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Eye-to-Eye Turnbuckles and How They Differ From the Rest

Turnbuckles are essential for working with any equipment that faces excess stress and tension while lifting or moving heavy objects. Turnbuckles are used to increase or decrease tension in steel cables, making minute adjustments to rigs that require specific strain calibration. A center of gravity that is misconfigured can cause loads to swing, loosen, or even fall. Turnbuckles, therefore, are used to make on-the-fly changes to stabilize a load and correct any imbalances that are present.

Turnbuckles of differing design provide versatility when working with tension cables by modifying possible rigging setups. There are six primary types of turnbuckle all together, including jaw-to-jaw, hook and eye, jaw and eye, jaw and hook, hook-to-hook, and eye-to-eye turnbuckles.

Eye-to-Eye The eye-to-eye turnbuckle features a teardrop fitting on each end of its frame. Eyes of the turnbuckle are connected to the chains of the rigging, and there are other rigging attachments such as slings attached to a shackle on the other end of the turnbuckle. The eye-to-eye turnbuckle features a safety pin at the end of the eye, permanently connecting the eye so they will never separate, adding extra security to the rigging. Eye to eye turnbuckles are made of steel and recommended for straight or in-line pulling platforms.

Jaw-to-Jaw Turnbuckles Jaw to jaw turnbuckles feature a jaw end that resembles a “u” shape. The jaw to jaw can be used many different ways, including attaching a sling straight to the end or having the jaw fit over a lifting lug. Adding a pin to the shackle increases the security therein. This extra pin secures the sling into the clevis at the end of the turnbuckle pin, protecting against the separation of the sling. The turnbuckle is intended for straight or in-line pulley usage only. They are commonly made from hot-dipped galvanized steel.

Hook to Hook Hook and hook turnbuckles feature a hook on both ends. They are typically used for guy wire applications, as the hook and hook designs are the easiest to install and tighten, which allows for additional length in the rigging. However, the hook and hook lacks a safety latch, which increases the risk associated with the lift, leaving a load unprotected by a backup mechanism if any portion should fail.

Jaw to Eye Jaw to eye turnbuckles feature a jaw fixture on one end and an eye on the other. The dual nature of the turnbuckle gives it more flexibility and added security as both accessories feature a safety pin. Because jaw to eye turnbuckles have two different ends, the turnbuckle requires a fixed point or a lug, which can be difficult with some rigging arrangements. You should install the turnbuckle onto the jaw end and shackle the sling to the eye end for the most optimal use.

Each kind of turnbuckle brings advantages and disadvantages to each individual lifting situation. Every rigging scenario is different, requiring different types of equipment to ensure the maximum efficiency and safety of the project. Factors that influence which turnbuckle should be used include the headroom challenges, confines of your workspace, and any restrictions in moving the load or offsets in center of gravity. Whether you require an eye to eye turnbuckle or a jaw to jaw, make sure you invest in quality and industry-approved materials that are designed to work any job. For more information on turnbuckles and other rigging supplies, and to find the best brands for your job, visit empirerigging.com.

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4 Strengths of the Crosby Turnbuckle Product Lines

In the heavy lift industry, safety is paramount, and the key to safety is quality equipment. Professional tradespeople spend hours upon hours researching, testing, and familiarizing themselves with equipment. Often, useful materials simply aren’t easy to find when you need a new or replacement piece of equipment on short notice. For this reason, we’ve decided to create a profile of one frequently-needed product: the turnbuckle. Specifically, we wanted to highlight the strengths of the Crosby turnbuckle product lines, which stand out for their quality and safety ratings. At the end of this article, you’ll understand one set of products much better, making it easier for you to find the equipment you need in time to do the job right.

1. A Company With A Legacy The Crosby Group is one of the most recognizable brands in heavy lift industry supply. Crosby Group holds such a position in the industry because they’ve proven themselves as an industry-leading, innovative corporation for nearly 100 years. Their products have been used by multiple generations of heavy lift professionals and can be found on just about any job site in the industry.

