Trailing Rope Grab, 5/8 in Zinc-Plated Steel
The Guardian 01508 is the bare trailing rope grab for 5/8 in vertical lifelines: zinc-plated steel jaws that follow the worker up and down the line hands-free, then lock onto the rope instantly in a fall. With no extension lanyard attached, it is the fleet-replacement grab for crews that pair their own shock absorbing connectors.
The 01508 fits 5/8 in rope only, supports workers from 130 to 310 lbs including tools, and carries a 5,000 lbs tensile strength. It meets OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.140 as the fall arrester in a complete vertical lifeline system.
Who Needs This Product
A trailing rope grab is the moving connection point on a vertical lifeline: it follows the worker during climbing and repositioning, so nobody stops work to slide a device by hand, and it cams onto the rope the instant a fall loads it. The 01508 ships bare, which suits fleets that standardize on their own shock absorbing extensions and simply replace grabs as they wear. If you want the grab and shock absorbing extension in one piece, choose the Grab-R 01503 instead; if you want the entire lifeline ready-made, the Guardian VLA family includes rope, grab, and shock pack.
Features
Trails with the worker
Follows along the lifeline during climbing and repositioning, eliminating manual device moves.
Automatic fall locking
Cams onto the rope instantly under fall loading to limit arrest distance.
Zinc-plated steel
Corrosion-resistant construction stands up to weather and jobsite contamination.
5/8 in rope compatibility
Sized exactly for 5/8 in lifelines like the Guardian VL58 poly steel and Polydac ropes.
Bare-grab fleet format
No attached extension; pair with your own compliant shock absorbing connector.
Compact and light
At 1.32 lbs, it adds almost nothing to the system weight on the line.
Technical Specifications
| SKU | 01508 |
|---|---|
| Type | Trailing rope grab, no extension |
| Rope compatibility | 5/8 in diameter rope only |
| Worker capacity | 130-310 lbs including all clothing, tools, and equipment |
| Tensile strength | 5,000 lbs |
| Material | Zinc-plated steel |
| Weight | 1.32 lbs |
| Dimensions | 5 in x 6 in x 2.5 in |
| Standards | OSHA 1926.502; OSHA 1910.140 |
| Warranty | Guardian lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship |
Match the rope, mind the termination. The 01508 is compatible with 5/8 in rope diameter only; never use it on other sizes. Eliminate lower-end termination risk: ensure the lifeline prevents the user from striking the next lower level or terminate the line per the manual. Maximum one attachment per connection point.
Compliance Standards
OSHA 1926.502
Serves as the fall arrester in compliant construction vertical lifeline systems.
OSHA 1910.140
Meets general industry personal fall protection system requirements.
ISO 17025 lab tested
Guardian rope grabs are tested in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
System compatibility
Use only with 5/8 in lifelines and compliant shock absorbing connectors; a competent person must verify the system.
Typical Applications
Installation Overview
Installation must follow the Guardian rope grab instruction manual (85072). The sequence below is an overview only.
- Inspect first. Check the cam, body, and connection point before every use.
- Verify the rope. Confirm the lifeline is 5/8 in diameter and compatible per the manual.
- Mount the grab. Install the grab on the line in the correct orientation; the arrow on the body must point up toward the anchor.
- Add the connector. Attach a compliant shock absorbing lanyard or extension between the grab and the harness dorsal D-ring.
- Test the action. Confirm the grab trails freely and locks when pulled sharply down-line.
- Verify clearance. Confirm fall clearance below the work area before starting work.
Inspection and Retirement
Inspect before every use, and have a competent person perform a documented inspection at least every six months under ANSI Z359.2 practice. Remove the grab from service for any of the conditions below.
- Cam: worn, smoothed, or damaged teeth that do not bite the rope.
- Body: cracks, corrosion, deformation, or damaged rivets and pins.
- Action: a grab that does not trail freely or does not lock instantly under load.
- Connection point: elongation, cracks, or wear at the attachment eye.
- Markings: missing or illegible labels.
Retirement triggers: any fall arrest event on the grab, cam or body damage, or any condition where the inspector cannot positively verify the device is fit for service.
Fall ProtectionDistributors, LLC Free Tool · No Signup · OSHA 1926.502 Free Interactive Tool Fall Protection Calculator Pick your system. Run the math. Generate a plan. 1Pick Your SystemDetermine fall restraint vs. fall arrest based on your work surface, edge access, and clearance. 2Run the MathCalculate exact fall clearance required below the work surface for your SRL or lanyard setup. 3Generate a PlanGet a printable OSHA-compliant Fall Protection Plan structured around 29 CFR 1926.502(k).
Frequently Asked Questions
Guardian 01508 Rope Grab Submittals and Documentation
Guardian Rope Grab Instruction Manual (PDF)Mounting orientation, compatibility, use rules, and inspection criteria for Guardian rope grabs.Guardian Vertical Lifeline Inspection Form (PDF)Printable competent-person inspection checklist covering lifelines and grabs.Compatible and Related Products
- Guardian VL58 Poly Steel Rope Lifeline. 5/8 in lifelines in 25 to 300 ft, sized for this grab.
- Guardian 01503 Grab-R Rope Grab with 3 ft Extension. Same grab platform with the shock absorbing extension attached.
- Guardian Poly Steel Rope Vertical Lifeline Assembly. Complete lifeline with grab and shock pack included.
Standardizing Rope Grabs Across a Fleet?
Bare grabs, extension grabs, or complete assemblies: the right mix depends on what your crews already run. Confirm your program with us and we will make sure the right equipment ships together, based on the delivery location.
Call 863-703-4522 to talk to a fall protection specialist.
Guardian Fall Protection Manufacturer Warranty
Guardian warrants to the purchaser that all products are free from defects in material, workmanship, and design (when the design is Guardian's responsibility). This warranty does not cover conditions resulting from normal wear and tear, neglect, abuse, accident, or otherwise. Guardian's obligations under this warranty apply for the lifetime of the product and are limited to the replacement of the product only.
This warranty is not transferable and does not apply to product that is resold after having been put into service. The warranty is void if the product is changed or altered in any way, or if the product is used in a manner other than for which it is intended. No other person, firm, or entity is authorized to assume or assign for Guardian any other liability in connection with the sale or use of Guardian products. There are no implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Source: Guardian Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale, Doc. 102 v3.0. Contact Guardian customer service at +1 (800) 466-6385 or through guardianfall.com for warranty claims and product support.
