Types of Rigging Hardware
Rigging hardware is used to lift, hoist, and secure loads. It includes chains, wire ropes, slings, connections, fittings, end attachments, and other equipment.
It’s important to make sure that the rigging hardware you use is in good working condition. Cracks, bends, stretches, and missing parts increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts are one of the most common types of rigging hardware used in industrial applications. They come in a variety of designs and configurations, made of different materials. Some of these include 304 stainless steel and zinc-plated high-carbon steel.
These eye bolts are used to attach a rope or cable to loads, materials, and containers. They also provide a point through which a sling can be attached.
They are commonly available in a variety of sizes and are typically made from carbon steel, zinc-plated steel, hot dipped galvanized steel, and 304 stainless steel. They are often drop forged and then heat treated for corrosion resistance.
For a safe and efficient lift, eye bolts should be sized properly. Using the wrong size can increase the risk of damage and failure to equipment, slings, and other lifting points.
To ensure an accurate measurement, use the chart Rigging Hardware below to take measurements from directly underneath the eye. There is a wide range of lengths for eye bolts, so measuring carefully is important.
If you are installing a hook in an eye bolt, make sure that the point of the hook fits fully into the eye. Otherwise, the load will not be supported by the strongest point of the hook.
When securing an eye bolt, always use a shackle or similar piece of rigging hardware. A shackle is necessary to firmly attach the eye bolt to the load, and it can be used to support the eye bolt if it becomes loose or falls off during an upcoming lift.
In addition, never apply an angular lift to an eye bolt. If you do, the strength of the eye bolt drops by 30% of its rated vertical capacity.
Steel Nuts
Stainless steel nuts are often used with rigging hardware. They offer corrosion resistance and are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes. They can also be purchased in large quantities, where deep discounts may apply.
The most common type of nut is the standard hex nut, but other types are also available. These include lock nuts, slotted hex nut, finished pattern slotted hex nut, heavy hex nut, and more.
Lock nuts are designed with a nylon insert that prevents them from backing off, and they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. These nuts can be inserted through the tops of drilled shank fasteners, and they can form a locking mechanism using a cotter pin or safety wire.
Slotted hex nuts are cut into the top of the nut through the center flats, and they have opposite slots that are for the insertion of a cotter pin to secure the nut when used with drilled shank fasteners. These hex nuts are available in standard hex size, and in heavy hex size for use with larger proof loads.
Finished pattern slotted hex nuts are made from low carbon steel and are zinc plated. They can withstand a slightly higher proof load than the standard hex nut, and they come in a plain finish.
Square nuts have a wider surface contact area and spread loads more evenly, providing extra strength when it comes to lifting applications. They can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes and are available in stainless steel, nickel, and black zinc finishes.
A variety of other nuts are also available, including acorn, cap, and square. These are often used in decorative purposes, and they can be made from different materials.
Hooks
Hooks are a type of rigging hardware that is used to hold and lift loads. They are usually made of steel and can be used for a variety of applications. These hooks come in different sizes and designs to fit various kinds of loads.
There are several types of hooks, including grab hooks, slip hooks, clevis hooks, sorting hooks and wire rope hooks. The hooks can be equipped with either an eye or a clevis at the top of the hook for permanent installation, or they can also be positioned with a swivel that allows them to rotate while under load.
These hooks are typically used for lifting chains and slings. They can be paired with shackles, wire rope, pulleys and other rigging equipment to create a complete set of rigging hardware.
When choosing a hook, you should consider its weight load indication (WLI) and the size of its hook opening (also known as its throat), which ranges from 5/8 inch to 1 17/32 inches. This allows you to choose the best rigging hook for your job, depending on the materials being lifted.
The hooks can also be equipped with a latch kit, which is an additional feature that will keep the hooked item in place once it’s been attached to a load. This can be an excellent solution for lighter rigging applications, but it can cause problems in more rugged and heavy-duty situations when the integrity of the hook safety latch may be put to the test.
Some hooks can be equipped with a self-closing latch kit, which means that they will not open when under high working load limits. This kind of latch is ideal for most rigging applications, but it can be difficult to find replacement kits if the original latch breaks.
Spreader Bars
Spreader bars are a type of rigging hardware that distributes the load over two or more lifting points. This allows you to connect a crane or other lifting equipment without the risk of tipping, sliding, or bending.
These beams come in various shapes and sizes, so they can be used for a variety of purposes. They can also be manufactured in pieces that make them easy to assemble into different configurations for different applications.
They are generally used to lift objects that are too large to balance from a single point. This includes concrete pipes, portable toilets, skip bins, dongas, and removable housing blocks among others.
Unlike other types of rigging devices, spreader bars are very durable and can handle their loading points without bending or breaking. This makes them highly efficient and safe to use for heavy lifting.
While they are very effective, they can also cause damage to your load if they are not properly set up. To avoid this, you should always consult with a professional to find the right bar for your project.
You should choose a bar that meets the load’s weight limit and that can be shackled to your rig. It’s also Rigging Hardware important to ensure that the bar is free from cracks and other defects.
These beams are a popular rigging tool because they can help prevent loads from spinning and tipping. They also allow you to control the sling angles for better load distribution. Choosing the right spreader bar can save you time and money. Plus, they are easy to shackle and easy to use. If you’re looking for an adjustable spreader bar for your next project, check out Murphy Industrial Products today.
Pulleys
The use of pulleys as rigging hardware is a common practice in many industrial, construction, and logging industries. These devices are essential for lifting a heavy load without straining or damaging the object being carried. They are also used to support the shape and form of the load during the lifting process.
A pulley is a wheel that carries a flexible rope, cord, cable, chain, or belt on its rim. They may have grooved rims that help them transmit energy and motion. In a belt drive, they are affixed to shafts and power is transmitted between the shafts by endless belts running over them.
Using a single pulley to lift a 100-pound weight up in the air requires only 25 pounds of force. Using two pulleys reduces the force required to lift the same weight by half, allowing you to double the distance that the weight can be suspended in the air.
This arrangement of devices cuts the amount of force that you need to apply to a load in half, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This is why it is often seen in cranes and other lifting equipment.
If you’re looking for a pulley to use with your rigging system, there are several different types available. You should choose one that works well with your rig’s frame type, rope, and sheave size.
Another rigging hardware option is a snatch block. These are designed to redirect a wire rope so that it can be pulled back up by a winch or other lifting device. These are a popular choice among arborists and other tree-tending professionals because they are easy to use. However, they can cause serious injuries if used incorrectly.