Center barrier for wire gripping devices

A barrier for a wire gripping device of the type wherein a tapered jaw assembly is slideably mounted within a tapered tubular shell defining an axis and having an opening at one axial end thereof, and wherein a pilot cup is disposed in the end opening for surroundingly engaging a terminal end of a cable to be introduced into the gripping device for gripping engagement by the jaw assembly therewithin, and also having a compression spring having one end in engagement with an end surface of the tapered jaw assembly opposite the end opening of the shell. The barrier comprises a unitary-part member disposed in the shell at a location spaced apart from the end opening by an amount at least as great as the combined axial extent of the jaw assembly and compression spring when the latter is fully extended. The barrier member comprises an end abutment portion for abutting an end of the spring opposite its end in engagement with the jaw assembly and for also abutting the pilot cup to define full advancement thereof relative to the shell. The second portion of the barrier comprises a stop portion projecting from the end abutment portion in the direction of the jaw assembly for abutting the same to define a maximum inward amount of travel of the jaw assembly relative to the shell and so as to leave a predetermined minimum axial distance intermediate the jaw assembly and surface and the abutment portion of the barrier. This predetermined minimum axial distance is sufficient to permit passage of the pilot cup completely through the jaw assembly upon insertion and advancement of a cable relative to the gripping device.