Rigging Supplies

Rigging equipment is used in countless ways for various events, but event safety must always be the priority. Riggers need to ensure that rigging supplies have an adequate working load limit, and they must know how to use them properly.

Eye bolts act as anchor points for looping cables in rigging applications. They are available in a variety of sizes, including shoulder eye bolts for angular connections.

Chain Shackles

Chains are a staple for rigging and a wide variety of sizes and shapes are available. Each type of chain carries a different weight limit, so it’s important to know your working load limit before purchasing any chain.

Riggers use chains, wire ropes, rigging supplies and slings to lift heavy objects. They also need hardware to connect these materials to a crane or hoist. This includes shackles, eye bolts, and stainless steel nuts.

Shackles are metal looped-shaped connections that close off with a pin, ensuring secure connection points for lifting and moving heavy equipment. They can be found in various styles, including bow or anchor shackles with wider O-shaped crowns and D-shackles with narrower U-shaped crowns. Riggers also use clevis hooks with a U-shaped jaw and a clevis pin secured with a cotter pin.

There are many types of slings for different applications, depending on the materials being used and the lifting loads. Spreader bars are an effective way to make hefty loads more manageable and stable by spreading the weight over multiple connection points. Pulleys and blocks are also great for lifting heavy weights, as they help to reduce the amount of force needed by distributing it evenly. They can be made of single or double systems and come in a wide variety of sheave sizes. Stainless steel nuts are used along with eye bolts in rigging, and the nut size should be selected based on the weight of the equipment and shape of the shackle.

Eye Bolts

Eye bolts act as anchor points for rigging and are used to connect ropes, cables and chains. They are commonly made of forged stainless steel and have a loop or eye at one end. They are available in various sizes and materials, but their weight capacity ratings are the most important factor to consider for rigging applications.

When selecting the right eye bolts for a project, a rigger should compare their weight-loading capabilities against the specifications of the load to ensure that they have an adequate capacity rating. A rigger should also choose the right type of nut to go with each eye bolt, such as hex nuts, dome nuts, lifting eye nuts or ball ends. The nut size should also match the overall weight of the load, and it should be compatible with the thread type (right-hand or left-hand).

When using eye bolts for rigging, it’s essential to follow safety best practices to prevent accidents and injuries. Riggers should always check the rated working load limit (WLL) on each bolt, and they should never attempt to lift more than the specified weight. It’s also important to inspect each eye bolt before use to ensure that it’s in good condition and free of any flaws. In addition, riggers should avoid forcing hooks or other fittings into the eye; they should fit freely.

Steel Nuts

Whether used in construction or assembling furniture at home, steel nuts are one of the most common fasteners. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can be coated with different materials to provide extra strength or protection from the elements. These fasteners are ideal for rigging equipment because they can handle high-stress applications and have a high load capacity.

Rigging hardware can be exposed to extreme conditions, such as heat and salt water, so it is important that the right type of equipment is chosen for specific projects. For example, if working near the ocean, stainless steel hardware may be necessary to resist corrosion. It is also important to consider the temperature of the environment and if it will affect the performance of rigging hardware.

When using rigging equipment, it is important to keep in mind that the minimum breaking load (MBL) of each piece should never be exceeded. A safety factor is usually applied to arrive at a safe working load limit (WLL) or rated capacity (RC), which should be clearly marked on all rigging supplies. It is also important to inspect and maintain rigging equipment to ensure that it is in good condition before each use. This includes ensuring that chains are proof-tested before their first use, that any broken links are replaced and that new rigging equipment is properly tagged.

Rigging Hooks

Rigging hooks have a variety of designs and capacities to accommodate different lifting needs and load requirements. A clevis hook, for example, features a U-shaped attachment point with a latch that secures Rigging Supplies Manufacturer the load. This type of rigging hook can be used in chain and wire rope slings to lift loads from one position to another.

There are also swivel hooks that rotate to reduce twisting and stress on the load. Swivel hooks are especially useful when a rigger has to maneuver a load during the process of loading or unloading. There are even positioning swivel hooks that swivel only during the initial set-up of the hook.

Foundry hooks are a unique type of rigging hook that can fit trunnions and handles on castings or molds used in foundries. These rigging hooks are safe to tip load but require special consideration for the harsh environments they’re used in. Riggers should contact the manufacturer to learn how to properly reduce the rated capacity of these rigging hooks when using them to tip load.

Whether you’re in need of heavy-duty crane hooks for overhead lifting or a variety of other types of rigging equipment, Columbus McKinnon offers quality products that are durable and designed to withstand demanding applications. Check out the CM Rigging Pocket Guide for more information about safety best practices and tips for sizing and evaluating rigging supplies.