Riggers Helper

Warning: The information in this file is to be used for reference only.

Consult an Engineer for any overhead work to be performed.
Users of this material assume all liability for actions taken as a result of this material.
Data in this file compiled by Marty Cohen.
Email maharigs@juno.com
Reference Material:
Backstage Handbook
Third edition by Paul Carter, Broadway Press
Crosby users guide
Copyright 1993 The Crosby Group, Inc.
Wire Rope & Rigging Consultants, Inc.
PO box 728 Vancouver, WA. 98666
Safe Lifting
Stage Rigging Inc.
PO box 95 San Carlos, CA. 94070
Handbook for Riggers
W. G. Newberry 1989 Edition
US Navy Riggers Handbook

Rule of Thumb:
Nails
Safe load lateral resistance in pounds equals 8 times the pennyweight
1 - 6d nail == 8x 6, or 48 lbs.
1 - 8d nail == 8 x 8, or 64 lbs.
Manila rope
Change rope diameter to eights of an inch; Square the numerator and multiply by 20.
1/2 " rope SWL = 4/8 = 4 x 4 x 20=320lbs.
Plow steel cable
Safe load in tons is 8 times the diameter in inches squared.
1/2" rope ==1/2 x 1/2 == 1/4 x 8 = 2 Tons
Open eye hook
Safe load in tons is diameter of eye in inches squared.
2" hook, 2 x 2 =4 Tons
Shackle
Safe load in tons is diameter of pin in one-fourth inches (1/4")
squared and divided by three (3)
1/2" diameter == 2 quarters
2 x 2 / 3=1 1/3 tons
Chains
Safe load in tons is 6 times diameter of chain stock in inches squared.
1/2" diameter chain stock
1/2 x 1/2 x 6 = 1 1/2 ton
Planks for scaffold
2 x 10 or 2 x 12 plank, graded for 1500 psi bending stress, may normally be used
for a span in feet equal or less than the width in inches.

Wire Rope:
Size
1/16
3/32
1/8
3/16
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
5/8

Nominal strength
6 x 19 FC 6x19 IWRC 6x19 IWRC 7x19 AC
IP
XIP
480
1000
2000
4200
2.74t
2.94t
3.40t
7000
4.26t
4.58t
5.27t
9800
6.10t
6.56t
7.55t
14400
10.7t
11.5t
13.3t
16.7t
17.7t
20.6t

lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.

SWL rule of thumb

SWL = rope dia. X rope dia. X 8
1/2" x 1/2" x 8 = 2 tons

Criteria for removal from service ANSI/ASME B30.9 Wire rope slings:
A wire rope sling shall have no less than 10 times the wire dia between sleeves/splices
eg. 1/2" sling would be 5"
Evidence of heat damage
1/3 wear of outside wires
Kinks, Crushing, Unstranding, Birdcaging, Corrosion,
Distorted rope structure
Damaged end attachments
Number broken wires in One rope lay: 10, in One strand: 5
Or ONE valley break
Efficiencies
wire
Sockets Zinc type
100%
Wedge sockets
70%
Clips
80%
Knot and clip
50%
Plate clamp
80%
Mech. Eye <1/4"
95%
Mech. Eye 5/16- 3/4"
90%
Mech. Eye 7/8 - 1"
85%
Safety Factors:
Overhead li 6:1
Guy lines 3.5:1
Wire Rope 5:1
Mine Shaft 8:1
D/d ratios
30:1
10:1
2:1
1.5:1
Nicopress:

Angle of choke:
121 - 135
91 - 120
61 - 90
31 - 60
0 - 30

Reduction factor
0.95
0.82
0.71
0.6
0.48

3000' or more 4:1

-5%
-15%
-35%
-50%
( This is a partial list of Nicopress tools and sleeves)
(Refer to Nicopress guide for proper installation instructions)

Cable size Tool No.

