topic Re: Cable Cleat size Changing without affect the Design in AutoCAD Forum

Cable Cleat size Changing without affect the Design

Selva_Ganapathy — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:50:17 GMT

The original size of the cable cleat in my project requires me to modify it without affecting the design. help me with Step by Step workout.

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing without affect the Design

TheCADnoob — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:47:52 GMT

Im not exactly sure what you need, but if i had to guess, I would guess you need the design to meet the dimensions in red without changing the shape of the design?

When moving things initially, it looks like you are going to have interferences between your cleat and the OD of the fastener. The new dimensions may not be possible with your design.

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing without affect the Design

Washingtonn — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:52:39 GMT

Insufficient information provided.

"...modify it without affecting the design."

Define 'the design' - it's clamping cable - so why do the outside dimensions need to change? Is it due to clear space needed when pulling a cable? Is it because the stud, nuts, and washers protrude too far? What are the critical dimensions?

Might you just mill 3 mm from each side (washer seats) after moving the fastener hole?

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing (without affect the Design shape)

Selva_Ganapathy — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:43:43 GMT

Hi @TheCADnoob @Washingtonn

Here I attached the Size requirements for Cable Cleat...please draw and show me...how to modify it.

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing (without affect the Design shape)

TheCADnoob — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 14:59:16 GMT

It can be modified with a few simple steps.

First I set up some construction lines, then I exploded the block and then moved and scaled some of the items and drew in the missing parts.

Commands I used are (not in order)

COPY

LINE

CIRCLE

MOVE

EXPLODE

SCALE (use reference to scale to the circle diameter)

TRIM

Use OSNAPS and POLAR TRACKING as well.

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing (without affect the Design shape)

Washingtonn — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:51:24 GMT

It looks like you are trying to generate one part from a part family using a generalized drawing indicating some dimensions. If you need something detailed, get an actual part and measure it since the tabular information does not include fin information, alignment stud, or the size of gap (based on cable diameter).

@TheCADnoob demonstrates what to do if you only need one view and exact dimensions are not required.

Next time provide the information with your initial post - include 3D pictures (such as the one below taken from the website).

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing without affect the Design

nascocorptx — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:31:16 GMT

Hi Selva — you can resize a cable cleat in a DWG without breaking the design by turning it into a parametric (dynamic) block. Here’s a step-by-step:

1) Prep the file

Save a copy of Cable Cleat size.dwg.
Check units: UNITS → set the correct type/precision.
Clean up: PURGE and OVERKILL (optional) to remove duplicates.

2) Make (or edit) the block

Select the cleat geometry → B (BLOCK) → give it a name → Pick base point at the mounting-hole center (keeps placement stable) → Convert to block.
BEDIT (Block Editor) → open your cleat block.

3) Lock what must NOT change

Use Parametric Constraints to protect critical features:

Fix hole diameter(s) with a Dimensional Constraint (e.g., D1 = 10 mm).
Constrain hole centers to the base centerline (Horizontal/Vertical constraints).
Add Equal / Symmetric constraints so left/right features move together.
If you have bend radii or edge offsets that should stay constant, constrain them too.

4) Add a size driver (the safe way)

You want the inner cable diameter / saddle span to change, not everything.

Add a Linear Parameter across the inner clamping span (or radius parameter for a circular clamp).
Add STRETCH actions tied to that parameter so only the jaws/sides move; exclude holes, logos, and fastener geometry from the stretch selection set.
If you have arcs defining the clamp radius, use a Scale action just on those arcs about their center, but keep band width and hole sizes constrained so they don’t distort.

5) Create a size table (fast, error-proof)

Insert a Lookup Parameter (Block Authoring Palettes → Parameters → Lookup).
Link it to your size parameter(s) (e.g., Cable_OD).
Add rows for standard cleat sizes (e.g., 26, 32, 38, 44, 50, 63, 75, 90 mm).
→ Each row sets the correct inner span and any related offsets.

6) Test and finalize

Click Test Block in Block Editor. Try switching sizes — the mounting holes and bolt spacing should stay fixed, while the clamp area resizes symmetrically.
Exit BEDIT and save.
If you had multiple instances, use BLOCKREPLACE or redefine so all update.

7) (Optional) Variants

Visibility States for Single-Core vs Trefoil version in the same block.
Add Attributes for Part No., size, and short-circuit rating for scheduling.

Tip: If your cleat is fully 3D, consider using Parametric constraints in AutoCAD 3D or migrate the model to Inventor/Fusion for dimension-driven features, then export back to DWG.

If you share the current inner span and mounting-hole pattern, I can map the exact parameter values for your size table.
For ready-to-spec options and sizing references, you can also check: https://shop.nasco-corp.com/cable-cleats/

Re: Cable Cleat size Changing without affect the Design

nascocorptx — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:34:21 GMT

You can resize a cable cleat in DWG without breaking the design by using dynamic blocks with parametric constraints. Lock hole sizes, fix mounting points, and add a stretch or lookup table for different cable diameters. This ensures accuracy while keeping geometry intact. Reference: https://shop.nasco-corp.com/cable-cleats/