2. Incredible Documentation Nearly every single model of Crosby turnbuckle comes with exhaustive documentation, making them reliably helpful for professionals who take safety seriously. For most turnbuckles, you can even access their documentation directly on their web page in a convenient, built-in reader. Crosby’s devotion to accessible, easy-to-locate documentation empowers those who use their products to use them safely, implement them effectively, and to also know when it’s time for maintenance.

Sometimes one of the biggest roadblocks to safe use of tools and equipment is the lack of availability of manuals or other educational material. This problem is greatly reduced when using a Crosby turnbuckle.

3. Extensive Safety Testing One fact that becomes quite apparent after reading through any Crosby turnbuckle documentation is the extensive testing that the Crosby Group performs on nearly all of their products. In addition to easily accessible testing information, most Crosby supplies include stress markers that indicate, in the case of emergency or fault, if a particular piece of equipment is beginning to wear down.

As a result of their product design, Crosby manages to apply their stringent testing in two ways; Crosby products are both built preventatively and include built-in warnings to prevent damage in the case of emergency product failure.

4. Flexible Options In the heavy lift industry, no single product fits all applications. There will be jobs in which you’ll need chains and reinforced turnbuckles, and there will be jobs in which you’ll just need some wire rope with simple turnbuckles. The Crosby Group has an enormous offering of flexible models which can help prepare any professional for the jobs that await them. Most Crosby designs have multiple model types which can be chosen to fit the needs of each project you’re working on.

If you’re ready to get yourself equipped with some of the best tools in the industry, visit www.empirerigging.com today. Empire Rigging sells American-made products of the highest quality. As a supplier of Crosby Group products, Empire Rigging can help match you with the pieces you need to get the job done right the first time. Visit them today!

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Hydraulic Pump Basics: The Beginner’s Guide to Enerpac Pumps

Whether you’re just starting out or a veteran in the rigging industry, there are plenty of tools you will want to understand. While no two tools are exactly the same, there are some general facts you can come to understand about one of the most frequently used jobsite tools: the hydraulic pump. Before rushing out and deciding on a hydraulic pump unit, make sure you are familiar with these basic facts about Enerpac pumps.

What Is a Hydraulic Pump? Hydraulic pumps provide a means to multiply the applied force. They work by converting mechanical power into hydraulic pressure, which helps to create a flow of force large enough to overcome the weight of a load. Enerpac pumps come in a variety of types and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect hydraulic pump for any job. For instance, the Enerpac P-464 hand pump is a two-speed, high-pressure option. It is used for applying pressure, bolting, or lifting in non-repetitive and/or intermittent construction, maintenance, manufacturing, or repairs.

What Types of Hydraulic Power Unit Configurations Are There?

There are four primary hydraulic power unit configurations for Enerpac pumps. These include:

● Air Hydraulic Pumps - This type of power unit configuration was created for jobs requiring enhanced productivity, high dynamics, and proven dependability. Air hydraulic pumps are crafted for reliability, safety, and transferring higher oil flow. By using air hydraulics, each pump offers high-quality performance with precise control.

● Electric Pumps - All Enerpac electric hydraulic pumps provide endurance and high-level performance. Each pump uses the latest in bearing, metallurgical, and seal technologies to ensure a product with the highest benefit and feature standards.

● Gasoline Pumps - Gas hydraulic pump options provide improved productivity by allowing for more significant bypass pressure. They are a high-efficiency product ranging from small portable configuration options to large, high-capacity, powered ones. Gasoline powered pumps are perfect for jobs requiring hydraulic pressure transfer.

● Manual Pumps - Manual pumps are high-pressure hydraulic pumps that use manual labor, like pressure from the manual pulling of a lever, and each offers a design for durability, portability, and an easy-to-use approach. This hydraulic power unit configuration features numerous safety features to help provide a reliable performance and protect worker safety.

What Types of Warranty Does Enerpac Offer? Enerpac offers a non-transferable warranty on its parts through authorized channels and representatives. It is valid for one year from the date the purchaser receives the product. The warranty covers defects in both the workmanship and materials used for the product. However, like any product warranty, there are exclusions which are at the discretion of the manufacturer; therefore, a damaged item requires prior authorization before being returned.

