Types of Rigging Hardware

Rigging Hardware allows workers to move hefty objects safely. Learn about the various types of rigging equipment available to you and what their working load limits (WLLs) are.

Shackles are connections that hold other rigging equipment. Different types include anchor shackles, bow shackles, slip hooks and swivel hooks. Choose the right one for your application.

Blocks

Blocks are essential rigging hardware that help reduce the kind of force required to lift heavy objects. We carry a wide selection of high-performing blocks from top brands like Harken and Ronstan that feature Delrin ball bearings to reduce friction. They’re available in sizes ranging from 16 millimeters for dinghies and keelsboats to 200-millileter options for megayachts.

Rigging blocks, also known as arborist blocks or specialized pulleys, are designed to handle the incredible forces of tree rigging. They can withstand the intense stress of lowering large trunk wood or heavy limbs, while also helping to distribute the load and create less drag. We offer many different sheave block rigging supplies designs and sizes, including snatch blocks, swivel blocks, single- and double-sheave blocks, and square blocks.

Pulleys

We use pulley systems every day – whether it’s jumping on a piece of exercise equipment, opening the garage door as we leave for work, or taking an elevator in a building. In heavy-duty industries, they’re used on a much grander scale and can dramatically reduce the amount of force needed to move a load.

Pulleys are simple machines that have a fulcrum, a wheel that sits around it and a groove where a rope passes over. The movable pulley has one end attached to the load and one fixed to the fulcrum so it can move from place to place, but the fixed pulley does not. In both types, the mechanical advantage increases as the load moves over the fulcrum and less force is required to lift it.

The movable pulley can also be used in combination with other movable pulleys to form compound pairs that further decrease the amount of force required to lift a load. They’re commonly known as block-and-tackle pulleys and can be found on sailboats, rock climbing equipment, garage doors, shop lifts and theater curtains.

Steel Nuts

Steel nuts are used in rigging to fasten items together. They come in different shapes and sizes, and some are designed to resist loosening caused by vibration. They can be made from a variety of materials, including low carbon steel and grade 5 medium carbon steel. Some are zinc plated or black oxide coated, while others are made from stainless steel.

They are available with either right-hand or left-hand threads. They are often used along with eye bolts to anchor a load. Other types of steel nuts include wing nuts, dome nuts, lifting eye nuts, and ball ends.

They have fine-pitch threads that are closer together than those of standard hex nuts, so they are less likely to loosen from vibration. They are also more resistant to corrosion and are typically made from 316 stainless steel. They are half as tall as standard hex nuts, making them ideal for applications with low clearance. They can be used with bolts of the same size or with a cotter pin to secure it. They can be used in a wide range of industrial and logging applications.

Chain Shackles

Rigging hardware is used for supporting and moving hefty loads. The most common types of rigging hardware are blocks and pulleys, which help spread the weight of large and heavy objects across multiple connection points to reduce the amount of force needed to lift them. Other types of rigging hardware include chains, snaps and shackles.

Shackles are generally composed of two components: a body and a pin or bolt. The body of a shackle may be horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped, and it can be either solid or hollow. The pin, or bolt, is commonly threaded and is available in several configurations. Screw pin shackles are a good choice for fast, easy connections and setups. Bolt type pins offer a more Rigging Supplies Manufacturer secure option for permanent and long-term applications, and they perform well in situations where the shackle is subject to twisting or torque.

For maximum safety, connect multiple sling legs to the body of the shackle and never the pin, which is vulnerable to failure if overloaded. Regularly inspect shackles for signs of bending, distortion and surface wear. Bent shackles are a clear sign of excessive side loading, while distorted or fractured pins must be replaced immediately.

Eye Bolts

Acting like an anchor point for a variety of different rigging configurations, eye bolts have threaded shafts that create a circular loop at one end. This makes them ideal for connecting and securing cables, wires, and ropes for various uses.

There are many different types of eye bolts available, including shouldered and non-shouldered models. Generally, they are rated with specific load capacities and should only be used for the specified application. This includes angular lifting, as these bolts may lose their maximum load capacity when used at an angle.

Load capacity ratings for these bolts are typically stamped on the eye-opening of the piece of hardware. They should never be used at or near their breaking loads, as doing so could result in equipment failure and dangerous accidents.

These bolts are often made of stainless steel, either 304 or 316 grade. This makes them resistant to corrosion in marine environments and other challenging conditions. They can also be galvanized to add protection from elements that accelerate corrosion. These bolts are available in many different sizes and materials, making them a versatile addition to any commercial or industrial rigging supply.