Constructing a house entails more than just a bunch of wood, nails, power tools, and effort. It’s a challenging task that requires professional help and essential tools that can hasten the process, particularly lifting and rigging equipment.
Lifting and rigging equipment are two essential instruments that execute different functions with the same goal: to ensure safe and successful construction operations. In addition, these two terms are often used interchangeably, even though they’re quite distinct from each other. So, what makes one different from the other?
Rigging equipment is used to hold heavy loads prior to being transferred. Its main purpose is to ensure that materials are secured to the lifting machine so they can be moved from one place to another without any problem. In other words, rigging preps things up while lifting takes charge of the distribution process itself.
If you’re planning to build a house and in need of lifting and rigging hardware, you can first get more info about them online, then, visit your local builder supply shops.
Here are some essential lifting and rigging equipment you need when building your dream home:
- Hooks And Shackles
Hooks and shackles connect other rigging hardware, such as ropes, chains, and slings, during the lifting process. This prevents heavy loads from falling and keeps them secure in the air.
In addition, rigging hooks have two parts: a safety pin and loop-shaped steel linked to a chain. To choose the best one for your project, make sure to consider the following criteria:
- The weight of the object being transported
- The object to transport
- The hoisting angles
- The size of the hook opening
- The connection points
- Wire Ropes
Wire ropes support the load and keep it in good shape during the lifting process. It’s usually connected to the crane together with shackles, hooks, and swivels to hold the load in place and safely transport it from one point to another.
The wire ropes you can use may vary depending on the following:
- Steel grade
- Primary material
- Wire finish
- Diameter of the rope
- Slings
Slings are used hand-in-hand with wire ropes to move bulky and heavy loads. They provide flexibility, balance, and extra strength when transporting materials around the construction grounds. Also, they’re usually made of artificial materials and have two common types:
- Eye-And-Eye Sling: This sling consists of triangular, twisted, and flat ends often made of nylon, polyester, or steel.
- Endless Sling: This sling has a shape similar to an infinite loop.
- Pulleys And Blocks
Pulleys and blocks work hand-in-hand to move heavy loads successfully. They provide sufficient support to reduce the pressure required during the lifting process. So, how do they work?
The pulley holds the rope together with the attached load as it’s transported. Then, the block will stabilize the rope and the pulley to ensure proper lifting and moving.
Pulleys may vary depending on the following:
- The size of the sheave
- The size of the rope
- The type of frame
- Eye Bolts
Eye bolts loop ropes and cables and function as anchor points. They usually come in different sizes and materials based on the builder’s needs. Below are the following types of eye bolts you may use:
- Straight Bolts: These are used when lifting loads in a vertical manner.
- Shouldered Bolts: These are used when lifting loads at a specific angle.
Other kinds of bolts may include screw-eye bolts, U-bolts, and many more.
In addition, choosing the right type of eye bolts may depend on the following factors:
- The sling to be used
- The weight of the material to be moved
- The lifting angle (vertical or angular)
- The type of frame material (wood or steel)
- Mobile Cranes
These are one of the most commonly used lifting equipment, similar to tower cranes (used for building mid- to high-rise buildings). As the name implies, mobile cranes can be driven and moved anywhere as you would any vehicle. In addition, such cranes are perfect for up to three-story houses, for which tower cranes are deemed unnecessary. Furthermore, they can be easily modified using a wide range of rigging attachments and crane accessories.
- Forklifts
Forklifts are smaller than mobile cranes and are often used when moving bulky construction supplies, such as large and heavy boxes, hollow blocks, and wood. They’re usually operated when transferring one load to another location to organize things. And, they’re relatively easy to operate, making them the go-to lifting equipment for many construction facilities.
Final Words
Lifting and rigging equipment are essential construction instruments that facilitate the seamless transportation of heavy and bulky loads from one place to another. In short, they keep the construction process easy and safe, helping you prevent unnecessary expenses due to damage and potential accidents.
However, make sure to get the right kind of equipment your home project needs. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your funds on something that doesn’t fit your requirements. But, don’t worry, professional builders and contractors are there to help you.
