power supply. Choose a tool-only configuration if you already own a cable cutter, or the kit for a separate cutting-and-crimping workflow.

Choose your configuration

Key specifications

Where it fits your work

• Garden and trellis cable loops: prepare matched sleeve terminations for light cable supports.
• Workshop tethers and retaining cables: make repeatable loop ends for appropriately designed, non-lifting assemblies.
• Small wire leader and tackle assemblies: useful when the wire and sleeve fall within the marked range; select a smaller fishing crimper for finer mono/fluorocarbon leaders.
• Field repair: portable manual operation suits work away from a bench or air line.

1608M or 1608B?

Choose this M family for smaller cable and portability. Choose IWS-1608B 24-inch hand swager for 1/16–3/16 in. sleeve assemblies and a longer handle format. For repeated preparation at a fixed station, compare IWS-1608DT / DTS bench swager.

Match the cable, sleeve and die before you crimp

1. Identify the fitting: an oval/duplex sleeve makes a return loop; a stop sleeve has a different function. Match material, wall thickness and dimensions to the tool.
2. Confirm the actual rope diameter and construction. For coated rope, distinguish the bare metal diameter from the coated outside diameter and follow the fitting supplier's preparation instructions.
3. Select the marked groove approved for that cable/sleeve combination. Follow the prescribed compression count, spacing and sequence; there is no universal crimp count for every sleeve.
4. Inspect for cracks, damaged strands and slipping. Use the fitting maker's specified gauge and acceptance dimensions where required. A hand pull alone does not establish a working load limit.

The tool's size range is not an assembly load rating. Lifting, fall protection, structural and other safety-critical assemblies require an approved termination system and the specified verification process.

Frequently asked questions

Will it crimp a 1/8-inch stainless steel cable? Cable material alone does not determine compatibility. This tool works on the matched soft-metal sleeve; stainless steel swage studs require a different tool such as IWS-2316LR 22-inch swage-stud crimper.

Can I use a 3 mm sleeve in a 1/8-inch groove? Do not select by rounded conversion alone. Confirm the sleeve maker's cable diameter, sleeve geometry and required die before use.

Read our wire rope sleeve selection, swaging and inspection guide or compare tools by application and working method.