Hydraulic UTM Grips and Fixtures for High-Force Tensile Testing

Hydraulic UTM grips and fixtures are used in high-force tensile testing to hold the specimen securely and apply the load accurately. They are the interface between the testing frame and the material, so their job is to transfer very high force into the specimen without slipping or introducing misalignment.

This category covers grips and fixtures for pulling metal coupons, bars, rods, and structural specimens, as well as shear and fastener setups. To match a setup to your frame, request a personal quote.

The hydraulic category groups several fixture types used for high-force work:

• Hydraulic side action grips and hydraulic wedge grips for pulling metal coupons, bars, and rods
• Tensile shear fixtures that apply tension to joints or bonded assemblies to evaluate shear strength
• Proof load fixtures for fastener testing

Each type is matched to a specific test, so the right choice depends on your specimen and standard. Explore the full grips and fixtures range.

Hydraulic grips and fixtures are built for demanding, high-force specimens, including:

• Metal coupons, bars, rods, and structural components
• Joints and bonded assemblies tested in shear
• Fasteners and nuts under proof load

Because large fasteners and structural parts can require loads measured in hundreds of kilonewtons, these fixtures are made to sustain very high force. Learn more about our tensile testing equipment.

Choosing the right hydraulic fixture comes down to a few practical factors:

• The specimen type, whether coupon, bar, rod, joint, or fastener
• The maximum force your test requires
• The standard you test to, such as ASTM E8 or A370
• The specimen geometry, which sets the jaw inserts you need

Once those are clear, the fixture choice usually follows. For a recommendation, email sales@tensilemillcnc.com.

Maintaining vertical load alignment is critical in hydraulic systems, because off-axis loading at high force can introduce bending stresses on top of the intended axial load. Those bending stresses can distort results and cause failures that do not reflect the material.

The purpose of these fixtures is to apply high tensile forces with controlled alignment. Learn more about our tensile testing equipment.

These fixtures are designed for very high forces. Large fasteners and structural components can require testing at loads measured in hundreds of kilonewtons, and the hydraulic grips and fixtures are built to sustain that level.

Because capacity has to match your frame and specimen, it is worth confirming the exact range for your setup. For a capacity match, request a personal quote.

Both are used to pull metal coupons, bars, and rods at high force, but they clamp differently. Side action grips close the jaws onto the specimen from the side under hydraulic pressure, while wedge grips use the pulling force to drive wedge-shaped jaws tighter as load increases.

The best choice depends on your specimen geometry and how you load and unload. To choose between them, talk to our team.

With the right grips and setup on a hydraulic frame, you can run common high-force methods, including:

• ASTM E8 for metals
• ASTM A370 for rebar
• Proof load tests for fasteners and tension-based shear tests

Each fixture is made to meet the specific test standard it is used for. See our standards and certification.

Proof load fixtures confirm that a fastener can withstand a specified tension without failing. A typical nut-proof load setup uses a hardened threaded mandrel to hold the nut while axial load is applied, verifying that the threads carry the specified tension without stripping.

These setups are built for the high loads that fastener verification demands. For a fastener proof-load setup, request a personal quote.

Tensile shear fixtures apply tension to a joint or bonded assembly so the shear strength of the connection can be measured. This is common when testing welded, bonded, or fastened joints where the connection, not the base material, is the item under test.

The fixture holds the assembly so the load is transferred cleanly into the joint. To set up a shear test, request a personal quote.

Yes. Hydraulic grips and fixtures are well suited to rebar and structural specimens, which is exactly the kind of high-force work they are built for. Rebar is commonly tested to ASTM A370, and structural bars and rods to methods like ASTM E8.

Their high capacity and controlled alignment make them a good fit for construction and structural labs. For a rebar or structural setup, request a personal quote.

Yes. Many hydraulic grips use interchangeable jaw inserts and reinforced clamping surfaces, so one grip body can hold a range of specimen shapes and diameters. Swapping the insert adapts the grip to round, flat, or profiled specimens.

Matching the insert to the specimen protects both grip life and result quality. See related consumables and inserts.

Yes. These fixtures are made to work with powerful load cells and hydraulic systems, and each one is built to meet the specific test standard it supports. The grip, load cell, and hydraulic frame are meant to function as a matched high-force system.

Confirming compatibility with your frame and load cell up front avoids surprises. To check your setup, talk to our team.

You can request a personal quote or order online. It helps to share your specimen type, maximum force, and the standard you test to, so the recommended grips and inserts fit your work.

For a configuration matched to your frame, request a personal quote.