What are the Different Types of Rigging Equipment You Should know?

Introduction

Improper rigging causes almost 60% of crane-related fatalities. In environments where material handling and heavy lifting are a major part of daily operations, the use of right rigging equipment is of the utmost importance. In the U.S, crane-related injuries lead to almost 42 fatalities per year. With expanding industrial projects and lifting operations, demand for reliable and efficient rigging equipment increases. The valuation of global rigging equipment is 30.87 billion USD in 2024. In this blog, we will cover the essential types of rigging equipment, such as slings, shackles, and lifting beams. We will also explain how these gears make load handling safe and more efficient. By understanding rigging gear types and uses, teams can cut down accident risks significantly.

What are the Main Types of Rigging Equipment?

Here we will explain the major types of rigging equipment for lifting, securing, and moving heavy loads.

1. Slings:

Slings are flexible lifting devices that serve as a link between load and lifting equipment. They help to lift, hold, and move heavy objects safely and securely.

Slings come in the following types:

• Wire Rope Slings: These slings are made from steel wires and are twisted into ropes. They are strong and durable. Wire rope slings are perfect for heavy-duty lifting work.
• Chain Slings: Made from metal chain, these slings are perfect for heavy loads. Chain slings are best suited for high-temperature environments.
• Synthetic Web Slings: These lightweight and flexible slings are made from nylon and polyester. Synthetic web slings are color-coded, indicating their load capacity.
• Round Slings: Round Slings are donuts-shaped, synthetic slings. These provide flexibility and carry delicate loads.

Every type of sling is designed with a unique load capacity. For example, synthetic slings can carry up to 6,000 lbs and can be used to lift more delicate and finished materials. For more heavy-duty applications, especially during shipping, construction and marine operations, wire rope slings can handle maximum loads up to 36 tons. Chains slings are used in steel plants, foundries, heavy manufacturing and are the strongest of three as they can carry 100 tons of weight. When selecting the appropriate sling, one must consider the load shape and weight, the surrounding environment, and how delicate load surface is.

2. Shackles:

These are U-shaped metal connectors locked by a pin or bolt. Shackles create removable connections and are generally used to connect hooks, slings, and loads in lifting operations.

• Anchor Shackles: This shackle is a metal loop with a pin, which connects an anchor chain to anchor ring. These have a rounded ''O'' shape. They are best for multiple connection points and are best used in rigging setups. Anchor shackles work best when multiple slings come together, or when wider straps need passing, or when loads shift directionally.
• Chain Shackles: They are in a narrow ''D'' shape. Chain shackles are generally used to connect lifting chains, single slings, and hoists. They help in crane rigging, heavy equipment lifting, and towing where the load stays aligned with the shackle body.

Shackles form a secure link within the rigging assembly, ensuring safe load handling.

3. Hooks:

Hooks are used to fasten the loads to rigging assemblies and lifting devices. The following type of hooks offer these specific benefits:

• Eye Hooks: Feature a closed loop (eye) at the top for permanent or semi-permanent connections
• Clevis Hooks: Clevis hooks have a clevis pin for quick connection and disconnection.
• Swivel Hooks: Swivel hooks have an in-built rotating mechanism that helps reduce stress on the sling and ultimate prevent twisting of rigging.
• Grab Hooks: Designed to grip chain links securely and prevent slipping during lifting.

The choice of hooks depends on the type of load, connection requirement and the need to prevent sling twists during lifts. Eye hooks are implemented in permanent rigging as on cranes and lifting beams, where the connector point does not move. Clevis hooks have their best use in construction and transport yards, where loads, such as steel beams and machine parts, need to be rapidly secured and released. Shipyards, warehouses, and fabrication shops use swivel hooks for load lifting in hoisting where the load may freely turn or slide in any direction. For lifting molten metal ladles or large castings in steel mills, foundries, and casting operations, foundry hooks have a wide throat opening to facilitate the job.

4. Eyebolt and Hoist Rings:

Eyebolts are single-piece fasteners designed to lift loads vertically, when aligned properly. Hoist rings are heavy-duty lifting assemblies that have a secure base and a rotating ring and are used in commercial lifting applications. The difference lies in their load-lifting capacity. Hoist rings are used for complex, heavy-duty lifts as they maintain their full Working Load Limit (WLL) even at various lifting angles. Eyebolts are made for lighter and static load lifting. Both provide secure attachment points for lifting, but hoist rings are safer and more versatile for multi-directional or dynamic loads.

5. Turnbuckles:

For ropes, cables, and tie rods, the tension can be adjusted and controlled with the help of these devices. By twisting the central part of the device, the end fittings slide in and out, which either tightens or loosens the connection. This can be done without twisting the lines that are attached.

Following are the different types of turnbuckles commonly seen:

• Eye-to-eye Turnbuckles: These have closed eyes at the ends of the turnbuckle. This provides a permanent connection, which is ideal for structural braces or for long-term rigging.
• Jaw-jaw Turnbuckles: Fitted with clevis ends that are pinned and attached to fixed eyes or lugs. Mostly used in heavy lifting, construction, and marine works.
• Hook-hook Turnbuckles: These have open hooks for quick, temporary connections. Commonly found in cargo hooks. Used for tensioning, which is temporary or short-term.
• Hook-eye / eye-jaw Turnbuckles: These have different fittings for different connection points, which can be adjusted for setups that need one fixed point, and the other point can be detachable.

6. Pulleys and Blocks:

Pulleys are rotating wheel that has a rope running over them. A pulley system provides a major advantage to their user by lifting, lowering, or moving a load in a different direction. They perform this task by applying a force to a load and reducing the effort needed to do the job. In rigging, pulley system is one of the most important components of load movement. They are the reason operators can lift loads at different heights and angles while remaining safe and in control.

