Technical Information

It is possible to make a lift, suspend certain objects or construct barriers using a wide variety of hardware options. With so many choices available, how does one insure he is using the right hardware for the job? As a supplier to the wholesale distributor market, AZ Lifting Hardware has no control over the selection of specific hardware for specific uses, and our Distributors have no control as to how our products are used. To insure your end user customer selects the right hardware for the job, and is prepared to use this hardware correctly, we recommend consultation of industry publications relating to specifications, standards and best practices for successful rigging and/or lifting. Excellent information can be obtained through US Government publications such as the Environment, Safety and Health Manual, Vol. II, Section 15, Document 15.3 regarding Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety (www.llnl.gov) and the Department of Energy standard DOE-STD-1090-2004 regarding Hoisting and Rigging Standards (www.eh.doe.gov). 

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Shackles:

Never replace a pin with a bolt.  Shackles are designed to do a specific job.  As lifting force transfers to the weakest part of an assembly by replacing a shackle pin with a bolt you could weaken the apparatus in two ways:  i) If the bolt is of a strength level lower than the shackle itself the bolt will bend and possibly break.  ii)  If the bolt is stronger than the shackle, it will not elongate in unison with the shackle which may transfer undue stress to the shackle itself.  Remember, elongation is a safety factor.

Shackles have excess space between the pin and legs to allow for various sizes hooks and rigging straps.  It is important that the shackle “seat” correctly in every lift.  If there are gaps that could cause the shackle to shift or slip to one side or another, a packing material should be used to insure a proper lift.
Hooks: When using a hook with a shackle there may be excess space along the shaft of the pin between the legs of the shackle.  It is important that the hook “seat” correctly on the shackle for a safe lift.  Therefore, if there are gaps that could cause the hook to slide, or for the shackle to shift to one side or another packing material should be used to insure a proper lift.