Rigging Supplies
Rigging supplies ensure that workers have the hardware they need to safely lift heavy equipment. These tools must be durable enough to withstand different climates and environments, and they should be inspected regularly to ensure they meet safety guidelines.
Shackles connect chains, slings, and other rigging equipment during the lifting process. They also eliminate the risk of slipping while moving heavy items. There are a variety of shackle styles, including bolt-type and screw pin types.
Eye Bolts
A rigging hardware eye bolt is a stationary point of attachment for securing wire rope, chains, slings and other types of load. It is usually made of durable materials like 304 grade stainless steel or galvanized high-carbon steel. This allows it to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions without causing accelerated corrosion or deterioration to the material.
For maximum strength, opt for forged eye bolts. These are made by hammering or pressing the metal into shape instead of using machine parts or casting to create the final piece. This process creates a stronger material that is more durable than cast or machined components. Forged bolts are hand pallet jack also less likely to break under heavy load, which increases safety in rigging applications.
The type of eye bolt you choose depends on your application. Regular patter bolts are good for straight line pulls, while shoulder eye bolts work best in angular lifts. They feature a shoulder under the eye that helps increase their strength and allow for a higher working load limit (WLL).
Avoid using turned eyes or bent bolts in rigging, as they are not designed for overhead lifting. These are not sturdy enough to withstand the increased stress and potential for breaking under load. Additionally, the eye of a bent bolt may bend open under stress, which can cause damage to equipment or even injury to workers.
Steel Nuts
Rigging equipment is used to lift heavy loads, and the right kind of tools helps ensure a safe lifting process. For example, a rigging hook or shackle connects chains, ropes and slings to prevent the load from slipping during the lifting process.
Rigging hardware is often made from stainless steel to withstand the harsh conditions that are common in industrial applications. These fasteners are available in different grades depending on their strength and function. Grade 8 nuts, for example, are heat treated to increase their strength and can withstand higher loads than their plain counterparts.
Other types of rigging hardware include clevis pins, block pulleys and snatch blocks. These help reduce the amount of force that is required to lift an object by allowing the rigging rope to be coiled via the pulley several times before actually connecting it to the load. Blocks and pulleys also come in varying sizes based on the frame, sheave size and type of rigging rope used.
Another type of rigging hardware is a hex nut with opposite slots that are cut into the top of the bolt. These slots allow for the insertion of a cotter pin, which keeps the nut from moving around when the bolt is tightened or untightened. These nuts are commonly found in construction and automotive applications. They can also be plated to resist corrosion in salt water environments.
Hooks
Rigging hooks are used to attach lifting slings and other hardware to a load. They are available in different sizes and capacities to suit a variety of applications, including hoisting and transporting materials. They can be fitted with a swivel top to help connect to a load more easily or to reduce twisting stress on the hook and the sling.
Standard eye hooks are simple circular attachment points that can be attached to either a sling or other rigging hardware. Their working load limits vary depending on their size and material thickness, so riggers must choose the correct hook grade for each application.
Clevis hooks are nonpermanent alternatives to eye hooks. They have a U-shaped clevis top secured by lifting equipment factory a pin and are commonly used with chain and wire rope slings to provide versatility. They are also a great option for end users who don’t have the necessary certification to weld alloy chain slings.
Grab hooks have a sharp design that resembles claws, which makes them ideal for gripping objects with irregular shapes or surfaces. They can be attached to a variety of materials and are often used in salvage and forestry applications. Foundry hooks are designed to be safe for tip loading, though it is important to remember that this causes a reduction in the working load limit.
Wire Rope
A wire rope’s tensile strength is a crucial factor in determining its ability to hold up to the stresses of a particular rigging scenario. It is rated with an initial minimum breaking strength verified by the manufacturer and divided by a design factor to give its working load limit (WLL). It is important to keep this number in mind when selecting a cable for a specific application to avoid damage or injury.
While most people associate this metric with the maximum amount of force a wire rope can support, a wire’s bending stiffness is equally important. The higher this value, the less likely it is that the strands will sag when subjected to bending loads.
Choosing the best wire for your needs can be difficult, especially when considering the various sizes and constructions available. Fortunately, knowing some basic facts about the different types of wire rope can help make the process easier. For instance, all cables of the same size and grade offer similar minimum breaking strength characteristics and weight per foot. In addition, all classifications include two numbers that indicate how many strands of wire are contained in the rope (for example, 6 x 19). Watch this short sample video to learn more about this method of identification. In order to make your wire rope more versatile, you can also choose between a natural or synthetic fiber core and steel.
