Balancing a construction project budget is no easy task. There are countless costs to consider, such as paying the management team and staff, purchasing permits, paying fees, setting up electrical and plumbing systems, and more. These costs typically make up one-third of the entire budget. The remaining two-thirds are spent on purchasing supplies such as rigging equipment.

Both small and large construction companies are always looking for ways to save as much money as possible on each project. Rigging equipment can be extremely expensive – however, this gear is essential for any building project that includes overhead lifting or material handling. 

Many factors account for the cost of rigging equipment, such as the source of the materials, the quantity needed, and, of course, the quality of the pieces. Thankfully, there are some ways to help make every dollar count when purchasing rigging equipment. 

Here is some advice from our team of experts on ways construction firms can stretch their budgets – while still being able to obtain all of the overhead lifting and rigging equipment they need. 

1. Invest in Long-Lasting, Top-Quality Equipment 

As with most things in life, one of the best ways to save money, in the long run, is by spending more on better quality pieces. 

In some ways, purchasing rigging equipment is similar to buying tires for your car. Sure, you can save yourself a few bucks by buying the discount models. However, they will probably wear out after a few thousand miles. If you invest in top-quality tires, you won’t need to replace them as quickly – which could save you more money over time. 

Cheap rigging equipment will break easier and require you to repurchase your gear more often. Lower-quality equipment typically has a lower weight load limit, so chains, slings, and wire rope will likely wear down faster with continuous use of heavy loads. 

Replacing or repairing rigging equipment is not only costly, but it also slows down the project process significantly. It is far better to invest in top-rated gear that is guaranteed to last for years and is designed for durability.

2. Partner with a Rigging Equipment Distributor 

Another money-saving tip for construction firms (of all sizes) is to partner directly with rigging hardware distributors for order fulfillment. This is to bypass online stores or hardware businesses. The prices of rigging equipment from these third-party retailers is marked up significantly. 

Additionally, most suppliers have specific requirements for minimum orders or shipping rates. This means that smaller orders can wind up being overly expensive if they do not meet shipping minimums. 

By partnering with a rigging equipment supplier, you can save yourself a significant amount by eliminating these markups. Many distributors also provide deals and discounts on larger orders – and many allow you to mix and match sizes of the rigging equipment as needed. 

If possible, it is always best to partner with local rigging hardware distributors. Waiting for order shipments can slow down progress even more, but many rigging equipments and hardware suppliers will offer free pickup or expedited local shipping.

3. Talk to an Expert 

Unless you know everything there is to know about all types of rigging equipment, it is best to speak with an expert to help you place your orders. Even if you do have years of experience, you may not be familiar with some of the latest brands or designs available on the market. 

In some cases, it may be best to use a particular type of rigging equipment than another for a specific purpose. For instance, stainless-steel products are generally more expensive than galvanized or bright steel. In some cases, like with chains for overhead lifting applications, one type may be preferable over another. 

Do your research and seek out expert advice before making any purchases to ensure that your construction budget is spent wisely.  

Here at Elite Sales, we have worked with construction firms for years to provide expert advice on anything related to rigging equipment and hardware. You can easily contact our team to get information on all types of equipment and discuss which brands, styles, and sizes are needed based on your specific project requirements. 

4. Keep Up with Equipment Maintenance 

Another way to extend your rigging equipment budget is to follow the recommended maintenance protocols for each piece. Certain hardware like wire rope, hooks, links, and snatch blocks can wear down much quicker if they are not properly cared for. 

For instance, wire ropes can rust or bend out of shape if they are not carefully stored and moved. Routinely inspecting equipment and repairing any broken wires can help to extend the life of the wire rope. 

Rigging equipment like wire ropes, strands, and chains should be routinely cleaned and lubricated. This helps to prevent premature rusting while reducing the friction that can lead to wear and tear. 

All rigging equipment needs to be carefully inspected before use to ensure that nothing is visibly damaged or worn. Catching early signs of wear, such as a broken chain link or a kinked wire, can prevent dangerous accidents and help to significantly extend the life of rigging equipment. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best way to get a good deal on rigging equipment is to purchase from a distributor you can trust. Rigging hardware is a major investment and the quality of the equipment can make a difference in the end results of a building project.

If you are looking for a rigging hardware distributor, give Elite Sales a call at (800) 458-6659.

We offer a wide range of top-rated rigging equipment and our knowledgeable team is available to answer any questions you have about your order.