1/16"
64-CGMP 51-C-887
1/16"
51-B4-887

Sleeve No.
Groove
18-1-C;28-1-C;188-2-VC;428-2-VCoval C
168-2-VB4
oval B4

# presses
1
1

3/32"
3/32"
1/8"
1/8"
1/8"
3/16"
3/16"
3/16"
3/16"
3/16"
3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
1/4"

64-CGMP
64-CGMP
64-CGMP
63V-XPM
51-MJ
63V-XPM
51-P-850
3-X-850
3V-F6:X:M
51-MJ
3-MJ
3V-F6:X:M
3V-F6:X:M
3V-F6:X:M

51-G-887
51-G-887
51-M-850

51-X-850
3V-XPM

3-F6-950
3-F6-950
3-F6-950

18-2-G;28-2-G;428-3-VG
188-3-VG
18-3-M;28-3-M;188-4-VM;428-4VM
SAME AS ABOVE
18-6-X;28-6-X;188-6-VX;428-6-VX
168-6-VP
18-6-X;28-6-X;188-6-VX;428-6-VX
SAME AS ABOVE
871-19-M; 878-5-M
871-20-M; 878-6-M
18-10-F6;28-10-F6;188-8-VF6
428-8-VF6
871-23-F6;878-8-VF6

oval G
oval G
oval M
oval M
M
oval X
oval P
oval X
oval X
M
M
oval F6
oval F6
oval F6

1
2 overlapped
3
3
2
4
4
2
2
1
1
3
3
2

Fleet Angle
Fleet angle is that angle included between lines drawn from the center of the drum and from the flange of the drum, to the lead
Up to 2 degrees for flat faced drums
Up to 4 degrees for groove drums
Drum & Reel capacities:
Length of rope in feet = Constant x (A + B) x A x C
(all dimensions in inches)
Dia.
Multiplier
Table for constants .2618 / d2
1/8"
16.78
A = Flange height
3/16"
7.48
B = Drum dia.
1/4"
4.19
C = Drum width
3/8"
1.86
7/16"
1.37
1/2"
1.05
(eg. 1/4" cable on a drum; a = 3"; b = 6"; c = 12".
4.19 *(3 + 6) * 3 * 12 = 1357.56'

Rope:
Size
1/4"
3/8"
1/2"
5/8"
3/4"

Cordage Institute Rope Specs.

Manila
Polypro
Nylon
540
1130
1490
1220
2440
3340
2380
3780
5750
3960
5600
9350
4860
7650
12800

Rule of thumb for SWL

Manila
1/2" rope = 4/8 inch
SWL = 4 x 4 x 20 =320 lb.
Nylon
1/2" rope = 4/8 inch
SWL = 4 x 4 x 60 =960 lb.
Polypro
1/2" rope = 4/8 inch
SWL = 4 x 4 x 40 =640 lb.
Polyester 1/2" rope = 4/8 inch
SWL = 4 x 4 x 60 =960 lb.
Polyethelene
SWL = 4 x 4 x 35 =560 lb.

Splicing:
Eye splice: Manila : 3 full tucks
Synthetic: 4 full tucks
Tail shall be no less than 6 rope dia from last full tuck( 1" dia or less)
Minimum clear space between eye splices 10 times rope dia.
Knots shall not be used in lieu of splicing.

Knots efficiencies
Clove hitch
Bowline
Square Knot
Timber hitch & Half
Sheepshank
Short splice
Long splice
Eye splice

rope
75%
53%
43%
72%
35%
85%
68%
85%

m the flange of the drum, to the lead sheave.

Formulas:

(Warning: Check results with a qualified engineer before using)

Formulas
Included:
Inclined planes
Useful formulas
Angle of choke
D/d ratios
Continuous beam

Block and Fairlead Loading

(fill in line pull column in pounds
for block load)
Angle
Block facto Line pull Block load
180
0
1,000
150
0.52
1,000
520
120
1
1,000
1,000
90
1.41
1,000
1,410
60
1.73
1,000
1,730
0
2
1,000
2,000

Bridle height comparison chart

See how by moving leg B down in One foot increments how it affects leg A
Inclined planes
Stress on line when pulling objects up inclined plank on rollers
Rise in 10' Grade % Pull on line in Pounds per Ton
Degree
1'
10
240
5.7
2'
20
440
11.3
3'
30
620
16.69
4'
40
780
21.8
5'
50
930
26.56
6'
60
1070
30.96
7'
70
1180
34.99
8'
80
1280
38.65
9'
90
1370
41.98
10'
100
1440
45
12'
120
1560
50.19
14'
140
1650
54.56
16'
160
1720
57.99
18'
180
1770
60.94
Coefficients of Friction:
Concrete on concrete
Metal on concrete
Wood on wood
Wood on concrete