Empire Rigging and Supply strives for the very best in American-made, high-quality rigging and heavy lift industry tools. If you have questions about availability, shipped items, product specifications, or any other areas of our website, please feel free to contact us by phone at 844-728-1171 or by email at customerservice@empirerigging.com.

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How to Find a Reputable RIDGID Sewer Machine Seller

Sometimes the hardest part about getting the job done is finding a place to equip yourself to do the work right. Finding a RIDGID sewer machine for sale online can seem hard enough, but finding a quality seller who also carries the accessories you need makes some workers feel like they’ll never find what they need. The good news is that there are a few surefire ways to get yourself set up with a good supplier who will not only get you a RIDGID sewer machine but will also get it to you at a good price. Because buying online is the best way to get the best price, the key to getting your machine is to learn the techniques to help you find a good online shop.

1. Use Better Search Tools When most people look for a product online, they either go directly to a store they already know, or they simply type what they are looking for into a search engine. However, typing “RIDGID sewer machine” into Google or Bing might not even bring you directly to online stores. With so much info available on the web, it’s important to know how to effectively parse through it all.

Therefore, instead of just using a standard search, you should switch over to a “shopping” search. Most major search engines have either a “shopping” option under their search filter menu or have a tab that lets you switch over to a different search page. On Google, their shopping search page is simple to locate and also grants a really fantastic feature; Google shopping search brings up products with links directly to the seller and the seller’s public Google business profile. This brings us to part two:

2. Read Reviews Using shopping searches allows you to immediately see a business’s reviews from customers who have shopped there. By paying close attention to detailed reviews, you can learn a surprising amount about how a specific seller does business. Many reviewers will go into extensive detail about product function, customer service, and shipping time, which gives you a huge advantage in choosing a store.

3. Check Their Policies and Partners Once you’ve found a few interesting stores, make sure to research and compare. The most important characteristic of a good seller is having partnerships with recognized payment companies. VISA, MasterCard, and PayPal are all examples of companies that require businesses to uphold standards in order to display the respective logo on their site. If you see a company explaining in full its qualifications from and partnerships with major payment groups, you’re likely looking at a reasonable store.

After you’ve identified a store with quality payment options, the next step is to investigate their policies. Shipping, warranties, guarantees, and return policies are all going to have a big effect on your ability to get the best experience with a seller, so make sure to read these in detail and choose a seller whose offerings match your needs.

If you want to get with a fantastic seller right away, come visit www.empirerigging.com. Our American-made products will leave you 100% confident in your choice to buy with us!

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Benefits of a 4 Leg Chain Sling

One of the most important skills a professional in the heavy lift industry can attain is an understanding of the different rigging types and formats. One such rigging type, the 4 leg chain sling, also frequently referred to as a quad-leg or 4-leg-bridle sling, is particularly good for balancing and distributing weight across the legs of the sling. With so many rigging types available to professionals, what makes the 4 leg chain setup valuable? This blog will explore that question, leaving you feeling more informed and ready to take on the challenges of your exciting career!

1. Improved Working Load Limit The primary benefit of a 4 leg chain sling is that it greatly increases the working load limit of the rigging over double and single-leg setups. This benefit is particularly noticeable at higher chain thickness measurements, which can sometimes more than double the total working load limit. This type of rigging is especially useful on large, rectangular or square loads which would otherwise demand a significant increase in chain size (and therefore chain cost) in order to lift with other sling setups.

A 4 leg setup can often lift loads greater than single chain setups with chains that are two or three standard measurement sizes larger. You can see how this might be very cost effective given a skilled rigging.

The amount of increase to working load limit is dependent on the angles the chain makes with the object to be lifted, so not all items will allow for double the working load limits of single leg slings. However, even in more acute angle setups, which generally offer less working load limit improvement, the improvement is often close to 50% increased working load limit.

2. Better at Working With Irregular Loads For a word of caution, with any irregularly-shaped load, professionals must pay careful attention to load balancing between the legs of the sling. Even with an irregularly-shaped load, all chains must be measured carefully so as not to be slack or bearing more of the load than other legs.

