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 jcanfield@chicagohardware.com.