0.65
0.60
0.50
0.45

Manila rope on wood

Leather on metal
Wood on metal
Cast iron on steel

0.4
0.4
0.3
0.25

Continuous lubricated
surface
Steel on steel
Load on wheels

Mass, Weight & Force

Mass
is the property of a body by which is experiences mutual attraction to another body.
At sea level where Gravity is 1 G, weight and mass are equal.
Weight
is the gravitational force acting on a body. A body that weighed X at sea level
would weigh less than X on top of Mount Everest because the force of gravity
is less. The mass would remain constant.
Force
is the action of one body on another. A force tends to move a body in the direction
of its action.
English Units
Pound mass (lbm)
Ton = 2000 lbm
Force
Pound force (LB)
Kilo-pound (kip) = 1000 LB
At sea level
1 lbm = 1 LB

SI Units
Kilogram (kg)
Ton = 1000 kg
Newton (N)
Kilo-Newton (kN) = 1000 N
1 kg = 9.81 N

Mass

English
to
1 lbm
=
2000 lbm =
1 LB
=
1 kip
=
Useful formulas:

SI
.454 kg
907 kg
4.45 N
4.45 kN

SI
1 kg
1000 kg
1N
1 kN

to
=
=
=
=

English
2.20 LB
2200 LB
.223 LB
223 LB

0.15
0.1
0.05

Circumference of a circle
Area of a circle
Area of a triangle
Area of a rectangle
Volume of a cone
Volume of a sphere
Volume of a solid
Volume of a cylinder
or round bar stock
Weight of a solid
Weight of a floating object

Diameter x 3.1415
Square of diameter x .8 (.8 x D x D)
Base x 1/2 height
Base x height
1/3 Height x area of base (V = A x H/3)
Cube of diameter x 0.5236 (D x D x D x 0.5236)
Area of base x height
.8 x D x D x height
Volume x weight per cube
Weight - L x B x D x 64 = Lb.
L = Length
B = Breadth (width)
D = Draft
64 = lbs. Of sea water per cubic foot

H = Height W =Width L = Length d = dia.

r = 1/2 dia pi = 3.14
Area of a square or rectangle = HW
Volume of a cube = HWL
Area of a circle = pi r 2
Circumference = pi d
The area of a circle is approx. 80% of its diameter squared (dia x dia)
Load Weight (to estimate) Volume in cubic feet x 500 lbs. x density factor .02, .05, .10, .20, .30 etc.
Angle of choke:
121 - 135
91 - 120
61 - 90
31 - 60
0 - 30

Reduction factor
0.95
0.82
0.71
0.6
0.48

D/d ratios
30:1
10:1
2:1
1.5:1

-5%
-15%
-35%
-50%

Continuous beam
This chart shows the percentage of weight on each hangpoint on a truss
or beam with 2 or more hangpoints.
Note: This is considering an evenly weighted truss with even tension on
all hangpoints.
Note 2: When figuring loads keep in mind that a small bump in one motor can drastically
change the weight on any hangpoint to the point of taking the entire weight for an inner motor.
# points
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2 points
0.5
0.5
3 points
0.18
0.625
0.18
4 points
0.133
0.367
0.367
0.133
5 points
0.098
0.286
0.232
0.286
0.098
6 points
0.079
0.226
0.195
0.195
0.226
0.079
7 points
0.066
0.189
0.16
0.17
0.16
0.189
0.066
8 points
0.056
0.162
0.138
0.144
0.144
0.138
0.162

0.056

Synthetic Slings:
Nylon Slings
From Westco brand catalog
Environmental Considerations:
Acids
Alcohol
Aldehydes Strong
Alkalis
Nylon
No
OK
OK
OK
Polyester *
OK
NO
**

Bleaching
Agents
NO
OK

Dry Cleani Ethers

Solvents
OK
OK
OK
NO

Ketones
OK
OK

* Disintegrated by concentrated sulphuric acids

** Degraded by strong alkalies at elevated temperatures
Nylon and Polyester slings should not be used at temperatures in excess of 194 deg. F (90 deg. C)
To prevent mechanical or chemical damage when not in use, slings should not be exposed to
sunlight and must be stored in a cool, dry and dark place.
Inspection:
Key things to look for prior to use
Acid or Caustic Burns
Excessive Abrasive Wear
Melted, Charred or Welded Splatter
Knots in any part of the sling
Broken or Worn Stitching
Holes, Tears, Cuts, Snags,
Red Core Yarn Showing
or Embedded particles
Damaged Loop Eye
Any other Damage

