Types of Rigging Equipment You Should Know

There are many rigging tools used to hoist items and make it possible to carry loads during construction projects. Proper rigging is a critical component of successful crane operation and should always be done by professionals, so it is important to ensure you have the right equipment for the project. 

Rigging hardware refers to different equipment used to safely lift and move loads in a crane system. It also includes tools for evenly distributing the load weight when lifting. There are many different types of crane rigging equipment. Each device is used in a variety of applications, such as building and event management.

In the lifting and rigging industry, the right equipment means not only the efficient completion of the job but the safety of everyone on site.

Here are a few things to consider before you decide which rigging equipment is best for your project:

1. Site environment and weather: Some rigging equipment may not be the best in certain climatic conditions, such as extreme cold, extreme heat, or salinity. For example, a project surrounding a body of salt water may require stainless steel hardware to prevent rusting.

2. Quality of rigging material: Cheap rigging hardware may cost you more time. You need to get your equipment from a reputable source to keep your site safe and your hardware not wearing out quickly. 

3. Material and load limits you lift: Every rigging hardware has a working load limit, which is the heaviest weight it can safely handle without failure. You need to know how big your load is to be sure that all the hardware you get can handle it. 

‌Understanding the terminology for the different types of crane rigging equipment will ensure you have the right type for your project. Below are some of the most commonly used rigging hardware. 

Eyebolts are used as anchor points or ring cables in rigging systems. There are two types of eye bolts: shoulder bolts and shoulderless bolts, also known as straight head bolts. Shoulder bolts are primarily used when sloping loading, while shoulderless eyebolts are used in vertical rig systems.

‌‌The type of eyebolt used depends on:

Load weight

Type of sling used

The angle of loading, whether inline or oblique

Frames bolted to wood, metal, etc. 

Stainless steel nuts are used with eyebolts. A variety of nuts are used in rigging, including wing nuts, dome nuts, ball, and hex nuts. The type of nut used also depends on the thread and can be either right-hand or left-hand. The total weight of the load will determine the size of the steel nut used. 

Rigging hooks are used to lift heavy objects without slipping. They are usually made of forged alloy steel.

Some types of hooks include:

Category hooks

Necklace hook

Chuck grab

Eye hook

‌Select a rigging hook based on its weight load indication and hook opening size (also known as throat) based on the material to be moved. Hook opening sizes range from 5/8" to 1 17/32". 

‌Others that determine hook selection

Lift angle

Lifted material weight

Hook top and bottom attachment points

The type of shackle used

These hooks can be used as hooks, hooks, or hooks. When using hooks, especially when hooks are used, it is essential to check for cracks, bends and other signs of strain to prevent further damage and accidents. 

Wire rope is an extremely durable and highly resistant cable for rigging. Wire ropes made of different materials come in a variety of sizes and configurations. A wire rope consists of a core wire around which the wire rope and strands are helically wound.

‌‌Standard wire rope sizes include 6×19, 6×36, 6×26, 7×7, and 7×19.

‌Wire ropes are often used with other rigging accessories such as clips, thimbles, sleeves, stops, and slings. Although wire rope is manufactured for outdoor use, it still needs to be regularly inspected for wear, corrosion, and broken wires. ‌

Lifting beams and struts (also called struts) are used to connect the crane to the load. The main difference between the two is that the lifting beam carries all the weight from one point, while the spreader beam spreads the load over a wider area. 

Lifting beams are used to carry lighter or weaker loads that require additional support. They are usually thicker and heavier than struts because they take all the stress at one connection point and bend easily. 

Struts are used to make loads more manageable and stable by distributing them over multiple attachment points. They are usually brought in when the load is too heavy to lift from one connection point. They are connected to rigging equipment using slings. 

Pulleys and pulleys are a staple in lifting very heavy loads. They help move heavy objects without undue force. The pulley you choose depends on the rope, frame type and pulley size you are using.

‌There are also several types of lifting blocks, including:

Swivel blocks

Square blocks

Tilt-up blocks

Snatch blocks‌

‌‌Pulleys are available as single or dual systems. The system works by circling a pulley with rigging, which is then hooked to the object to be lifted.

‌Use different depending on the weight of the material The wire rope is usually attached to the lifting block. This is because lifting blocks usually carry more weight and wire ropes can handle it well. Synthetic ropes are often used with pulleys. Pulleys and pulleys are available in a wide range of sizes, capable of lifting and moving weights up to 30 tonnes. 

You still expect to see lots of other rigging hardware on the site.

‌ 

These include:

Shackles: These are used to connect chains, ropes, or slings to each other or to connect loads.

Synthetic slings: Synthetic slings are lightweight, flexible lifting slings for grabbing and lifting a variety of loads. 

Turnbuckles: Turnbuckles are used to adjust the tension on ropes, chains, or other tensioned rigging equipment. 

Tie-down straps: These are used to securely secure loads that are being transported or lifted.

Since rigging involves carrying heavy loads, it must be done in the safest way possible to avoid accidents.

Some safety tips you can use when working with rigging hardware include:

Only use rigging equipment in good condition. Cracks bend, stretches and missing parts reduce the safety of the equipment and increase the risk under heavy loads. Any faulty equipment should be repaired or replaced before using the rig. 

Use the equipment according to the manufacturer's specifications. Each rigging hardware has its specifications, such as the maximum weight it can hold, the correct angles to use them, and how to attach them to the lifting equipment. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the crane rigging chart.

Professionals should regularly check the equipment before use. If the hardware needs to be repaired, it should also be repaired in time to ensure that the equipment runs smoothly and has a longer service life.

Avoid working under suspended loads or hanging anything from the rig. 

Ensure that the load is well secured and balanced on the rigging equipment to prevent it from tipping, spinning, or falling. 

The above briefly introduces several different types of rigging equipment, if you want to buy rigging hardware, welcome to contact us.

Terada Hardware is a professional custom hardware manufacturer. We offer a full range of hardware. Our accessories are widely used in shading structures, tensile structures, fabric stretching, wire railings, railing systems, railing systems, marine, lifting, and other industries. The company has accumulated many years of manufacturing experience, strong technical force, mature production technology, sophisticated equipment, and complete testing methods.