Rigging hardware is primarily used for securing, suspending, and transporting heavy loads. This requires complex setups involving chains, ropes, cables, and other industrial hardware pieces to ensure that the load is safely lifted.

There is a lot at stake when it comes to buying this type of industrial equipment. Every year, companies spend millions of dollars purchasing rigging hardware for various projects – and spending is projected to grow significantly through 2026. Their employee’s safety is also on the line, as shoddy hardware can break unexpectedly.

With most company’s budgets being tighter than ever and personnel safety being an ever-present top priority, buying rigging equipment is a very serious matter.

When you are purchasing from a rigging hardware supplier, it’s important to know a few things about the equipment you purchase. This will ensure that you not only use your budget resources wisely but that you also get the right parts for the job.

1. Compare Purchasing Options

You can buy virtually anything online these days, including industrial hardware. This option is incredibly convenient for numerous reasons. First, you can quickly filter through the supplier’s inventory based on set criteria like size, material, or price. You can also quickly compare prices and see product or seller ratings before you buy.

But there is something to be said about purchasing directly through a rigging hardware supplier face-to-face. Their sales representatives can answer many questions about the equipment. Plus, you get to see the equipment in person before buying to check out its quality.

Neither purchasing option is better than the other, and you may want to consider a supplier that offers both. This way you can quickly place online orders if needed, or go to their warehouse and buy them yourself.

2. Determine if You Need Standard vs Custom Sizes

Rigging hardware comes in many sizes, depending on the weight limit and the size of the load. For most projects, standard sizes should be satisfactory but extremely heavy loads may require specially engineered products.

This is primarily an issue when it comes to chains and wire ropes, as the standard product range may not exceed several dozen tons. Of course, customized sizes are far more expensive since they have to be specially produced. If you require equipment outside of the normal product range, you’ll need to find a rigging hardware supplier with a good variety of sizes.

3. Consider Environmental Factors

Many companies overlook the importance of environmental factors when choosing the material for their hardware. Temperature and weather conditions can significantly impact the strength and durability of rigging hardware materials. So, the environment they will be used in should be considered.

For instance, wire ropes with metal cores are not designed to work well in extremely cold conditions. If the location is nearby water or will be exposed to rain, then opt for stainless steel which is naturally corrosion resistant.

4. Calculate Load Limits

Perhaps the most important thing to know before buying rigging equipment is the actual load limit you require. Make sure you have an accurate working load limit calculated before buying equipment. The working load limit of your equipment is the absolute maximum weight it can safely sustain. Be sure to purchase equipment with a higher working load limit than your actual load weight.

5. Decide Which Materials are Best

While most pieces of rigging hardware come in either a stainless steel, galvanized, or bright finish. Bright is steel with no finishing, so it is often the least expensive. However, it is only recommended for use in completely dry environments as the steel will rust easily. Galvanized steel is coated in zinc for added corrosion protection and durability. Stainless steel is the strongest option, as additional metals are added to the steel. This makes it the most durable material– but also the most expensive.

6. Plan Out Your Ordering Schedule

Make sure that you are ordering your equipment according to your project timeline. You may need to schedule out orders based on when they will be needed so extra inventory doesn’t need to be stored. You will need to communicate with your supplier about expected delivery dates and how long orders take to process.

7. Prioritize Hardware Quality

While you can save a few bucks buying lower-quality materials, this will cost you more in the long run as you’ll need to replace items more frequently. This can also increase the likelihood of accidents or damage. Make sure you’re only buying the highest-rated hardware.

8. Find a Rigging Hardware Supplier with Industry Knowledge

Buying from an industry expert will help you find the exact materials you need and get advice on which size, type, and brand is best for your project. Make sure that the supplier you partner with has credentials and has a team on-hand to offer advice and guidance.

9. Learn Proper Maintenance

You can save yourself a lot of money by taking care of your hardware and using it correctly. Make sure that all of your rigging hardware is stored, moved, and handled as directed. This will prevent unnecessary wear and tear, extending the life of the equipment.

10. Partner with a Reliable Distributor

Rather than jumping around and buying pieces from various sellers, find a supplier that carries all of the equipment you need from one place. This will allow you to place bulk orders and you can easily get in contact with your sales rep if there are any issues or you have questions.

Need a Supplier?

If you need a reliable and knowledgeable rigging hardware supplier to provide both high-quality products and valuable advice, look no further than Elite Sales. We’ve been in the industry for decades, and our team is more than happy to offer assistance however needed. Get in touch with us today to learn more.[:es]Rigging hardware is primarily used for securing, suspending, and transporting heavy loads. This requires complex setups involving chains, ropes, cables, and other industrial hardware pieces to ensure that the load is safely lifted.

