ISO 9001:2015 Certified BBB A+ Accredited Available 24/7/365 Same-Day Shipping on Stocked Items Manufactured In-House 100% USA Materials
Patented Hydrostatic Test Plug Technology

GripSafe®
Patents & Trademarks The World's Most Advanced Engineered Pipe Plug

GripSafe® ST isolation and test plugs are protected by 21 patents in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. The patented technology: an independently actuating wedge system, Gritlock® wedge surface, and Tri-Ply® multi-durometer seals. See the full register ›

GripSafe 21 patents21 Patents
GripSafe ST independently actuating wedge system Wedge System
GripSafe ST Gritlock gripping wedge Gritlock® Wedge
GripSafe ST Tri-Ply seal Tri-Ply® Seal
GripSafe ST aluminum body Aluminum Body
USA Industries ISO 9001:2015 certified, patented technologiesISO Certified & Patented

Explore the GripSafe® ST Line

The patented technology is built into every model. Rent or buy, with support 24/7/365.

Intellectual Property Register
GripSafe® Patents & Trademarks
IP-GSST-001 Rev. Current
RegistrationNumbers
US Patents9,927,058 • 9,810,364 • D894,349 • 10,746,339 • 11,391,404 • 11,408,548 • 11,408,549
US Registered Trademarks6,540,339 • 6,540,338 • 6,2569,105
Canadian Patents3,004,787 • 3,114,389 • 3,086,395 • 3,144,389
Canadian Industrial DesignCA 186293
Canadian Trademarks1,168,054 • 1,168,053
European PatentsEP3377797 B1 • EP386575B1 • EP3728929B1
European Patent (Germany)602016051864.3
EU Design Registration00628264-001
EU International Trademarks1567890 • 1550298 • 1550337
Australian Patents2016355337 • 2018392008 • 2022231742 • 2020304050
Australian Trademark2120735
PendingOther US and foreign patents pending
Patents21
Countries & RegionsUS • CA • EU • AU
StatusMore Pending
Exclusive to USA Industries
GripSafe® plugs are designed, manufactured, and supplied exclusively by USA Industries, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company.
Key Feature 1 · Advanced Engineering

Outperforming Six Decades of Traditional Plug Design

Years of in-house research, engineering, and testing went into GripSafe® ST before it reached the field. The result is positioned to become the new industry standard.

21Patents, US & International
9+Years of In-House R&D
67Years of Combined Engineering Experience
4,000+Load & Pressure Tests
9Years of Proven Field Success
Key Feature 2 · Patented

Independently Actuating Wedge System

Each wedge moves on its own, so load spreads evenly and every wedge keeps full contact with the pipe wall.

Even LoadDistributed across all wedges for maximum surface contact and holding capacity.
Handles OvalityWedges adjust to out-of-round or irregular pipe.
Self-GrippingHigher test pressure strengthens the grip, without damaging pressure points.
Grips on InsertionThe ORB and DBB lock in place as they're installed. The IIB's wedges sit on the far end, so it's set by tightening.
GripSafe ST independently actuating wedge system
Independent Wedge System
GripSafe ST gripping wedge with Gritlock surface technology
Gritlock® Gripping Wedge
Key Feature 3 · Gripping Wedges

Gritlock® Surface Technology

An exclusive surface coating with thousands of microscopic contact points gives a secure grip without serrated teeth.

DurableDense and long-lasting, proven over hundreds of full hydrotest cycles.
Pipe FriendlyLeaves virtually no surface damage.
Non-ContaminatingCompatible with carbon, stainless, and alloy pipe.
GripSafe ST Tri-Ply multi-durometer seal
Tri-Ply® Seal
Key Feature 4 · Patented

Tri-Ply® Seals

Multi-durometer seal technology, protected by patent, that resists deformation and edge mushrooming.

GripSafe ST aviation-grade aluminum plug body
Aluminum & Stainless Body
Key Feature 5 · Less Weight

Lighter Body

Models 10" and larger are built from aviation-grade aluminum and stainless steel. On average, they're lighter than competing plugs.

Proven in the Field

What Crews Say

"GripSafe plugs have been valuable assets on the LNGC site. The quick and easy installation, use, and removal of the plugs have made testing plain end pipe simple. The Lifting Device makes rigging of the larger plugs into position fast, convenient, and safe. The design of the grippers leave little to no marks inside the pipe. Torque values and plug info on the front plate makes plug identification and double-checking for the right plug usage easy. Overall, the GripSafe plugs are an excellent product."

T. Read, Hydro Foreman, and S. Daigle · Global EPC Company
Case Study

Dos Bocas Refinery

GripSafe ST case study, Dos Bocas refinery
Read the Case Study (PDF)
As Seen In

BIC Magazine

BIC Magazine September/October 2022 article on GripSafe ST
Read the Article (PDF)
Ratings & Compliance

Operating Range

Temperature−10°F to 170°F continuous, up to 200°F intermittent.
Industry ComplianceASME B16.5, ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3. Meets ASME PCC-2-2018.
Critical ReminderPressure testing is hazardous. Confirm every connection, valve, flange, and fitting is suitable for testing, and verify the line ID matches the plug range. Never stand in front of a test plug or enclosure during a test: a discharge can cause severe injury or death. Follow the complete installation procedure in the operating manual.
Common Questions

GripSafe® Patents FAQ

Is GripSafe® patented?

Yes. GripSafe® is protected by 21 patents in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, with more pending. The full list is in the register above.

What technology do the patents cover?

The independently actuating wedge system and the Tri-Ply® multi-durometer seals, along with registered industrial designs. Gritlock® and Tri-Ply® are registered trademarks.

Who makes GripSafe® plugs?

Only USA Industries. GripSafe® plugs are designed, manufactured, and supplied exclusively by us.

Which GripSafe® models grip on insertion?

The ORB and DBB lock in place as they're installed. The IIB's wedges are on the far end of the plug, so it is set by tightening.

Can I rent GripSafe® plugs?

Yes. GripSafe® ST plugs are available to rent or buy. See rentals.

Why Choose USA Industries

From pipe blinds to heat exchanger tools, we deliver custom-engineered products with the fastest turnaround times in the industry.

Speed

Fastest Turnaround

Available 24/7 - 365 days a year with same-day shipping available on stock items. Custom orders in days, not weeks.

Savings

Direct Pricing

No middlemen markup. Buy direct from the manufacturer with 40+ years of industry excellence and save.

Engineering

Custom Engineering

Custom solutions designed to your exact specifications.

ISO Certified

ISO Certified Quality

A quality driven ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer ensures consistent excellence.

BBB A+ Rated

BBB A+ Rated

The highest grade awarded, signifying USAI operates with high integrity and a strong commitment to resolving customer issues.

Our product specialists are available 24/7. Call Now.

(800) 456-8721
Call Now
GET A QUICK QUOTE ▼