Rigging Education Center

Welcome to SlingCenter's Rigging Education Center — a plain-English library of how-to guides, safety references, and buying advice for every product family we carry.

Every article on this site is written by rigging practitioners, reviewed against manufacturer documentation (Crosby, Van Beest, Campbell, Gunnebo, Liftex, LIFT-TEX), and cross-checked against industry standards (ASME B30.9, B30.10, B30.26; WSTDA-WS-2; AWRF Recommended Practices; OSHA 1910.184/1926.251). Our goal: give you the right answer in the time it takes to read a page.

Product Family Guides

• Shackles — Screw-pin vs. bolt-type, how to size, when to mouse, inspection.
• Eye Bolts & Lifting Points — Plain vs. shoulder vs. machinery, angular derating, forged vs. cast.
• Hooks — Eye vs. clevis vs. swivel, latches, QUIC-CHECK, self-locking.
• Chain Slings — Grade 80 vs. 100, master links, hitch types, weight savings.
• Synthetic Slings (Web + Round) — Types 1–9, polyester vs. nylon, color code.
• Wire Rope Fittings — Clips, wedge sockets, spelter, thimbles.
• Turnbuckles — J&J vs. J&E vs. E&E, tensioning, locking.
• Lifting Clamps — Plate, beam, drum, pipe; cam engagement.
• Inspection & Documentation — Pre-use, frequent, periodic; ASME B30 compliance.

Standards Quick Reference

• ASME B30.9 — Slings
• ASME B30.26 — Rigging Hardware
• WSTDA Web Sling Standards
• OSHA Rigging Requirements
• DOT 49 CFR 393.102 — Cargo Tie-Down

Need a specific answer?

Our AI rigging specialist is available 24/7 via the chat widget in the corner. Or email sales@slingcenter.com — we respond within one business day.