What Are the Major Types of Rigging?

In construction and industrial settings, rigging is the engineered system of equipment and procedures used to safely lift, move, position, and secure heavy loads. For construction managers, crane operators, ironworkers, millwrights, and professional riggers, understanding the major types of rigging is not optional. It directly affects lift planning, equipment selection, jobsite productivity, and, most importantly, safety.

Rigging failures are rarely caused by a single defective component. They are typically the result of improper selection, incorrect configuration, or a misunderstanding of how forces are distributed throughout the system. This article breaks down the major types of rigging by material, equipment category, configuration, and application, providing a complete, field-ready reference for construction and rigging professionals.

Rigging refers to both:

1. The equipment used to attach a load to a lifting device
2. The process of planning and executing a safe lift

In practical terms, rigging encompasses all components between the crane hook and the load. This includes slings, shackles, hooks, master links, lifting beams, and any below-the-hook device that transmits force from the crane to the object being lifted.

On construction sites, rigging supports:

•  Structural steel erection
•  Precast concrete placement
•  Mechanical and HVAC installations
•  Bridge and infrastructure projects
•  Equipment setting and machinery relocation
•  Industrial shutdowns and turnarounds

Rigging must be engineered to account for load weight, center of gravity, sling angles, dynamic forces, and environmental conditions. OSHA regulations and ASME standards require that all rigging equipment be properly rated, inspected, and used within its Working Load Limit.

One of the most common ways to classify rigging is by the material used in slings and load-bearing assemblies. Each material type has distinct strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

Wire rope rigging is a foundational category in heavy construction and industrial lifting. Wire rope is manufactured by twisting multiple steel wires into strands and then laying those strands helically around a core.

Wire rope offers:

•  High tensile strength
•  Excellent abrasion resistance
•  Strong performance in outdoor and high-temperature environments
•  Predictable stretch behavior

Wire rope slings are widely used in structural steel erection, heavy equipment handling, and general construction lifting. They are particularly effective in repetitive lifts, where durability and resistance to wear are critical.

Wire rope slings are available in:

•  Single-leg assemblies
•  Multi-leg bridles
•  Endless grommets
•  Adjustable configurations

Terminations may include Flemish eyes, mechanical swage sleeves, poured sockets, or hand-tucked eyes. Each termination method affects strength, efficiency, and inspection requirements.

Wire rope is ideal for rugged environments, but it can damage finished surfaces and may not be appropriate for delicate loads without padding or protection.

Chain rigging typically refers to alloy steel chain specifically manufactured for overhead lifting, commonly Grade 80 or Grade 100.

Chain slings are known for:

•  Exceptional durability
•  Resistance to impact and abrasion
•  Suitability for high-temperature environments
•  Easy visual inspection

Unlike wire rope, chain components can often be replaced individually. Damaged hooks or links can be removed and repaired by qualified personnel, extending service life.

Chain slings often include shortening clutches, allowing operators to adjust leg lengths in the field. This makes them especially valuable for uneven loads or lifts that require adjustments to the center of gravity.

Chain rigging is widely used in steel mills, fabrication shops, foundries, and other environments where loads have sharp edges that could cut synthetic materials.

Synthetic rigging includes both flat-web slings and round slings made from polyester or nylon fibers.

Synthetic slings are:

•  Lightweight and easier to handle than steel-based systems
•  Flexible and able to conform to irregular shapes
•  Less likely to damage painted, finished, or delicate surfaces

Polyester slings offer low stretch and are commonly used in general construction. Nylon slings offer greater elasticity, making them better suited for absorbing shock loads.

Synthetic materials are vulnerable to:

•  Cutting from sharp edges
•  UV degradation
•  Chemical exposure
•  Heat damage

Edge protection and routine inspection are critical. Cuts, broken stitching, abrasion, or tag damage typically require removal from service.

Synthetic slings are often preferred for HVAC units, precast panels, and finished assemblies where surface preservation is important.

Beyond material types, rigging is also categorized by equipment function within the lifting system.

Slings are the primary load-bearing component of most rigging assemblies. They connect the lifting device to the load and carry the majority of the applied force.

Sling types include:

•  Wire rope slings
•  Alloy chain slings
•  Synthetic web slings
•  Synthetic round slings

Sling selection depends on load weight, attachment points, environmental exposure, and required configuration. Capacity adjustments must be made for sling angle and hitch type.

Rigging hardware serves as the connection points within the lifting system.

Common hardware includes:

•  Shackles (screw pin and bolt-type)
•  Hooks (clevis, eye, swivel, and self-locking)
•  Eye bolts
•  Turnbuckles
•  Master links and sub-assemblies

Hardware must be compatible with the sling diameter and rated capacity. Mismatched components can cause point loading, side loading, or premature wear.

Each hardware component must have a clearly marked Working Load Limit and must not be modified or welded unless specifically engineered for that purpose.

Lifting beams and spreader bars are below-the-hook devices used to stabilize loads and evenly distribute weight.

Spreader bars use angled sling legs to support loads at multiple points. They are often used to lift long materials such as beams, pipes, or precast panels.

Lifting beams transfer load directly through the beam rather than through angled slings. This reduces sling tension and can allow for higher capacities in certain configurations.

These devices are frequently used in precast operations, modular construction, and industrial equipment settings.

In addition to crane-based lifting, rigging systems may incorporate:

•  Manual chain hoists
•  Lever hoists
•  Electric hoists
•  Hydraulic hoists
•  Winches

These devices are used for vertical lifting, horizontal pulling, tensioning, and precision positioning. They are essential in confined spaces, for equipment alignment, and in situations where crane access is limited.

Blocks and sheaves are used to redirect force or to create a mechanical advantage.

Applications include:

•  Multi-part line crane configurations
•  Equipment recovery
•  Utility pole setting
•  Controlled load positioning

The proper sheave diameter must match the rope diameter to prevent accelerated wear.

The configuration of a sling significantly affects both capacity and load control.

A vertical hitch attaches directly to a single lifting point. It uses the full rated capacity of the sling but provides minimal load control. It is best suited for balanced loads with a known center of gravity.

A basket hitch cradles the load, providing greater capacity than a vertical hitch when properly configured. It offers improved stability and is commonly used for beams, pipes, and rectangular objects.

Capacity reduction factors must be applied if the basket angle is less than 90 degrees.

A choker hitch wraps around the load and tightens under tension. It is useful for securing loads that may shift, but it reduces overall sling capacity due to compression and angular forces.

A bridle hitch uses two or more sling legs attached to separate lifting points. It is commonly used for large or irregular loads.

Sling angle calculations are critical in bridle configurations. As the angle between legs decreases, tension in each leg increases dramatically.

Rigging is also categorized by industry application.

Construction rigging includes structural steel erection, precast panel placement, tilt-up construction, and bridge work. These lifts often occur in open environments, dynamic conditions, and tight schedules.

Effective lift planning and communication between crane operators and signal persons are essential.

Industrial rigging focuses on machinery moving, plant relocation, and equipment installation. These projects often involve confined spaces, precision alignment requirements, and heavy concentrated loads.