Rigging hardware is a group of detachable components used to connect, attach, adjust, terminate, or redirect parts of a load-handling system. It includes items such as shackles, links, rings, swivels, turnbuckles, eyebolts, hoist rings, wire rope clips, wedge sockets, and rigging blocks when they are designed for the intended service.
The term is sometimes used loosely to include almost every item in a rigging setup. For technical clarity, it helps to separate the hardware from the sling or rope that carries the load and from the crane, hoist, or winch that provides the lifting force. If you are sourcing components rather than learning the terminology, browse our rigging hardware products.
Quick Answer: What Is Rigging Hardware?
Rigging hardware comprises the detachable connection components used within a rigging system. These components create rated attachment points, join components, adjust tension or length, terminate wire rope, or guide the load path. The exact function depends on the component and its design. A shackle connects components; an eyebolt can provide an attachment point; a turnbuckle adjusts tension; and wire rope fittings create or protect terminations.
What Does “Rigging Hardware” Mean in Technical Use?
A useful technical reference is ASME B30.26, which applies to detachable rigging hardware used for load-handling activities with other B30 equipment. Its scope includes shackles, links, rings, swivels, turnbuckles, eyebolts, hoist rings, wire rope clips, wedge sockets, rigging blocks, and load indication devices.
That scope is narrower than the way “rigging” is often used in general industry language. Hooks, for example, are common rigging components but are addressed separately by ASME B30.10. Slings are also part of a rigging system, but they are not detachable hardware in the B30.26 sense. This distinction matters because the applicable rating, inspection requirements, and operating instructions can vary by component type.
Rigging Hardware vs. Slings vs. Lifting Equipment
| Category | What It Does | Common Examples | Key Boundary |
| Rigging Hardware | Connects, attaches, adjusts, terminates, or redirects components within the rigging system | Shackles, rings, links, swivels, turnbuckles, eyebolts, wire rope clips, wedge sockets, and rigging blocks | The exact component must be rated and intended for the service in which it is used. |
| Slings / Rigging Assemblies | Support the load and connect it to the lifting system | Chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic web slings, or round slings | Slings have their own construction, hitch, angle, identification, inspection, and capacity requirements. |
| Lifting Equipment | Provides the mechanical force or motion used to raise, lower, pull, or position the load | Cranes, hoists, winches, and similar equipment | The lifting machine is not the same as the detachable connection hardware. |
For a broader explanation of the complete system, see our guide to rigging equipment.
Common Rigging Hardware Components
The following component groups summarize their basic roles without replacing product-specific selection data:
| Component | Typical role | Important selection point |
| shackles | Create detachable connections between sling eyes, lifting points, chains, or other compatible components. | Choose the body and pin design, dimensions, WLL, and permitted load direction for the exact application. |
| Links, Rings, and Hoist Rings | Provide connection points within a load-handling assembly. | The specific product must be rated and installed in the orientation required by its manufacturer. |
| turnbuckles | Adjust tension or effective length in a compatible system. | Not every turnbuckle is rated for overhead lifting; use the rating and application stated for the exact model. |
| Eyebolts | Provide a threaded attachment or lifting point when the exact model is designed and installed for that purpose. | Thread engagement, seating, load direction, material, and installation requirements are model-specific. |
| Wire rope clips and wedge sockets | Form or secure wire rope terminations in systems where the selected fitting and installation method are permitted. | Rope construction, diameter, fitting type, installation method, and efficiency must match the applicable instructions. |
| Rigging blocks | Guide or redirect a rope or wire rope line and, in some systems, contribute to mechanical advantage. | Sheave size, rope compatibility, WLL, support point, and reeving arrangement all matter. |
If you need a deeper comparison of body styles, connection types, and selection trade-offs, use our types of rigging hardware guide rather than turning this definition page into a second type-by-type reference.
What Does Rigging Hardware Do?
- Create a connection between a load, sling, lifting point, or another compatible rigging component.
- Provide a rated attachment point when the component is designed and installed for lifting or load handling.
- Adjust tension or effective length in systems that use turnbuckles or similar tensioning hardware.
- Terminate or secure wire rope with a fitting intended for the rope construction, diameter, and service.
- Guide or redirect a line through a rated rigging block when the reeving and support arrangement permit it.
These functions may sound simple, but the hardware is only one part of the load path. The sling, lifting point, support structure, hoist or crane, and every connecting component must be compatible with the load and with the way the force will be applied.
What Makes Rigging Hardware Suitable for a Load?
A component should not be selected by appearance or nominal size alone. At a minimum, the user or buyer should verify the exact product’s rating, permitted loading direction, dimensions, connection geometry, material and environmental suitability, identification, and applicable manufacturer instructions.
