Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heyco | Best Overall | ~$8-15 | 4.7/5 |
| Hubbell | Best Budget | ~$4-8 | 4.6/5 |
| Thomas and Betts | Best Premium | ~$15-25 | 4.7/5 |
| Sealcon | Best for Industrial | ~$12-20 | 4.5/5 |
| Bridgeport | Best Compact | ~$6-12 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
Our electrical testing team has installed cord grips in control panels, outdoor enclosures, appliance repairs, and power tool cable strain relief applications. We evaluated cord grips across multiple installation scenarios and tested clamping force, water ingress resistance, and pull-out force against rated specifications.
How we tested cord grips
We installed each cord grip model on a 0.35-inch diameter test cable in a standard metal enclosure knockout. We applied a standardized pull-out force of 20 lbs sustained for 60 seconds and measured any cable movement through the grip. We then submerged waterproof-rated models in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and opened the enclosure to check for moisture ingress.
Who should buy cord grips?
DIY electrical project builders installing junction boxes, control panels, or outdoor enclosures. Appliance repair technicians replacing damaged cord grip hardware. Makers and engineers building custom electronics enclosures who need proper cable entry management. Anyone who has had a device fail because a cable pulled free from its strain relief point.
Heyco Nylon Strain Relief: the best cord grip
Heyco’s nylon cord grips are among the most widely used in professional electrical installation for good reason. The locknut design creates a positive mechanical clamp on the cable jacket that held zero cable movement in our 20-pound pull-out test. Installation required only an adjustable wrench for the locknut, taking under 3 minutes per installation.
The UL listing confirms that the nylon compound meets standards for temperature range and UV resistance, which is important for outdoor and industrial applications. The IP68 rated variants sealed completely in our water submersion test with no moisture detected inside the test enclosure.
Remke Cable Grips: professional alternative
Remke grips are a common choice in automation and control panel wiring. Their EMI/RFI shielded models (stainless steel with bonding feature) serve applications where standard nylon is insufficient. For standard commercial and residential applications, Heyco provides equivalent performance at lower cost. For shielded cable applications in industrial environments, Remke’s product line covers more specialized requirements.
What to look for in cord grips
Cable diameter range. Measure your cable jacket diameter and confirm the grip’s clamping range fully covers it. Too large a range can result in insufficient clamping. Too narrow a range and the grip physically cannot close around the cable.
Thread type and enclosure compatibility. PG and NPT threads are not interchangeable. Identify your enclosure hole type before ordering. Metric knockouts are common in European-origin enclosures.
IP rating for your environment. Standard non-sealed grips are fine for dry indoor enclosures. Outdoor, washdown, or humid environments require IP65 minimum for practical moisture resistance.
Material for your temperature range. Standard nylon handles most applications. High-temperature environments above 250F may require brass, stainless steel, or specialized polymer grips.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cord grip and why do I need one?+
A cord grip (also called a cable strain relief) secures a cable where it enters an enclosure, preventing the cable from being pulled, twisted, or bent at the entry point, which is the most common failure location.
How do I size a cord grip for my cable?+
Measure the outer diameter of your cable jacket and choose a grip whose clamping range includes that diameter. Buy one size up if you are unsure.
What is the difference between PG and NPT thread cord grips?+
PG (Panzergewinde) is European metric threading. NPT is the American standard. Match the thread type to your enclosure knockout hole.
Do I need waterproof cord grips for outdoor use?+
Yes. Standard cord grips allow moisture ingress at the cable entry point. IP65 or IP68 rated cord grips seal the cable entry for outdoor and wet-location applications.