Swivel Hooks: Know the Difference
What’s the difference between Swivel Hooks with Bushings and Bearings?
In the rigging industry, many products can look similar, but have crucial differences for the end user and application. Misunderstanding these distinctions, such as working load limit or mechanics, can be a costly mistake to the buyer, and pose serious safety risks to the end user.
Rigging experts say a common confusion over the different types of swivel hooks is currently posing threats in the field.
| IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: It is CRITICAL that you learn to discern between Swivel Hooks with Bronze Bushing and Swivel Hooks with Bearing. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE; it could save a life! |
With Bronze Bushing
With Bearing
Advantage Sales & Supply highlights that using the same name for two distinct types of hooks can lead to the wrong hook being selected for various lifting applications. There are significant differences between the two types of swivel hooks, and misusing them could have serious consequences.
“There is a vast difference between swivel hooks with a bronze bushing and swivel hooks with a bearing, but not all end users know this difference. This can lead to serious injuries in the field,” said Charlie Jaques, president of Advantage Sales.
Jaques explains that a hook with a bronze bushing is more accurately described as a positioning hook, designed to swivel into position when attached to the pick point. While this is useful for certain tasks, this type of hook should not be used to swivel under load. When used incorrectly over time, it can cause complete hardware failure.
“End users must understand which applications will require hooks to swivel under load, or if the hook should remain in the same position,” Jaques advises.
For safe load manipulation, a swivel hook with bearing is the better choice. The bearing system allows the hook to rotate freely, even when under load. A typical application could involve lifting a generator into a tight space, such as beneath a parking garage. Since the generator’s pick point may not align with the space where it needs to be placed, a bearing swivel hook allows the load to be adjusted to fit flush in the designated area.
A Word to the End User
We cannot say this enough: It is CRITICAL that you learn to discern between Swivel Hooks with Bronze Bushing and Swivel Hooks with Bearing, and use them correctly in the field. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE; it could save a life! The Advantage team is hear to help you understand the product functions and ratings for the hardware they provide.
For All Rigging Hardware - KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
In addition to Swivel Hooks, other common rigging hardware can cause confusion. The above Clevis Grab Hooks look similar, but are rated differently. From left to right: Grade 70, Campbell Grade 100, X100® Grade 100. Know which product you are using, and if it is right for your application!
A Final Word of Warning: ASME Code B30.9
ASME Code B30.9 has been adopted by OSHA as the governing safety guideline for the use of Slings. ASME B30.9 was designed to help end users identify Chain and Chain Components that have become unsafe. A qualified person must inspect chain and chain components before each use.
Jaques explains, “The end user’s health and safety must always be the most important concern. No amount of monetary savings is worth an injury. No rigging product can operate indefinitely at its rated capacity. Always remove damaged slings, chain, and hardware from service.”