Rigging Hardware For Safely Moving Loads
Rigging Hardware is vital for safely moving large and heavy objects. Proper rigging equipment like skates, jacks and dollies can help workers move loads in industrial spaces without putting them at risk of injury or damage to the load itself.
When choosing rigging equipment, look for one with a working load limit (WLL) clearly indicated on the label. A WLL indicates the maximum amount of weight a piece can handle when used correctly.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts are used to attach shackles and other rigging hardware. They have a threaded shank with a loop or ring at one end called the “eye.” They’re commonly seen as part of overhead lifting equipment, but they can also be used for tie downs and other non-load bearing applications.
Eyebolts are available in a variety of sizes and finishes, including anodized, galvanized, black oxide or zinc chromate. They are pallet jack typically designed with a shoulder that provides added strength to their overall design. Forged eyes and shoulders can add up to an extra 20% capacity compared to plain pattern eye bolts.
It’s important to choose eye bolts that are rated with the appropriate working load limit for your application. The eyebolt’s working load capacity is based on the load being applied in the plane of the eye. Angular loads will significantly reduce this rating, and a shoulder pattern eye bolt should be employed if this type of loading is expected. When in doubt, consult with a product advisor to determine the proper eye bolt for your application.
Spreader Bars
Often used with wire rope slings and hooks, spreader bars are below-the-hook lifting devices that help stabilize and support loads. They are typically mechanical devices with two lugs that transfer force from the crane to the load, explains rigging equipment company Mazzella Companies. They can also include controls to operate claws, tongs and other attached hardware. These below-the-hook devices are particularly helpful when attempting to move coils or horizontal materials.
Unlike the lifting beam, a spreader bar distributes force throughout its length rather than at one point, which makes them an ideal choice for large or wide loads. They are also less prone to bending under the strain of a heavy load because they are more durable than lifting beams.
Spreader bar operators must adhere to all manufacturer specifications and ratings. They must be inspected and maintained regularly, and any “out of service” markings should never be removed by unauthorized individuals. A designated individual should always perform a visual inspection of the device and consult the manual for assembly instructions, adaptor attachment guides, rigging requirements and proper lifting techniques.
Pulleys & Blocks
A block is a tool that can help reduce the kind of force required to lift heavy objects. When used with a winch, it can split the direct pull load and double the amount of weight that the winch can actually lift.
Pulley blocks have grooved wheels or sprockets that are wrapped in rope or chain. They can change the direction of the force applied, which makes them very useful tools for rigging.
They can also help to redirect the force and save labor by changing the speed that the load moves at. They are available in different types, including fixed, moving, guided and balance pulleys.
There are many different kinds of sheave blocks and pins, and each type is designed for a specific purpose. Some of the most popular types include flat-blocks, snatch blocks, swivel block, single sheave and double sheave. They are often made from stainless steel or aluminum and have a rated sheave set up for connection via carabiners, slings, loopies or dead-eye slings. The most important feature of a rigging block is that it must be able to support the specified amount of load weight.
Steel Nuts
Steel bolts and nuts are important components of rigging equipment that work together to form strong working bonds. Bolts are metal rods with threads running along their length, while nuts are hexagonal pieces that fit onto the bolt threads to keep the fastener in place.
The type of nut used in a rigging system will depend on the total weight and the kind of frame it will be attached to. For example, a pad eye has a ring at the end that can be connected to a hook, while a snatch block has a shackle or a hook that can be attached to chains, wire ropes and cables.
Other types of nut include wing nuts, dome nuts and ball ends, which can be screwed into a stud or anchor bolt to add grip. A hex lock nut is an all-metal fastener that has a round collar with opposite slots cut into it above the hex face. When tightened, the nut expands the collar and creates a prevailing torque locking action. They are available in several series/types and materials, including Light Hex Full Height and Heavy Hex Thin Height, Machine Screw Pattern Nuts (Light and Medium Hex) and Stainless Hex Machine Screw Nuts.
Hooks
Hooks are the points of connection between a chain or wire rope and the item you’re lifting. They come in many Lifting Equipment Suppliers styles, each designed for a specific point of connection in your rigging equipment setup.
Clevis hooks have a U-shaped clevis pin at the end that connects to a bracket in your rig. These are great nonpermanent alternatives to eye hooks for riggers who aren’t certified to weld alloy chain slings, or for anyone looking for a stronger, more durable connection point.
Positioning swivel hooks are made to swivel, allowing your rigger to align and position the hook on the load. These are not meant to swivel while under load, as doing so can cause significant reduction in your hook’s Working Load Limit.
Grab hooks are designed to resemble claws, and are used for lifting objects that may have rough or irregular surfaces. They can be found in a variety of environments and are often used in conjunction with other types of hooks for greater stability and capacity. Crosby Airpes’ weighing hooks combine a high-quality lifting hook with an integrated weighing system, delivering real-time weight measurements of your load during lifting operations.