With that warning in mind, working with four legs and adjustable chains allows for much more flexibility in lifting loads that may not be perfectly shaped for ideal lifting with a single-leg sling. Adjusting chains will allow for manually balancing the load in a safer manner, which can help prevent shifting of the load.

3. Chains Are Affordable In addition to the passive cost savings of not having to purchase thicker and more expensive rigging materials, a 4 leg chain sling also compares favorably to other lifting materials in regard to the strength offered. Chains have been traditionally popular for heavy lift applications because they are easy to adjust and very affordable given their comparative strength. High-grade chains are readily available and can be quickly shipped to a worksite with little hassle in the process of purchase.

Chains are easy to maintain and replace and can be inspected for faults quickly. Each of these characteristics makes them cheaper in the long run than most other lift types, provided the application is correct; of course, chains should not be used in conditions where they will experience severe corrosion or may become pinched between surfaces.

If you’re looking to purchase a 4 leg chain sling, come visit www.empirerigging.com today. Our American-made products are sourced from the best brands in the world, and our professional staff can help you navigate all the options and find the fit that is best for your needs. Don’t waste any more time and money buying sub-par products online. Come see us today!

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The Benefits of the RIDGID ProPress

One of the most important power tools to have on any work site is a set of pressing jaws, and one of the best available in the industry is the RIDGID ProPress. RIDGID is a company with a long history of creating quality tools that get the job done right, and one of the best ways you can improve your abilities in your career is by learning to understand the tools you use. With that in mind, this article is designed to give a profile of the RIDGID ProPress and the benefits it can bring to your job site. We will explore the history of RIDGID, the history of the tools, and the specific benefits of the ProPress power pressing jaws.

RIDGID, also known as the Ridge Tool Company, is quickly approaching its 100th birthday as a company. Having been established in 1923, the company has been manufacturing quality tools throughout the last century. In 1966, it underwent a purchase by Emerson Electric, a multinational electric industry manufacturing corporation which is now over 127 years old. Together with Emerson’s legacy, RIDGID was able to improve its reach and its tools and now offers some of the most recognizable tools on the market.

The Ridge Tool Company’s iconic appearance is best summed up by their brightly-colored pipe wrenches, the likes of which has inspired the pop-culture appearance of the pipe wrench for decades. Their tools, however, are not just popular here in the States, as they have now expanded their business overseas. In addition, they’ve made major strides in embracing the rise of the internet, offering a suite of online tools that help professionals generate documents for maintenance recording, project management, and more.

The RIDGID ProPress is one of the most solid sets of power pressing jaws on the market, and the ProPress product line contains a number of models, each with unique offerings. One of the best-reviewed models is the RIDGID RP 241, which is a hand-held, battery operated press tool with a compact layout. The RP 241 allows for easy use in tight spaces by being structured in a “barbell” style, with the grip placed in the middle of the battery and the jaws.

The RIDGID RP 210 and 340 are laid out in a “gun” format with a grip and trigger allowing for larger jaw sets and a stronger grip. These models come in both cordless and corded versions, and, despite being larger in size than the RP 241, the 210 and 340 are considerably smaller than previous models.

Both versions of the ProPress pressing jaws can work with stainless steel tubing, copper, steel, PEX, and cutting soil pipe (according to RIDGID product manuals.) The ProPress line has the highest rated lifecycles, lasting just over 40k cycles of the tool.

These benefits make the RIDGID ProPress one of the most versatile and cost-effective tools on the market. If you’d like to equip your team with a ProPress power tool, we can help make that a reality. Come visit us at www.EmpireRigging.com, where you’ll find not only the ProPress product line but also a huge inventory of American-made, top-quality products available to you and your team!

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Understanding the History of Nylon Web Slings

Nylon web slings are one of the most popular sling types in the heavy lift industry. Their comparative durability, strength, and softness make them one of the most surprisingly effective materials for lifting large loads. As with all heavy lift equipment, understanding the nuances of each piece is important to ensuring a safe, effective job. When moving heavy loads, there is a greater risk for injury and damage to property if the equipment is not properly understood. With this in mind, this article is devoted to the history and details of nylon web slings. After this article, you should have a better understanding of the material that revolutionized so many industries.