Polyester Roundslings
Item #
Color
Vertical
Choker
Basket
E30
Purple
2,650
2,120
5,300
E60
Green
5,300
4,240
10,600
E90
Yellow
8,400
6,720
16,800
E120
Tan
10,600
8,500
21,200
E150
Red
13,200
10,560
26,400
E180
Orange
16,800
13,440
33,600
E240
Blue
21,200
17,000
42,400
Resistant to Acids, Ultra Violet Rays, Rot and Mildew
Maximum temperature 194 deg. F

Crude Oils Lubricating Soaps & Water & Weak

Oils
Detergents Sea Water Alkalis
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK

Hydrocarbons
OK
OK

Hardware:
Eyebolts:
Crosby Quenched and Tempered Shoulder type drop forged
Dia.
Vertical
60 deg
45 deg
less than 45
90 deg. Non shoulder
1/4
650
420
195
160
5/16
1,200
780
360
300
3/8
1,550
1000
465
380
13
1/2
2,600
1690
780
650
37
5/8
5,200
3380
1560
1300
65
3/4
7,200
4680
2160
1800
100
7/8
10,600
6890
3180
2650
153
1
13,300
8645
3990
3325
207
Hoist Rings:
5/16"
800
###
800
3/8"
1,000
###
1,000
1/2"
2,500
###
2,500
5/8"
4,000
###
4,000
3/4"
7,000
###
7,000
7/8"
8,000
###
8,000
1"
10,000
###
10,000
The Crosby Group, Inc.
Shackles: Carbon Steel
Alloy
Size
6:1 Design factor
5:1 Design factor
3/16"
1/3 t
1/4"
1/2 t
5/16"
3/4 t
3/8"
1t
2t
7/16"
1-12 t
2.6 t
1/2"
2t
3.3 t
5/8"
3-1/4 t
5t
3/4"
4-3/4 t
7t
The Crosby Group, Inc. Drop forged
Wire rope clips
Fist grips
Efficiency is 80% in this range
size
Min. clips
turn back torque
Min. clips
turn back
torque
1/8
2 3-1/4"
4.5
3/16
2 3-3/4"
7.5
2 4"
30
1/4
2 4-3/4"
15
2 4"
30
5/16
2 5-1/4"
30
2 5"
30
3/8
2 6-1/2"
45
2 5-1/4"
45
7/16
2 7"
65
2 6-1/2"
65
1/2
3 11-1/2"
65
3 11"
65
Appprox spacing between clips is 6 x rope diameter.
Apply clip at rope end first, then closest to eye and the middle one last for those that need 3.
Re torque after first load is applied.
Turnbuckles
Size
SWL Eye
SWL Hook
1/4"
500
400
5/16"
800
700
3/8"
1,200
1,000
1/2"
2,200
1,500
5/8"
3,500
2,250
3/4"
5,200
3,000
7/8"
7,200
4,000

1"

10,000

Safety Factors:
Overhead li 6:1
Guy lines 3.5:1
Wire Rope 5:1
Mine Shaft 8:1
D/d ratios
30:1
10:1
2:1
1.5:1

5,000

3000' or more 4:1

-5%
-15%
-35%
-50%

Bolt torque:
The bolt takes two stresses during wrenching:
1 Torsion, 2 Tension. Tension is what you want. Torsion is the necessary evil due to friction.
Probably 90% of applied torque goes to overcome friction.
With the friction factor changed by lubrication, plating, etc., the torque needed to produce
a given tension is hard to predict. However, a useful empirical formula exists for normal
friction conditions.
Inch-lbs. Torque = 0.2 x bolt diameter x bolt tension.
Average deviation is about 7%
Bolt Head Markings:

Non-shoulder type eyebolt (forged steel)

(from US Navy rigging handbook)
size
vert.
45 deg.
90 deg.
1/2"
1100
51.5
37.6
9/16"
1500
69.8
51
5/8"
1800
89.5
65.6
3/4"
2800
136
100
7/8"
3900
208
153
1"
5100
280
207