Types of Rigging Hardware
Rigging hardware is a vital component of rigging and lifting. These equipment pieces are used in harsh environments and operations where they can be subjected to twisting, jolts, compressions and other tensions that can cause damage to the components and assemblies.
It is important to choose rigging hardware that is designed to withstand the load capacity you are working with. A common mistake is choosing a product that has an incorrect working load limit, which can be dangerous when lifting and rigging.
Blocks & Pulleys
Blocks & Pulleys are force multiplier devices used in rigging. They reduce the amount of effort required to move a load by changing the direction of a rope. This is called mechanical advantage (MA).
A pulley changes the direction of a rope or wire. It can be a simple wheel on an axle or a more complex system of pulleys working together.
An example of a pulley is a 100 pound weight suspended from a rope, as shown in the diagram above. The rope is pulled through two pulleys, which reduces the amount of force needed to lift the weight by half. The pulleys also increase the distance of the rope, reducing the amount of time it takes to lift the weight.
There are a number of different types of blocks and pulleys, including snatch blocks and wire rope pulleys. The type of block a person chooses depends on the application.
Snatch blocks redirect a wire rope or running line by allowing it to run around a sheave several times before hooking to an anchor point. This reduces the force required to hoist a heavy object, especially for those with limited access or in confined spaces.
Wire rope pulleys also work in a similar fashion, except they allow the wire to be threaded through the sheave multiple times before hooking to an anchor point. The combination of pulleys and wire rope can help to lift a large number of tons, although it is important to choose a wire rope that matches the size of the sheave.
Some blocks and pulleys have ball bearings that reduce friction, but some use Rigging Hardware plain or bush bearings instead. These bush bearings are much cheaper than ball bearings, but they lack the lubrication that ball bearings require.
Spreader Bars
Spreader bars are a common type of rigging hardware that can be used for lifting and lowering heavy objects. They can also be used for slackening or tensioning rigging lines.
They are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and shipping industries. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find one that’s right for your needs.
Some of the most popular uses for spreader bars include sling top rigging and chain rigging. This type of rigging can be easily attached to a spreader bar, allowing for safer and more efficient lifts.
Another popular use for spreader bars is for squid fishing. This type of rigging is often referred to as “popper fishing,” because it allows anglers to fish on the surface, skipping across the water.
When using this type of rigging, it’s important to choose a lure that sticks out in the water. This will help attract fish, especially predators.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your rigging is safe for everyone involved. Having a professional inspect the spreader bar before and after use is key to ensure that everything is working properly.
Spreader bars have a tendency to bend if they’re not designed correctly, so it’s important to take care of them. A good way to do this is by choosing a high-quality product that’s designed for strength and durability.
Some of the most common issues with spreader bars are distortion, corrosion, wear, and loose or missing bolts. It’s important to check them out at least every six months to make sure that they’re in good shape and can handle the load. This will prevent any accidents from occurring during use and ensure that your rigging is safe for everyone.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts are a common type of rigging hardware that rigmers use to connect cables, wires, and slings. They are also used for attaching loads to structural elements such as fences and buildings.
They are available in a variety of styles and sizes, and some models are even suited for specific applications. They can be made of a wide range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, and copper. Some types feature a shoulder, which is a larger diameter section between the eye and the shank that adds strength.
When lifting loads, riggers need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe handling. They should orient eye bolts in line with the slings, and never apply load sideways as this can cause the eye to bend or break.
While most eye bolts can handle vertical lifts, pulling at an angular angle significantly reduces the capacity. When pulling at an angle of up to 45 degrees, some eye bolts can hoist only 30 percent of their rated working load.
To prevent damage, riggers must use a shackle that fits the eye bolt, rather than a hook. Shackles should also be properly torqued and Rigging Hardware inspected to ensure they are in good condition.
It is also important to understand the difference between vertical and angular loads. For example, a single eye bolt can lift a load that rotates freely but it cannot hoist the same load when pulled at an angle of up to 90 degrees.
Whenever possible, riggers should avoid using eye bolts with signs of wear or any other flaws. They should also never shock load them or use a single eye bolt to lift a load that will rotate freely.
Stainless Steel Nuts
Stainless steel nuts are used to secure a variety of equipment in construction, marine, and other industries. They can be used with a screw or hex head bolt to create a tight connection between two items. They have a shiny, glossy finish and are resistant to corrosion.
These nuts come in various sizes and are made from several different grades of stainless steel. The most common stainless steel is 304, also known as 18-8. It is a type of iron-chromium-nickel alloy that is resistant to corrosion.
This is one of the main reasons that people choose to use stainless steel instead of galvanized steel for fasteners. Stainless is much less likely to rust and will hold up better over time when compared with galvanized products.
Another benefit of using stainless is that it will not rust in water. This is because of its natural layer of chromium oxide, which helps to resist corrosion from oxygen.
However, this protective layer can be damaged by contaminants in the environment such as saltwater. When contaminants settle on the surface, they can allow oxygen to react with the iron in the metal, causing it to rust.
Stainless steel can be cleaned to remove these contaminants and preserve its appearance. Seattle Nut & Bolt offers a variety of cleaning guidelines to keep your stainless steel products looking like new for years to come.
Rigging Hooks
Rigging hooks are a type of rigging accessory that is used for lifting, towing, and other heavy-duty applications. They come in a variety of styles and capacities to meet specific needs.
They are also available in many different materials. The most common are stainless steel, but other types of metal are also available. These hooks are often rated by their Working Load Limit, or W.L.L. This number indicates the maximum load that can be applied to them, and it should never be exceeded or shock loaded.
There are many different rigging hooks available, including hoist hooks, slip hooks, grab hooks, clevis hooks, and sling hooks. These are all primarily used for load lifting or securing.
These rigging hooks are typically made of heat treated alloy steel that is forged, which makes them stronger and lighter than cast parts. They also are resistant to cracks and bending.
In addition, they are easier to inspect than cast products. Forging also provides a higher breaking strength, which is important when lifting and hauling heavy loads.
Tip loading can also be dangerous, but foundry hooks are rated for tipping and they are safe to use in most situations. You should contact your industrial hardware supplier to reduce the Working Load Limit of a foundry hook before using it for tipping.
These hooks are a great way to secure and lift heavy items. They are 100% proof tested and can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, they can be used for loading handoffs between crane hooks, or transferring loads between mobile and overhead cranes. They can also be used in cascading sling systems to prevent sling overlap or bunching.