Understanding The Different Variations of Hoist Rings

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Rigging a load is a process best left to trained and certified professionals. Without the right hardware and technique, you could damage your equipment or drop a load. Crane operators rely on hoist rings for a secure point during overhead lifting. Not all hoist rings are alike, they come in different variations that are specialized for different applications. A thorough understanding of hoist rings can help determine the best equipment for your particular worksite.

What is a Hoist Ring?

A hoist ring is a piece of rigging equipment that screws into a lifting point on a load which connects a sling to the hoist. Hoist rings are like eye bolts, however they can also swivel and pivot, which allows them to lift loads at an angle. Hoist rings can handle loads anywhere between 800 and 250,000 lbs. Multiple hoist rings can be used at once, attached at different points on the load, to distribute weight evenly. 

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Swivel Hoist Rings

One common hoist ring variant is called the swivel hoist ring. Also known as a center-pull-hoist ring, it is the most common type you will come across on a worksite. The hoist ring can pivot 180 degrees and swivel a full 360 degrees. This full range of motion allows the swivel hoist rings to lift a load from any direction and angle while maintaining an optimum working load limit, or WLL. Swivel hoist rings are made for lifting from the center of a load, not the side. This allows the load to have full motion and prevents obstruction of the bail’s range of motion. 

Side-Pull and Side-Load Hoist Rings

Unlike swivel hoist rings, side-pull and side-load host rings are made solely for side-mounding loads. The bail is attached next to the screw instead of directly above it like swivel hoist rings. These rings can also swivel and pivot in order to align with the load. However, they do not carry the full WLL when the bail pivots. When the bail pivots away from the bolt’s axis, the WLL is reduced. Side-load hoist rings can pivot 90 degrees from the bolt axis and hold around 75% of the rated load. Side-pull hoist rings are rated only for straight lifts, angled lifts could reduce the WLL by up to 75%. These side-mounted components are typically used when lifting loads that do not have attachment points at the top. They are also used on loads that require rotation, flipping or other non-lateral movements during the lift. 

Hoist Ring Parts

Although they function differently and have different applications, all hoist rings consist of a few basic components. There is the body, which is a cylindrical center of the device that allows it to swivel. Then there is a washer that is placed between the body and the top of the screw. The screw is a threaded mechanism that attaches to the load. The bail is a metal loop connected to the body that pivots back and forth to account for load movement. Next there is the shoulder pin which runs through the bail, body and screw in order to secure them all together. Finally, a bushing will go between the body of the hoist ring and the load to act as a barrier. 

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Hoist and Crane Experts

Looking for more information on these or other lifting equipment? Go to the experts at SISSCO Material Handling Equipment. Our technicians and field operations provide one of the industry’s most experienced overhead crane and hoist service teams around, and our skilled parts team is here to make sure we can help our customers maintain a safe and efficient working environment for their overhead lifting equipment. Our inspection and maintenance services strictly follow OSHA, ANSI and CMAA standards as they pertain to overhead cranes and hoists. 

We proudly offer Safety Inspection & Preventative Maintenance, Factory-Authorized Hoist & Crane Repair, parts replacement, and 24/7 emergency service. For over 45 years we’ve made manufacturing and maintenance processes more efficient, cost-effective and safe. Our manufacturing, installation and safety solutions keep businesses moving forward. Your business depends on your equipment and we are here to keep everything operating when you need it most.  Give us a call today to schedule the very best in crane maintenance services.