A block contains a system of one or more pulley wheels within a single frame. Blocks reduce the amount of force required to lift or move heavy loads by distributing weight efficiently. Blocks have the following 2 types:

• Snatch Blocks: It is a hinged gate that helps in rope insertion. They change the direction of pull or increase lifting power in towering and other rigging operations.
• Swivel Blocks: These have a rotating swivel hook and shackles that let's block to turn freely under load. They are best suited for marine rigging, crane lifting and material handling where load might shift or rotate.

Both aid in smoother, more controlled lifting of heavy loads by providing directional control and mechanical advantage.

7. Wire Ropes & Chains

Wire ropes and chains are vital, strong, and resilient materials for lifting, pulling, and fastening loads. They serve pivotal functions due to their flexibility, abrasion, fatigue resistance, and high tensile strength.

• Wire Ropes: Steel cables made of multiple wire strands twisted together is called a wire rope. They are strong, flexible and resist abrasion making them perfect for use in hoist, cranes and elevators to move or lift heavy loads.
• Chains: Chains are usedfor securing and lifting heavy loads, especially in rugged or high-temperature environments.

8. Load Binders

Load binders are used to keep cargo secure and in place during transport. They prevent loads from shifting and falling by tightening the chains used in conjunction with cargo.

They have the following types:

• Ratchet Binders: Use a ratcheting mechanism to gradually tighten the chain and apply controlled tension.
• Lever Binders: Use a lever-and-cam mechanism for quick tensioning, though they require more manual force.

Load binders are used to firmly and safely transport heavy machinery, materials, and equipment on trailers and trucks.

How to Select the Right Rigging Equipment?

Selection of right rigging equipment is critical as it affects the safety, expertise, and success of lifting operations in real-life work environments. To ensure that the equipment fits the job requirement, following factors should be considered:

1. Load Type and Weight

The knowledge of precise weight and load nature is of utmost importance. Every rigging component has a Working Load Limit (WLL), which is its maximum safe load capacity. It is important to understand the weight and type of load to choose the appropriate rigging equipment. Every rigging component has its own Working Load Limit (WLL) which is maximum load that can be handled safely. The shape, balance, and fragility of the load must also be assessed, as these characteristics influence rigging technique and materials to be used. In the case of irregularly shaped and heavier loads, stronger wire rope or chain slings will be required to ensure stability and control. In comparison, fragile and easily damaged loads will be more safely handled using synthetic slings which will offer soft, supportive, and surface-preserving contact.

2. Environment

Rigging conditions affect equipment choice as well. Rigging equipment being used in harsh and corrosive environments needs to be made from non-corrosive materials such synthetic material or galvanized steel galvanized and synthetic steel materials. Temperature also impacts the choice of rigging equipment. Synthetic slings function well in moderate temperatures but degenerate in extreme temperatures. Therefore, steel chains are more suited for high-temperature environments as they can bear high temperatures safely.

3. Lifting Angle

Lifting angle is one of the biggest determinants of amount of stress that will be applied to rigging equipment. When the angle between sling legs is less than vertical, tension in each sling is multiplied to a point that it can exceed the actual weight of load. The multiplied tension can exceed load which can cause damage or stress to the rigging equipment that is poorly rated for the lift angle. This is why it is important to understand the correct lifting angle for the respective sling & load type.

4. Match Rigging Equipment Capacity to Job Requirement:

To match the rigging equipment with specific job requirements, one should evaluate lift types, available rigging points, load center of gravity, and clearance space around the load. By selecting proper rigging equipment, accidents caused by sling slippage, overloading, and improper attachment can be prevented. In addition, the equipment reliability and compliance can be ensured by obtaining equipment from trusted suppliers and regular inspections. The consideration of factors such as load characteristics, lifting dynamics, and environmental factors can help supervisors choose rigging equipment confidently.

How to Inspect Rigging Equipment?

Every time before lifting, rigging equipment must be checked thoroughly to ensure it is safe for use. OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1926.251 states that all rigging equipment must be checked in detail by a competent person before each use. Defective equipment must be removed and fixed before usage.

Rigging Inspection Checklist:

1. Look for any wear and other damage. These include cuts, fraying, kinks, broken wires, and corrosion in ropes and slings.
2. Make sure shackles, links, and hooks are crack-free and have no stretched openings.
3. All tags and load ratings must be verified and rated for the considered load.
4. Inspect all connections in rigging equipment. Check that bolts, pins, and clips are securely fastened and not worn out.
5. Inspect cranes, hoists, and load lines are working properly without mechanical glitches.
6. Clean all lubricant and debris buildup that can hinder gear's performance.

All rigging gear must be inspected by a competent person who is authorized to identify hazards and mitigate them. To help out, we at HAZWOPER OSHA TRAINING LLC are offering OSHA Competent Person for Basic Rigging and Inspection Training. This course helps workers learn rigging gear inspection, fix unsafe conditions, and work safely during operations.

The Bottom Line:

The backbone of safe and efficient lifting operations is rigging equipment, where each equipment acts as a primary role player in securing heavy loads. The selection of correct rigging equipment needs more than just understanding; it needs diligent evaluation of load characteristics, lifting dynamics, and environmental conditions. After choosing the equipment, ongoing inspections and compliance with ASME and OSHA standards are also non-negotiable. Workers who are trained properly can ensure proper functioning of equipment and safe operations. Rigging should not be treated as a hardware-only practice but as a disciplined safety practice.

References:

Business Research Insights, Rigging Gear Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, By Type (Aluminum Rigging Gear, Carbon Rigging Gear, Swivels, Other), By Application (Booms, Masts), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 to 2033, https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/rigging-gear-market-106730

Safety Culture, 15 May 2024, A Guide to Rigging Equipment, https://safetyculture.com/topics/rigging-equipment