Who we are
A "cat o' nine tails" is a whip consisting of nine knotted cords attached to a handle, historically used for flogging (whipping) offenders, particularly in the British Navy. The name is thought to allude to the scratches left by the whip, resembling those of a cat.
Letting the cat out of the bag. Not on our watch.
There is not enough room to swing a cat. Watch this.
Built for Abuse. Engineered for Accuracy.
At Cat O’Nine Engineering, we design and manufacture high-precision Camera and Grip accessories for film and television production. Based in Manchester.
Our products are built by the people who use them — professionals who understand the pace, pressure, and precision of life on set. Every component we produce is engineered for accuracy, durability, and seamless integration into modern camera and grip workflows. Built by grips for grips and built by camera assistants for camera assistants.
We’re technicians first. With more than forty years of combined experience across multiple departments in Film and TV, we’ve faced the same challenges that crews deal with every day. The frustrations, the improvisations, the “why doesn’t this exist yet?” moments.
Cat O’Nine was born out of the desire to fix those problems properly — with tools that last, work flawlessly, and feel like they’ve always belonged on set.
Our team bridges the gap between on-set experience and precision manufacturing. Working alongside experts in design, machining, and materials, we translate hands-on knowledge into practical solutions. Every radius, slot, and thread is intentional — designed for intuitive use, repeatable accuracy, and reliability under pressure. We use high quality aero-space grade aluminium for our products, which ensures they are durable, lightweight and tough .
Cat O’Nine isn’t just about what we build — it’s about how we build it.
We collaborate directly with the people on the floor: Grips, Camera Operators, and Camera Assistants. Every new product starts as an idea in the field — a quick fix, a hand-drawn sketch, or a conversation between takes. From there, we develop, prototype, and refine until it’s ready to earn its place on set. Our CNC machines deliver unmatched reliability and precision, ensuring every component meets the highest standard of accuracy and finish.
Our goal is simple: to make the tools that make your job easier.
If you’ve got an idea, a problem that needs solving, or a design you’d like to see brought to life, we’d like to collaborate. Because the best ideas come from the floor — and the best tools are built by those who know how to use them. And most importantly, we believe that at its core, the film industry is — and always has been — a collaboration.
We Ship Internationally. Using secure packaging and economical Couriers, tracked every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If your item is in stock, it'll be dispatched within 1 working day. Most of our products are made to order, so please allow a 6–14 day lead time from order to dispatch. We'll always keep you updated.
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Yes — most of our products are CNC-machined to order right here in Manchester. This means you're getting a freshly made, precision part rather than something sitting on a dusty shelf. Stock items ship within 1 day.
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Our products are precision-machined from 6082-T6 aluminium — a high-strength structural alloy widely used in demanding engineering applications. Every part is then hard anodised in black for durability and that clean, professional finish.
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Absolutely — bespoke work is something we actively encourage. If you have a rigging problem that needs a custom solution, get in touch and we'll work with you to make it happen. Email info@catonineengineering.co.uk or call 0161 526 0391.
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Yes. Our products are designed from the ground up to integrate seamlessly with standard industry equipment. If you have a specific compatibility question, just ask.
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Absolutely. We ship globally with tracked and insured delivery. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times will be shown at checkout based on your location.
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We offer a 14-day hassle-free return policy — no questions asked. Just get in touch and we'll sort it. Items must be returned in their original condition.
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Yes. All payments are SSL encrypted and processed securely. We don't store any card details — your information is safe with us. On Check out you will be sent a full and detailed invoice.
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Of course — we're grips ourselves. Drop us an email at info@catonineengineering.co.uk or call us on 0161 526 0391 and we'll point you in the right direction.