Types of Rigging Supplies
Rigging supplies are vital for safely moving and lifting heavy loads. They must be specially designed and rated for the specific load they are used to lift. The incorrect equipment can put the entire operation at risk.
Wire ropes are often fortified with multiple strands of carbon or stainless steel wire in a helix pattern for added strength. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and materials.
Eyebolts
Eye bolts are used to create an attachment point for rigging hardware. Riggers can use them for a variety of tasks, including lifting, lashing, and tying down loads. The bolt shank fixes the eye to a structure or machine, and then rigging hooks are attached to the eye loop.
There are a number of different types of eye bolts available, which differ by material, fabrication, and fastening type. Each has a specific working load limit, which is the amount of weight it can support in a straight pull. The WLL decreases when the eye bolt is loaded at an angle, as stress is imposed on the bolt in different directions. New standards for collar eye bolts are now being developed that address these variations by introducing reduction factors similar to those used for slings.
Steel Nuts
Stainless steel nuts are often used in rigging applications as they are highly durable and resistant to extreme temperatures, pressures, and corrosion. They are available in various types, sizes, and designs to suit specific requirements.
The type of nut that is chosen will depend on the load’s weight and thread size (either right-hand or left-hand). Other factors to consider include the overall height and diameter of the load.
There are also specialized types of nuts that can resist loosening, including wing nuts, hex flange nuts, and all metal prevailing torque lock nuts. These are designed to grip against bolted components and provide a prevailing torque. They can withstand higher temperature use than nylon insert lock nuts and have a heavier design than standard galvanized nuts.
Chain Shackles
Various types of slings are used to connect chains, wire ropes, and other components in industrial crane rigging. They must be carefully rigging supplies selected based on their working load limit (WLL) and the characteristics of the load they will be lifting.
Shackles allow rigging components to be connected and disconnected quickly and efficiently. They are typically necessary when rigging loads that weigh more than 6,000 pounds and are available in several different sizes. The most common shackles include bow or anchor shackles, which have wide crowns, D-shackles, which have narrow U-shaped openings, and clevis pin shackles.
Steel nuts secure threaded bolts to keep them in place and are also used in conjunction with eye bolts, turnbuckles, and shackles. They must be properly inspected and replaced after heavy use.
Eye Hooks
Often a part of rigging hardware, eye hooks are metal loops with a flat end used to connect other rigging equipment. Some have a latch that ensures rope, chain, and fittings won’t separate from the hook when the load slackens. Others rotate for easy positioning before the load is applied.
Use these rigging supplies as the foundation of a system to carry heavy loads safely. They’re the anchor point for other rigging hardware, such as shackles and hoist rings.
Choose from forged and non-forged eye bolts. Forged eye bolts have the shape of an endless loop and are best for rigging and lifting heavy-duty loads. Non-forged eye bolts, also called turned eyes or wire eyes, have a bent eye shape and are good for lighter loads.
Swivel Hooks
Swivel hooks allow for a more precise and controlled lift. They are also useful for reducing tension on other rigging equipment.
They are designed to eliminate the risk of slippage and are typically made from forged alloy steel. They are categorized by their weight load indication and hook opening size, or throat, which can range from 5/8 of an inch to 1 17/32 of an inch.
They are usually attached to a tagline, which is used to guide, position and stabilize a load during lifting and moving operations. It is essential to inspect all rigging rigging supplies equipment regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or bending. This will reduce the chance of accidents and injuries on-site. These swivel hooks can be made from different materials to suit everyday or dangerous industrial needs. Die cast zinc is one common choice, as it is non-toxic and reusable. Brass is another option, but it may not be as durable or strong as zinc.
S Hooks
S hooks are a simple but effective way to hang and organize tools, supplies, plants, macrame, and more. These versatile hooks come in a variety of sizes and designs, with open or closed ends that easily attach to rods, wires, racks, and bars.
They’re also used in rigging to eliminate the risk of slippage when lifting a load. The center of gravity (COG) of a load is determined by the distribution and density of materials, so it’s important to anchor points equidistant from the COG.
Another popular use of S hooks is to suspend a pipe above an office desk or shelf to keep items off the ground and out of the way. This clever solution provides ample space for cups, mugs, and utensils.
Slip Hooks
Rigging hooks come in a variety of sizes, designs and capacities for various purposes. They also differ in their opening design, strength and capacity. The main types of rigging hooks include grab hook, clevis hook and slip hook.
Unlike slip hooks, grab hooks have a latch design to secure an object in place. They’re commonly used for overhead lifting, port and railway loading and unloading, forestry machinery and land transportation.
Similarly, clevis hooks have a U-shaped attachment point secured by a pin. They are common for overhead lifting and used alongside slings to help with transporting heavy-duty loads. This rigging hardware may be subject to a lot of stress, so you’ll want to ensure it’s graded and heat treated appropriately. You’ll also want to replace them if they experience any damage or wear.
