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Essential Rigging Equipment and Its Uses

Rigging Company

Industrial sectors handling heavy loads face constant pressure to keep projects on schedule while safeguarding budgets and personnel. Global Market Insights projected that the global lifting equipment market will grow from $84.52 billion in 2024 to $89.77 billion in 2025, a 6.2 percent annual rise. In parallel with data from Business Research Insights, the global industrial rigging services market was valued at USD 2.52 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.75 billion in 2025. Imagine the panic when a worn sling snaps mid-lift, forcing crews to scramble, halting production, and driving costs sky-high.Across construction, manufacturing, medical, telecommunications, and food & beverage sectors, choosing the right gear and the right rigging services partner is mission-critical. Lifting slings alone accounted for USD 2.7 billion in 2023, with forecasts rising to USD 4.2 billion by 2031 according to Valuates Reports. Additionally, without quality equipment, 37 percent of crane-related fatalities involve load drops caused by poor rigging practices, says Konecranes. Partnering with a dedicated rigging company means every component is inspected, certified, and ready for the task at hand.

Wire Rope and Synthetic Slings

Proper sling selection underpins every lift’s success, balancing raw strength and protection for sensitive surfaces. Wire rope slings, which are steel strands twisted for maximum capacity, excel in high-heat or abrasion-prone settings but demand routine lubrication and corrosion checks. Synthetic web slings, woven from nylon or polyester, guard delicate finishes yet require shielding from sharp edges and harsh chemicals. A trustworthy rigging company embeds sling tagging and load-rating into its rigging services schedule.

  • Wire Rope Slings
    Composed of interlaced steel strands, these slings handle the heaviest loads with minimal stretch. Operators perform daily visual inspections for kinks, broken wires, and corrosion. OSHA mandates load-capacity markings and inspection logs under 29 CFR 1926.251(a)(2).
  • Synthetic Web Slings
    Crafted from high-strength woven fibers, they leave no marks on polished surfaces. Crews inspect for abrasions, burns, or chemical damage before each lift. Color-coded edges make it easy to verify working-load limits at a glance.
  • Round Slings
    Encased in a protective sheath, these slings conform to odd-shaped loads without crushing edges. Sheath wear visibly signals core damage before failure. Standardized color bands help crews quickly identify capacity ratings.

By auditing slings daily, you prevent failures that could injure teams or damage assets. Documented inspections within your rigging services program reinforce compliance and safety. A professional rigging company ensures each sling is tagged, tested, and retired at the first sign of wear. This vigilance keeps your lifts smooth and secure.

Shackles, Hooks, and Load-Connecting Hardware

Secure connections depend on reliable shackles, hooks, and couplings rated for specific loads. Bow and chain-type shackles distribute weight evenly across sling legs, each stamped with a clear working-load limit. Hooks—grab, latch, or the swivel variety—undergo daily checks for throat opening and gate integrity to prevent accidental drops. A full-service rigging company includes torque testing and pin inspections in its rigging services offerings.

  • Bow Shackles
    Rounded bodies spread stress across multiple sling legs for balanced lifts. Technicians torque-test pins and inspect for straightness prior to use. Bent or corroded hardware is removed immediately from service.
  • Grab Shackles
    Compact design secures single-leg assemblies with minimal movement. Pins meet original alloy standards and are greased regularly to prevent seizure. Visible markings display inspection dates and load ratings.
  • Latching Hooks
    Spring-loaded gates keep loads secure during overhead crane lifts. Daily load tests confirm full latch engagement under working weight. Damaged hooks are replaced at once to maintain safety margins.

Embedding hardware management into your rigging services program strengthens every link in the lifting chain. You gain peace of mind knowing each connection is rock-solid and compliant. A proactive rigging company swaps worn components before they fail. This approach keeps your team safe and projects on track.

Hoists, Winches, and Chain Falls

When controlled, powered lifts are required, hoists and winches deliver precision and repeatable speed. Manual chain falls excel in confined or remote areas without power, but need fall-control devices to stop unintended drops. Electric hoists ramp up cycle rates for high-volume work yet depend on brake and motor-winding inspections to prevent runaway loads. Integrating these systems into your rigging services plan eliminates bottlenecks and reduces emergency repairs.

  • Manual Chain Falls
    No electricity needed, ideal for tight or remote locations. Built-in load brakes engage automatically if the chain slips out of control. Routine gear and chain lubrication extends service life and reliability.
  • Electric Hoists
    Offer variable speeds for precise positioning and rapid cycles. Brake-pad thickness and motor insulation are tested per ASME B30.16 standards to maintain stopping power. Onboard load indicators alert operators to potential overloads before lifts begin.
  • Winches
    Ground-mounted cable pulls relieve strain on overhead systems during horizontal moves. Scheduled gear-train inspections and lubrication prevent mechanical lockups. Control-panel checks verify emergency-stop functions and load-limit switches.

A dependable rigging company programs these maintenance tasks into its rigging services, so your hoists and winches stay mission-ready. You focus on project milestones instead of unexpected breakdowns. This reliability drives steady progress and cuts costly delays. Your crew works with confidence on every lift.

Spreader Beams, Gantries, and Specialty Gear

Handling long, wide, or heavy items, like precast panels or large vessels, requires spreader beams, gantries, and niche lifting devices for balanced, safe lifts. Fixed spreader beams support uniform loads across two points, while adjustable lifting beams let crews reposition attachments for varied widths. Hydraulic gantries combine jacking and skate systems to shift modules in confined spaces without cranes. Through expert rigging services, a seasoned rigging company selects and configures the ideal equipment to prevent bending moments and asset damage.

  • Fixed Spreader Beams
    One-piece steel beams clearly marked with capacity ratings distribute loads evenly. Pre-lift deflection tests verify structural integrity and guard against over-stress. Technicians conduct NDT weld inspections for added confidence.
  • Adjustable Lifting Beams
    Sliding attachment points enable quick spread changes to match load profiles. Lock-in pins are torque-checked and color-tagged for easy setup. Detailed lift plans guide placement to prevent uneven loading.
  • Hydraulic Gantries
    Self-propelled jacking and skidding systems that replace cranes in tight yards. Hydraulic circuits and seals undergo routine pressure-testing to ensure leak-free lifts. Floor-flatness assessments keep loads level during moves.

Renting these specialized tools through a full-service rigging company provides exactly what your site demands without tying up capital. You tackle unique project challenges confidently while keeping production on schedule. Expert configuration and testing within your rigging services program safeguard both people and assets. This partnership lets your team focus on progress, not equipment logistics.

Ready to Lift Smarter? Contact Murphy Rigging Today!

Imagine flawless lifts where every hook, sling, and beam functions as intended, downtime is a distant memory, and your crew operates with peace of mind. Whether you need end-to-end rigging services or targeted equipment rental, Murphy Rigging supplies the expertise and high-quality tools that protect both people and projects. From wire rope slings and shackles to gantries and vacuum lifters, our rigging company stands ready to support your operations. Contact us now and elevate your next project with confidence and care.