All About Rigging Hardware
Within the realm of material handling and construction, rigging refers to the process of setting up materials for lifting and transportation. Through the use of rigging equipment and lifting, the movement of heavy materials can be made quick and efficient. As such, enacting safe and proper rigging for a material handling operation is crucial. To best enact safe practices with rigging equipment, gaining an understanding of what common hardware pieces are and their functionalities should always be the first step for operators. In this blog, we will provide an overview of some of the primary rigging hardware pieces used in material handling, allowing you to improve your operations.
Rigging hooks are one of the most basic and crucial aspects of rigging equipment, serving as the piece that enables a heavy object to be lifted by a crane and other machinery. Depending on various aspects of the materials lifted, such as their weight and shape, different metals may be chosen from for the construction of the hook. Environmental conditions of the rigging site are also important to consider, as seawater, cold temperatures, and other such factors can affect the service life and integrity of the hook. Lastly, a variety of rigging hook shapes may be chosen to accommodate various assemblies and equipment, including common types such as choker, eye, and clevis grab hooks.
If transported materials are extremely heavy in weight, such as those that are 3 tons or more, shackles may be needed. Coming in the form of screw pin anchors, bolt type safety anchors, and screw pin chains, such components assist in the securing of a heavy load. Similar to rigging hooks, the shackle’s material should always be chosen based on a variety of environmental and material conditions for the best security.
With their attachment to the rigging hook, wire rope and sling assemblies assist in the raising, rolling, and sliding of materials with a crane or block and tackle. In their most common form, wire rope assemblies are constructed from strands of stainless steel or carbon steel that are assembled together in a helix pattern. Depending on the materials being transported, galvanization and coating may be implemented. Furthermore, various classifications of wire ropes may be procured to accommodate varying needs.
Alongside wire ropes, synthetic slings also assist in the lifting of materials. Typically constructed of nylon or polyester, such slings are lightweight and flexible so that they may form around the shape of the materials being lifted. As their jackets are made from fabric, they pose little risk in causing abrasions on the surface of transported goods. As compared to a chain sling or wire rope, synthetic slings can be a more cost-effective solution for more general lifting procedures.
To ensure that hooks, slings, ropes, and other equipment are secured well to one another, eye bolts and steel nuts are used to fasten together assemblies. Depending on the orientation of an assembly and its angle loading factor, varying eye bolts and steel nuts may be chosen from. Generally speaking, the weight, shape, specifications, and angle of lifting are all critical to consider before choosing an eye bolt or steel nut, as varying fasteners will present different load capacities and capabilities.
As the last major piece of any rigging equipment set-up, the pulley and block assembly functions to make the lifting of heavy materials simple and easy for individuals or cranes. While the snatch block is the most common type available, a variety of pulley and block assemblies may be chosen to accommodate a wide range of weights, sizes, and environments. Depending on the weight of the materials, single and double type pulleys may be used as well.
With the correct rigging equipment, material transportation can be conducted safely and efficiently by operators. At Buy NSN, we can help you secure the new, used, and obsolete rigging equipment that you need for your operations with ease. Explore our robust part catalogues at your leisure, and you may receive a personalized quote on the parts that you are interested in within 15 minutes or less upon submitting an Instant RFQ form through our website. Get started today and experience our unmatched prices and lead-times on Buy NSN.
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john symond
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Posted on January 6, 2021
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