There is a lot at stake when it comes to buying this type of industrial equipment. Every year, companies spend millions of dollars purchasing rigging hardware for various projects – and spending is projected to grow significantly through 2026. Their employee’s safety is also on the line, as shoddy hardware can break unexpectedly.

With most company’s budgets being tighter than ever and personnel safety being an ever-present top priority, buying rigging equipment is a very serious matter.

When you are purchasing from a rigging hardware supplier, it’s important to know a few things about the equipment you purchase. This will ensure that you not only use your budget resources wisely but that you also get the right parts for the job.

1. Compare Purchasing Options

You can buy virtually anything online these days, including industrial hardware. This option is incredibly convenient for numerous reasons. First, you can quickly filter through the supplier’s inventory based on set criteria like size, material, or price. You can also quickly compare prices and see product or seller ratings before you buy.

But there is something to be said about purchasing directly through a rigging hardware supplier face-to-face. Their sales representatives can answer many questions about the equipment. Plus, you get to see the equipment in person before buying to check out its quality.

Neither purchasing option is better than the other, and you may want to consider a supplier that offers both. This way you can quickly place online orders if needed, or go to their warehouse and buy them yourself.

2. Determine if You Need Standard vs Custom Sizes

Rigging hardware comes in many sizes, depending on the weight limit and the size of the load. For most projects, standard sizes should be satisfactory but extremely heavy loads may require specially engineered products.

This is primarily an issue when it comes to chains and wire ropes, as the standard product range may not exceed several dozen tons. Of course, customized sizes are far more expensive since they have to be specially produced. If you require equipment outside of the normal product range, you’ll need to find a rigging hardware supplier with a good variety of sizes.

3. Consider Environmental Factors

Many companies overlook the importance of environmental factors when choosing the material for their hardware. Temperature and weather conditions can significantly impact the strength and durability of rigging hardware materials. So, the environment they will be used in should be considered.

For instance, wire ropes with metal cores are not designed to work well in extremely cold conditions. If the location is nearby water or will be exposed to rain, then opt for stainless steel which is naturally corrosion resistant.

4. Calculate Load Limits

Perhaps the most important thing to know before buying rigging equipment is the actual load limit you require. Make sure you have an accurate working load limit calculated before buying equipment. The working load limit of your equipment is the absolute maximum weight it can safely sustain. Be sure to purchase equipment with a higher working load limit than your actual load weight.

5. Decide Which Materials are Best

While most pieces of rigging hardware come in either a stainless steel, galvanized, or bright finish. Bright is steel with no finishing, so it is often the least expensive. However, it is only recommended for use in completely dry environments as the steel will rust easily. Galvanized steel is coated in zinc for added corrosion protection and durability. Stainless steel is the strongest option, as additional metals are added to the steel. This makes it the most durable material– but also the most expensive.

6. Plan Out Your Ordering Schedule

Make sure that you are ordering your equipment according to your project timeline. You may need to schedule out orders based on when they will be needed so extra inventory doesn’t need to be stored. You will need to communicate with your supplier about expected delivery dates and how long orders take to process.

7. Prioritize Hardware Quality

While you can save a few bucks buying lower-quality materials, this will cost you more in the long run as you’ll need to replace items more frequently. This can also increase the likelihood of accidents or damage. Make sure you’re only buying the highest-rated hardware.

8. Find a Rigging Hardware Supplier with Industry Knowledge

Buying from an industry expert will help you find the exact materials you need and get advice on which size, type, and brand is best for your project. Make sure that the supplier you partner with has credentials and has a team on-hand to offer advice and guidance.

9. Learn Proper Maintenance

You can save yourself a lot of money by taking care of your hardware and using it correctly. Make sure that all of your rigging hardware is stored, moved, and handled as directed. This will prevent unnecessary wear and tear, extending the life of the equipment.

10. Partner with a Reliable Distributor

Rather than jumping around and buying pieces from various sellers, find a supplier that carries all of the equipment you need from one place. This will allow you to place bulk orders and you can easily get in contact with your sales rep if there are any issues or you have questions.

Need a Supplier?

If you need a reliable and knowledgeable rigging hardware supplier to provide both high-quality products and valuable advice, look no further than Elite Sales. We’ve been in the industry for decades, and our team is more than happy to offer assistance however needed. Get in touch with us today to learn more.