Types of Rigging Hooks

Rigging hooks are industrial support equipment designed for applications that involve towing, lifting, or rigging.

These hooks come in various designs that are specifically designed to assist in different applications. Their main component is the hook which is used to tether to goods, shackles, or other rigging accessories.

The type of hook determines the type of attachment and capacity of the rig in terms of how much load it can support. There are several materials with varying strengths are used to design the rigging hooks making them versatile. The different materials include; aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel, and other steel alloys.

Types of rigging hooks

There are a variety of rigging hooks that are used for different applications. They include;

1. Eye Hooks

These types of rigging hooks are designed with a hoop that is looped. They have screws on the opposite end making this design ideal for permanent fixtures. They also offer more flexibility than others.

This type of rigging hooks come in a variety of sizes created from different materials giving them varying strengths. The materials used include aluminum, steel, copper, and titanium. The types of eye hooks include tapered eye, needle eye, and ringed eye.

Advantages

Eye hooks have several advantages. They include;

• The design of this is compact which makes the eyes hook suitable for applications that require smaller hooks.
• Eye hooks are versatile making them ideal for a multitude of applications.
• Compared to other hooks used for rigging are very cost-effective.
• They have a straightforward design which makes them simple and easy to use and install.
• Eye hooks offer a variety of attachment styles including in-line lifts, vertical, straight-up, and angular lifts for some designs.
• These hooks are designed for strength and durability

Applications

Eye hooks are versatile anchors that are used for various applications. These applications include;

• Hanging items
• Attaching cables and wires
• Fishing
• Rigging and lifting
• Anchoring attaching cables, rope wires, and other attachments

2. Clevis Hooks

This is an anchor point that is U-shaped and some designs are constructed with coupled holes for threading pins. They have thin throats to grip the chains and enhanced safety to prevent attachments from slipping. There are two variations of this hook which are the clevis slip hooks and clevis grab hooks.

Advantages

• These hooks have an exceptional load limit which makes them ideal for applications that involve lifting heavy objects. Its limit is as high as 4,000 up to 6,000 pounds.
• Equipped with a pivoting action, the clevis hook has an allowance for the objects to move from one side to the other. This smoothens operations by preventing tangling and other problems.
• The hooks can easily be connected as it has a U-shaped opening located below its pin.
• If the clevis hook obtains damage, the pin can be replaced making maintenance easier as you will not need to replace the entire device which also saves on cost.
• This hook is equipped with a locking mechanism as an added safety measure. These locks include the snap lock and open lock.

Applications

Clevis hooks are available in different sizes and made from different materials this makes them versatile and can be used for a variety of applications. These applications include;

• Pipe Attachments
• Towing Purposes
• Automotive Towing
• Construction Cranes
• Boating Rigging
• Off-Road Automotive Winches
• Aircraft
• Farming

3. Swivel Hooks

This rigging hook is equipped with a swivel eye that can allow you to revolve on its hook at a 360-degree angle. There are two main configurations of this type of hook. The first one is the positioning swivel that can be rotated during the attachment process, once the load is lifted the hooks are locked in position. A true swivel hook is the other type which is fitted with a bearing that allows the hook to rotate even while bearing a load.

Advantages

• The hooks are designed to provide a more secure attachment minimising damage caused by loads being improperly lifted.
• Its main defining feature is the 360-degree angle of rotation which is ideal when it comes to positioning and securing the load.
• The swivel offers even distribution of the weight which lessens the risk of accidents occurring that may lead to the damaging of the goods during transportation.
• The hook is flexible when balancing loads which means it can be used even for lifting objects that are irregular as it can be adjusted appropriately.
• Its ability to swivel enhances its maneuverability which is advantageous during loading at different positions and other applications including manufacturing and construction.

Applications

This hook comes in various sizes and is designed using different materials which makes it diverse in its field of applications. Some of its applications include;

• Lifting and rigging
• Overhead cranes
• Pet collars
• Sports and recreation
• securing loads on trucks or trailers

4. Grab Hooks

These are rigging hooks designed with a straight-sided confined throat that specializes in providing a secure connection that firmly holds the chain. They are designed in a variety of sizes and capacities and created from different materials to choke, shorten, and basket slings. They come in different types including chain-shortening, cradle, and non-cradle grab hooks.

Advantages

• It has a secure grip which increases the security of the object getting lifted minimising the risk of damage caused by accidental slipping
• The hook is multipurpose and can be used for basketing, chocking, or shortening the chain slings making the hooks versatile in their applications.
• Their design is efficient for cargo control and provides room for maneuvering on the rails and other anchors as they can still be used at full capacity in applications involving securing friction load.
• They are fitted with single-link adjustments that are ideal for balancing and securing the cargo at the required level.
• The thin throat provides maximum grip which ensures that the grab hook does not experience any slipping.

Applications

The grab hook comes in various configurations ranging from non-slipping hooks designed for securing goods to slip hooks that are great for maneuvering. They also come in various sizes which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. These applications include;

• Logging
• Oil and Gas
• Transportation
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Tie-down application

5. Self-Locking Hooks

These are rigging hooks that are designed with a mechanism that ensures that when the lock is in place, it cannot be disengaged on its own. This hook heightens safety and security during operations. Come in various sizes and materials making them applicable in various fields.

Advantages

Their main feature which is the self-locking mechanism adds an extra layer of security, especially during lifting operations

• The self-locking hook is durable and can be used for a very long time.
• It is strong and has a high load bearing making it ideal for applications that involve heavy loads.
• The design is simple and therefore easily be used without any sort of expertise. Once locked the mechanism eliminates the possibility of the lock slipping
• They are compliant with set safety standards like ASME and OSHA that are in place to ensure that operations are carried out under safe conditions.

Applications

Self-locking hooks come in various designs and sizes manufactured using various materials which make them versatile in their uses. Their applications include;

• Construction
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Offshore oil and gas applications

6. Sorting Hooks

These are hooks that are used to select or lay products. These products include pipes, flat plates, and other tube-like objects. The hokes are designed with safety handles as well as strengthened materials making it ideal for industrial applications.

Advantages

• It is equipped with safety features that minimize the possibility of getting your hands crushed which improves safety during various operations.
• They are designed with deep-throat dimensions that increase efficiency when handling operations.
• Sorting hooks are comprised of tapered points that are long and narrow and effective when handling heavy-duty materials.

Applications

Their various designs make them versatile in their applications. Their uses include;

• Forestry
• Foundry and Industrial Sorting
• Construction
• Material Handling

Conclusion

There are different types of rigging hooks each one best suited for different applications. It is therefore best to consider the most suitable one to ensure that you purchase a rigging hook that will address all your rigging needs.

More Resources:

Lifting Hooks – Source: WIKIPEDIA

Wire Rope vs. Cable – Source: GUOFENG

Lifting Hook Systems – Source: LIFTING