The history of nylon begins just before the beginning of World War II. Chemical giant DuPont had been experimenting with synthetic plastic fibers for a few years with early versions of nylon being developed as early as 1935. However, the greatest breakthrough in nylon’s design came in 1939. DuPont announced their new development at the World’s Fair, originally showcasing the versatile material as a women’s legwear that would come to be handily known as “nylons.”

It didn’t take long for DuPont engineers and other designers to find other creative uses for the synthetic. When World War II began, nearly all of DuPont’s nylon production went not towards commercial products or even clothing. Instead, nylon was almost exclusively bought up by the U.S. military for use in parachutes and parachute straps. The durability, strength, and flexibility of nylon lent itself to this use.

As time went on, nylon proved to be one of the few savior products that helped lift DuPont out of its financial hard times during the Great Depression. The craze over the new fiber actually got somewhat out of hand, with some marketing originally claiming that it was as “strong as steel.” While the synthetic is certainly strong, the original claims were not 100% accurate. However, the excitement over the new product can serve as a fascinating measure of the impact of the product.

Nylon has remained in popular use since its invention, with the primary factory that manufactured the fibers actually being so influential on the chemical manufacturing industry that it has been historically recognized. Nylon’s chemical structure proved to be remarkably flexible and, therefore, applicable to many different uses.

In the modern day, nylon can be found in a number of products including nylon web slings, which utilize tightly interwoven nylon strands to provide a wide surface area of smooth lift. The nylon webbing is flexible enough that it will not tarnish surfaces or cut into softer materials. Many nylon slings are actually made up of multiple plies of nylon webbing, which gives them greatly increased strength.

In conclusion, nylon’s legacy as a synthetic fiber is remarkable, and understanding the history of the material can help you understand its use, its application, and which companies have the greatest history with the production of reliable nylon products. Nylon, in many ways, changed the world. It is still changing the world today by enabling productivity, safety, and quality on job sites in countries all around the world.

If you find yourself looking for new slings or heavy lift supplies, come visit our site at www.empirerigging.com. Our professional staff is well-informed on all of our products and is ready and waiting to help you find the equipment you need to get the job done right. We believe in legacies of quality products, so we sell American-made products from trustworthy manufacturers. Come see what we can do for you today!

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What Sets Synthetic Web Slings Apart From Other Slings?

One of the most important sets of knowledge you can master during a career in the heavy lift industry (or any industry that will utilize heavy lift equipment) is the understanding of the different types of slings that are appropriate for different jobs. One of the most important sling types to know and understand is synthetic web slings. These slings are likely to, at some point, be just what you need to get the job done right. Before you can understand synthetic web slings, though it’s important to understand some examples of job site situations that could demand different types of slings.

Why Are Different Sling Materials so Important? Sling material comes into play in two main ways on the job site. First off, not all materials used for slings have the same strength. A chain that might be appropriate for moving some lumber is unlikely to be strong enough to move steel girders. Secondly, though, certain materials can actually cause damage to the items being lifted if inappropriately used. Again, consider the example of the chains. Certain lumber, such as thinner planks of softwood, might sustain damage from being lifted with chains or metal cables, while steel is unlikely to be affected at all by slings made of those materials.

Considering these two factors, it becomes clear how different materials can have a big effect on the job at hand. Sling material needs to be considered in advanced and prepared for. It may be necessary to keep more than one type on hand when preparing for a job.

What Is a Synthetic Web Sling? Synthetic web slings are a type of lifting sling made using carefully interwoven polyester or nylon. They are designed to offer a larger surface area than most slings by having a wide but strong surface for lifting. There are a number of styles of web sling that vary the level of strength and the style of lift. Generally, though, synthetic slings are viable for loads of less than 5 tons at max, even at the higher end of the synthetic slings.

