US Patent 7367534 Drop wire clamp

A compression-type drop wire clamp that avoids damaging a signal carrying portion of a cable by applying a compressive force primarily to a support portion of a cable is disclosed herein. A plurality of holes may be included in a compression portion of the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. An abrasive coating, such as an enamel and crushed glass mixture, may be added to the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. Tines or other aligning mechanisms may also be used to center the cable in the clamp and/or to align other portions of the clamp (e.g. a shim).