- Working load limit (WLL) / rated capacity: use the rating for the exact model and configuration; do not transfer a rating from a similar-looking component.
- Load direction: in-line, angular, side, or multi-leg loading can change what a component is permitted to do. Use only the loading directions and reductions stated for that product.
- Compatibility: pins, eyes, hooks, sling eyes, wire rope, threads, and lifting points must fit without forcing, point loading, or unintended movement.
- Environment: temperature, chemicals, corrosion, abrasion, and outdoor or marine exposure can affect the required material, coating, or finish.
- Identification and documentation: the product should carry the markings and have the records required for the application, jurisdiction, customer specification, and site procedure.
For U.S. construction work, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 requires applicable rigging equipment to carry legible manufacturer identification showing the recommended safe working load and prohibits loading it above that recommendation.
The same OSHA section also contains specific provisions for shackles and hooks. Outside that scope, follow the regulations, standards, manufacturer instructions, and employer procedures that apply to the actual operation.
How Is Rigging Hardware Different From “Any Strong Metal Fitting”?
Strength alone does not make a component suitable for lifting. A general-purpose ring, snap hook, turnbuckle, eyebolt, or clip may look similar to load-rated hardware but can have a different material, manufacturing process, geometry, marking, rating basis, or intended use. For a lifting application, use a component whose product documentation specifically supports that service.
This is also why terms such as “heavy duty,” “marine grade,” or “high strength” are not substitutes for a verified WLL or rated capacity. The exact rating and instructions matter more than a marketing descriptor.
Where Is Rigging Hardware Used?
Rigging hardware is used wherever a load-handling system needs reliable connections or attachment points. Common environments include construction, manufacturing and maintenance operations, ports and marine work, material handling, mining, energy projects, and other industrial settings. The same component family can have very different requirements depending on the load, environment, duty, and governing standard.
Because applications differ, this definition page intentionally stops at the functional overview. Product selection should continue on the relevant category or technical guide rather than relying on a single generic rule for all industries.
How to Choose Rigging Hardware at a High Level?
- Define the task: lifting, connecting, tensioning, terminating wire rope, or redirecting a line.
- Confirm the load and the required rating for the exact configuration, including any angular or dynamic effects addressed by the product instructions.
- Check geometry and compatibility: pin diameter, jaw opening, thread size, eye size, rope diameter, sling-eye dimensions, lifting-point geometry, and available clearance.
- Match the material and finish to the service environment, especially where corrosion, temperature, chemical exposure, or abrasive service is a factor.
- Confirm the applicable standard, required markings, inspection requirements, and documentation for the actual product and jurisdiction.
For deeper product-family comparisons, see types of rigging hardware. If the next task is condition assessment, use the dedicated rigging hardware inspection guide. For purchasing and RFQ information, go directly to the rigging hardware products page.
Conclusion
Rigging hardware is the detachable connection and attachment hardware used within a rigging system. Its value lies in performing a specific function—connecting, attaching, tensioning, terminating, or redirecting—within a defined load path.
For technical clarity, keep the hardware distinct from slings and lifting equipment, then select each component according to its exact rating, dimensions, permitted loading direction, service environment, and manufacturer instructions.
FAQ
What Is Rigging Hardware in Simple Terms?
Rigging hardware is the detachable connection hardware used within a rigging system. Examples include shackles, rings, links, turnbuckles, eyebolts, wire rope clips, wedge sockets, swivels, and rigging blocks. Each item performs a specific connection or load-handling function.
Are Slings Considered Rigging Hardware?
In broad industry usage, people may group slings and hardware as “rigging gear.” In the narrower ASME B30.26 sense, slings are not detachable rigging hardware. Sling standards and capacity requirements are addressed separately.
Are Hooks Rigging Hardware?
Hooks are commonly described as rigging components; however, ASME addresses hooks separately under B30.10 rather than placing them within the B30.26 rigging-hardware scope. Use the standard and manufacturer information that apply to the exact hook.
What Is the Difference Between Rigging Hardware and Lifting Equipment?
Rigging hardware connects, attaches, adjusts, or terminates parts of the load path. Lifting equipment such as cranes, hoists, and winches provides the mechanical force or motion used to raise, lower, pull, or position the load.
Is All Rigging Hardware Rated for Overhead Lifting?
No. A component must be specifically designed, rated, marked, and documented for the intended service. General-purpose hardware must not be treated as lifting-rated simply because it is made of steel or resembles a rated component.
What Information Should I Check Before Selecting Rigging Hardware?
Check the required WLL or rated capacity, permitted load direction, connection dimensions, compatibility with the sling or lifting point, material and service environment, applicable standard or customer specification, required markings, and the exact manufacturer instructions.
