What Is Rigging Hardware?
Rigging hardware is the industrial equipment used to secure, suspend and transport heavy loads. It is a complex setup that requires many different pieces to function properly.
Always check the working load limit (WLL) of your rigging products. Using equipment with an inadequate WLL is a safety risk and can damage your load.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts create connection points through which slings, cables, and other rigging hardware can be secured. They can be fixed to materials, containers, or vehicles to support a load for transport or lifting, and they are commonly used in industrial and construction applications.
They are available in different designs and finishes, including stainless steel, galvanized metal, and more. They can be used for a variety of applications, including loading and unloading containers, lashing or tying down loads, and securing decorations in residential and commercial settings.
When selecting an eye bolt, riggers should consider its working load limit (WLL) and rated capacity to ensure it can safely carry the load. They also need to consider the size of the material they will be fastening the bolt to – some materials require specific tapped hole lengths or washers to keep the bolt in position. In addition, riggers should inspect all eye bolts regularly for signs of wear and damage. It is recommended to use a torque wrench during installation to ensure the bolt and mating nut are tightened to the required specification.
Steel Nuts
Nuts are fasteners that secure other hardware components together by exerting a combination of friction, slight elastic deformation and Rigging Hardware compression. Many specialised types of nuts exist to resist loosening, including wing nuts (above), hex flange nuts, slab weld nuts, lock nuts and nylon locking nuts (nyloc nuts).
In rigging applications, stainless steel nuts are commonly used in industrial machinery settings, construction projects, furniture manufacturing, and automotive industries as they are resistant to high temperatures, pressures and corrosion. These characteristics also make them popular choices in offshore and marine environments.
When choosing stainless steel nuts, it is important to consider factors like grade, size and threading specifications. Regular inspections and maintenance are also essential for optimum performance and longevity. Consult experts to understand the specific requirements of your application and environmental conditions before committing to any nut. This will ensure a durable, strong and secure connection. For the best results, the mating surfaces must be clean and free from debris before installing any fasteners. This will help avoid damage and reduce the risk of galling.
Hooks
Hooks are the equipment that riggers attach to loads in a wide range of applications. They come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different loads and environments.
Clevis hooks have a U-shaped attachment point and are often used in chain and wire rope slings, offering versatility and convenience. Positioning swivel hooks are designed to swivel so the rigger can easily align the hook during connection to the load. However, they are NOT designed to swivel while under load and should only be used when the rigger needs to rotate the hook to get a proper fit.
Grab hooks have a narrow throat that’s designed to “grab” onto a chain link, making them popular for flatbed trucking and cargo ships. Slip hooks have a wider throat that’s great for sorting loads such as pipes or flat plates.
Self Locking hooks have a latch that’s designed to close automatically, making them great for applications where you want added security in your rigging system. Always ensure the safety latch is in working order before using a hook and consult your rigging professional for guidance when using a hook for tip loading or other special applications.
Spreader Bars
Using a below-the-hook device like a spreader bar or lifting beam to help secure a load can Rigging Hardware streamline the lift and prevent damage to it, other rigging equipment and crew members. These devices are especially helpful if the load is likely to tip or slide.
Like a standard lifting beam, these bars have two or more lifting lugs on the bottom that are attached to lifting slings that attach to the load. However, unlike lifting beams that convert vertical forces into bending forces on the bar and slings, spreader bars use their lugs to create a lattice that distributes horizontal force to help reduce tipping and improve stability.
These below-the-hook devices can be custom-made to suit a specific application, or they may be manufactured in a standard length that allows for quick assembly on the jobsite. They also require proper maintenance and safety inspections. A designated individual should always perform an in-depth visual inspection of a spreader bar before use to evaluate whether or not it’s safe for work. If the equipment is deemed unsafe for use, it should be marked as ‘out of service’ until it is properly maintained and re-evaluated by a qualified inspector.
Pulleys & Blocks
A block and tackle is a type of rigging that uses multiple pulleys to lift heavy loads. It’s often used on ships and sailing yachts, as well as cranes and drilling rigs. A block and tackle can increase the mechanical advantage of a line, making it easier to lift and move heavy objects.
A pulley is a grooved wheel that holds a wire rope, cable, cord, chain, or belt on its rim. They can be used singly or in combination to redirect a line, lift heavy loads, and transmit power.
Crane blocks, cargo blocks, and deck blocks are common types of pulley blocks. They can have single or multiple sheaves/cheeks, and some even include a pin that locks into the opposite cheek for additional support and strength. Snatch blocks are a special kind of block that can be opened on one side to allow a rope to be inserted without the rigmarole of reeving the entire system. Soft blocks perform a similar function, being made from a horseshoe shape fairlead – effectively an open ended low friction ring – that can accept a dyneema loop.