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Our 3 Most Common Grip Adapters

  • christopherthomasb
  • Aug 12
  • 2 min read

When setting up a universal testing machine (UTM), a small but crucial part of the system is often overlooked: the grip adapter. These components ensure your grips and fixtures connect securely to your testing frame — and choosing the right one saves time, prevents damage, and keeps your testing accurate.


Comparison of small, medium, and large grip adapters for universal testing machines. Used for connecting grips and fixtures to UTMs ranging from low-force lab equipment to high-capacity industrial systems.
Our 3 most commonly used 'Grip Adapters'

At Universal Grip Co., we have three adapter sizes that cover the vast majority of applications. Whether you're testing with an entry-level machine or a full-scale high load Universal Testing Machine, one of these sizes will likely fit your setup and-or fixture.


1. Small Adapter –

Ideal For: Light-duty machines and low-force testing setups (under 20 kN)

Compatible With:

  • Compact Instron UTMs

  • Grips and fixtures with 15.8 mm female ends

  • Systems using 12 mm connections

Specs:

  • Male end: Ø15.8 mm with 8 mm pin

  • Connects to: Ø12 mm with 6 mm pin

Use Case: Common in labs running delicate material tests, this adapter bridges small grips to smaller machines — compact, reliable, and widely used in educational and research environments.


Small grip adapter for universal testing machines – Ø15.8 mm to Ø12 mm male pin adapter, ideal for low-force applications under 20 kN. Commonly used with compact Instron UTMs and research labs.
*This image for the 'Small' adapter is slightly disproportionate, the following images our 'Medium' and 'Large' Adapters are much more to scale with their corresponding technical drawings.

2. Medium Adapter –

UGC’s Standard Adapter

Ideal For: Everyday grips and fixtures from 0 to 20 kN

Compatible With:

  • UGC’s standard grip line

  • Machines and fixtures using 15.8 mm and 31.7 mm connections

Specs:

  • One side: Ø31.7 mm with 12.7 mm pin

  • Other side: Ø15.8 mm with 8 mm pin

Use Case: This is our go-to adapter. It’s designed to work with our most popular grips and is the most commonly supplied part for labs using UGC products in general-purpose tensile and compression testing.

Medium-sized grip adapter for universal testing machines – Ø31.7 mm to Ø15.8 mm pin adapter. UGC’s standard adapter for tensile and compression testing up to 20 kN, compatible with most UGC grips and fixtures.

3. Large Adapter –

Ideal For: Heavy-duty UTMs and industrial-scale testing

Compatible With:

  • Large Instron machines

  • MTS systems

  • UGC grips with 31.7 mm fittings

Specs:

  • Both sides: Ø31.7 mm with 12.7 mm pin

Use Case: When you're working with high-force machines or large test specimens, this adapter provides the strength and compatibility you need. It’s a direct fit for many high-capacity machines in aerospace, automotive, and materials labs.

Large grip adapter for high-force universal testing machines – Ø31.7 mm double-ended pin adapter with 12.7 mm pins. Designed for industrial-scale testing with Instron, MTS, and aerospace systems.

Have a question about our Basic Adapters? Perhaps have a unique application for adapting your fixture to your machine and require a customization? If so do not hesitate to contact Universal Grip Co. today. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have regarding your testing system/application.



 
 
 

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