Major construction projects often involve heavy materials that need to be lifted high into the air. Luckily rigging solutions help make lifting heavy loads simple. If you are in the market for rigging services, keep reading to learn about the different equipment used in rigging solutions.
Rigging Hooks
The rigging hook lifts the load or object by holding the chain, rope, or sling that secures the load. Typically, rigging hooks are made from steel, making them strong enough to lift heavy objects. Multiple types of rigging hooks exist, including sorting hooks, chocker hooks, clevis grabs, and eye hooks.
The hooks also come in different sizes. Naturally, a larger hook lifts heavier loads. The exact type of hook you need depends on a few factors, such as the angle of the lift and the weight of the load.
Wire Ropes
Wire ropes connect the rigging hooks to the crane or similar device. Wire ropes, as the name suggests, look and work like regular ropes, but since they are made from metal, they are incredibly strong. Wire ropes are usually abrasion, crushing, fatigue, corrosion, and rotation-resistant.
Like traditional ropes, wire ropes consist of multiple parts. They contain the wire, strands, and core. The wires are thin long pieces of steel, iron, or other metal. When technicians twist multiple wires together, it creates a strand. The technician then braids these strands around the core. This gives the wire rope its strength and flexibility.
Spreader Bars and Lifting Beams
Spreader bars and lifting beams are often lumped together, but they each serve a different purpose. A spreader bar spreads out the load, making it wider. This helps balance the load by giving it more than one connection point. This is great for lifting heavy loads.
A lifting beam is great for lighter loads because they only use one connection point. Both a spreader bar and lifting beam stabilize the load, making it easier to lift while reducing the risk of an accident or damage.
Pulleys and Blocks
Pulleys are special wheels that make it easier to lift heavy loads using rigging ropes. A pulley changes the direction of the lift, making it easier to lift dead weight. Pulleys come in single or double systems, and the type you need heavily depends on the type of rope you use.
Lifting blocks attach to the wire rope and carries the rope's weight. It also helps stabilize the force. Depending on your needs, you may need a different type of lifting block. Some common examples include swivel blocks, square blocks, and snatch blocks.
There are many parts to your rigging solution, but they all serve an important purpose. With the right rigging system, you can safely and securely lift heavy loads and get the job done faster. If you would like to know more, contact a rigging solutions provider in your area today.