When and Why to Choose Synthetic Web Slings Web slings are useful in a number of situations, but they specialize in the lifting of delicate loads with rounded or graduated edges of medium weight. The synthetic webbing that makes up these slings is comparatively very gentle, meaning soft materials or materials vulnerable to scuffing and scrapes can be lifted safely. This fact makes synthetic slings very good for lifting façade pieces, for example, which are likely to need to preserve their exterior appearance in order to continue to fulfill their function.

One of the weaknesses of web slings is the fact that they can become damaged from sharp edges. Lifting rectangular loads with harsh corners can stress the material or damage it outright. As a result, reinforcement sleeves or alternate slings may be necessary when working with large rectangular objects. This is particularly true when working with higher-end weight loads.

Where to Purchase Quality Slings When buying a new sling, it’s important to purchase from a supplier you can trust. More so, it’s wise to choose a supplier that can help guide your decisions with professional, informed viewpoints. At www.empirerigging.com, we sell American-made products backed by a professional crew ready to help you get the equipment you need for the job. We stock America’s greatest brands and are ready to help you find a match that leaves you confident in the product you’ll be working with. If you’re ready to see what kind of synthetic slings are available to you, come see us right away.

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Quality Products and Brands: Crosby Turnbuckles

The nature of the heavy lift industry demands trustworthy, safe products. Trustworthy products come from trustworthy brands. If you’re looking to equip your worksite for the first time or are looking to replace your old turnbuckles it’s valuable to understand what brands can offer you the best products for each equipment type. In this article, we will explore Crosby turnbuckles, both their function as a product and the legacy of the brand. Understanding both sets of information will leave you feeling more confident in your search for equipment.

What Is a Turnbuckle? Crosby turnbuckles are designed to help manage heavy lift tension. Very simple in design, turnbuckles allow for the adjustment of cable tension in an easy, safe, and reliable manner. The most basic turnbuckle designs consist of two eye bolts whose threaded ends are each screwed into a frame in such a way that the frame can be turned around to adjust the tension without disrupting the alignment of the cables.

Crosby turnbuckles are, understandably, designed to help with the lifting of larger loads, and as a result tend to be larger, more heavily reinforced, and more carefully designed. However, the basic design concept is preserved, meaning that use is simple and straightforward.

What Makes Crosby Stand Out As a Brand? First off, Crosby is one of the oldest companies in the trade, having patents and innovations reaching back to the late 1800s. They continued to innovate all the way through the 1900s and into the modern day. Their remarkable resume includes a number of safety-focused developments including the beginning standard trend of rating products by Fatigue Rating and being the first company to forge load limit information directly onto their products to ensure safer workplaces.

In recent years especially, though, Crosby has set themselves apart as the company that focuses on delivering the most excellent customer experience possible. They make it part of their personality and brand to deliver good customer service, having a policy of training their employees to be knowledgeable experts of their products.

Additionally, Crosby has set themselves apart by leading the industry in technical training. Because of their long history and cumulative industry experience, Crosby is able to help encourage knowledgeability, safety, and quality via the training they sponsor and offer.

How Can I Learn How to Choose Crosby Turnbuckles? Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to learn about Crosby turnbuckles. Of course, heading directly to Crosby’s corporate website is a fantastic way to locate load tables, product specifications, and supplementary learning materials. It’s always a good idea to start with the manufacturer when hoping to learn more about a product, especially with a manufacturer as thorough as Crosby.

However, it is not always enough to parse through tables and documentation. Sometimes it can be very helpful to have direct, insightful guidance when hoping to select a product. One option to get this sort of guidance is to seek training offered by authorized distributors or even Crosby themselves. Training can be very valuable in increasing general industry knowledge, growing equipment knowledge, and getting connections for your work at the same time.

Not everyone has the time or money to invest in formal training, though. Thankfully, you can also seek out a knowledgeable authorized distributor with trained and professional staff who can help guide your choices. If you’re preparing to buy but need a little more information before you do, come see us today. Our website, www.empirerigging.com, offers easy contact information and a fantastic stock of American-made products, including Crosby products. We can help make sure your project is a brilliant, headache-free success.