Safely Using Below-the-Hook Lifting Hardware
By Jim Canfield
Currently, there is a variety of hardware on the market used to lift materials with
cranes, and staying safe when using below-the-hook lifting hardware requires good
practices and common sense.
When it comes to shackles, the most commonly used is the screw pin anchor type.
Do not use this type of shackle in a situation where the pin can roll under a load and
eventually back out. Use a round pin or safety/bolt type where the pin or bolt will spin
freely.
Shackles are meant for a straight vertical pull, so it is important to center the hook
on the pin when hanging a shackle pin up where two slings are used. It also is a
recommended practice to use washers as spacers to assure the shackle is hanging evenly
on the pin.
As it relates to pins, never replace the original pin of a shackle with a different
bolt and nut. The replaced bolt may bend, or even fail, under a load. Replacing the
original pin constitutes a modification, which increases the likelihood of failure and
exposes the person or company responsible for the modification to possible liability.
Modification of the original product also makes the working load limits null and
void. This warning also applies to mixing and matching pins from different
manufacturers, as well. It is unacceptable to put a self-colored or painted pin into a
galvanized shackle bow. This is unsafe because some manufacturers tap the screw-pin
hole oversize to accommodate a hot galvanized pin, resulting in a sloppy fit for the non-
galvanized pin.
Imported products, particularly from China, will not always have manufacturer
identification.
Finally, before putting a shackle in service, check to make sure the bow is marked
on the shackle with the size, working load limit, country of origin, traceability code, and
the manufacturer’s name or identification. Identifying the manufacturer is very important
because imported products, particularly from China, will not always have the
manufacturer’s identification. Shackles without manufacturer’s identification may fail to
meet certain federal specifications, including the performance requirements of Federal
Specification RR-C-271D Type IV A and B and ASME B30.26 specifications. If a failure
were ever to occur, the manufacturer’s markings become very important.
While the country of origin is significant, only knowing where the shackle came
from will not help the end user trace the shackle back to the manufacturer to find out
information about the steel used to produce the shackle, among other things. Most U.S.
manufacturers will have some type of traceability code stamped or in raised letters to
trace the product back to the heat of steel at the mill. This provides full mill test
certification for the physical and chemical properties of the steel from which the shackle
is produced.
Markings are also very important. Owning hardware with insufficient markings is
the same principle as having slings without any tags. With all of the quality issues
concerning consumer products that are coming out of China recently, you have to ask if
you feel comfortable with an industrial product in a critical application coming from a
country that may have a different set of manufacturing standards than the United States.
Insufficient markings also can apply to shackles that have been in service for
some time and the raised letters have been worn off. While it may be a compliant shackle,
illegible markings won’t help in terms of traceability, as wear takes its toll over time on
any hardware. Also inspect for elongation or gouges in the wear points and check the
width between the legs of the shackle bow.
Eyebolts
Another popular rigging product is the drop forged eyebolt. Use shouldered
eyebolts whenever possible so you can fully seat the shoulder to whatever you’re lifting.
It also provides better strength in the event of an angular lift. A non-shouldered bolt will
bend under an angular load more easily. Shouldered and non-shouldered eyebolts have
the same safe working load for straight vertical lifts. Reduced safe working loads are
published for angular lifts on shouldered eyebolts only up to 45°. At that angle, the safe
working load is 25 percent of the safe working load on a straight vertical lift. For all
angular lifting beyond 45°, a swivel hoist ring is recommended.
When using a non-shouldered bolt, do not try and make a shoulder with washers,
shims, or any other device. This constitutes a modification of the basic part and is
strongly discouraged. Flat washers or shims are not the same as a shoulder forged into the
original product. In a case where you have a shouldered eyebolt that you can’t align with
another eyebolt or cannot fully seat, use washers or spacers to assure correct seating. The
shoulder is forged in the eyebolt. When the bolt is fully seated, the washers become part
of whatever you’re lifting.
To connect the eyebolts, use a shackle rather than inserting the point of a hook in
the eye. Always be sure to check for the country of origin and manufacturer’s
identification stamped or in raised letters and for size markings. These marking are
necessary to comply with ASME B30.26.
Hooks
While the focus is on below-the-hook hardware, there are a couple of things to
look for in the hooks as well. Check to see if the load rating has been stamped or forged
into the hook. The hook should be inspected for signs of wear, such as cracks, nicks,
gouges, or corrosion. Make sure the safety latch (if applicable) is not damaged. The
throat will open when the hook has been tip loaded or overloaded, so be sure to destroy
any hooks where the throat opening has stretched 15 percent or more, or if the body is
twisted 10° or more.
Safely using below-the-hook lifting devices does not need to be a complex
process. With good practices and common sense, workers can stay safe when using
cranes to lift materials overhead.
Author Bio
Jim Canfield is a sales manager and presentation specialist for rigging hardware
manufacturer Chicago Hardware & Fixture Co. He has been in the rigging business for
more than 10 years in a variety of capacities. Currently, he performs safety training for
construction companies and other end users, such as power plants and steel mills.
Canfield can be reached at [email protected].