Hooks
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Professional Hooks & Rigging Hardware
Hooks are essential rigging hardware used to create secure attachment points, connect loads, and facilitate lifting and rigging operations. From snap hooks and safety hooks to cargo hooks and specialized rigging hooks, these versatile connectors play critical roles in climbing, rigging, material handling, and industrial applications. US Rigging offers a comprehensive selection of professional-grade hooks in various styles, sizes, and load capacities to meet the demands of riggers, climbers, arborists, and industrial workers who require reliable hardware for safe, efficient operations.
Types of Hooks
Snap Hooks
Spring-loaded hooks with a gate that snaps closed, providing quick connections for lanyards, lifelines, and climbing systems. Available in locking and non-locking varieties for different safety requirements.
Key Features:
- Spring-loaded gate for quick attachment
- Locking and non-locking options
- Various sizes and load capacities
- Steel or aluminum construction
- Ideal for fall protection and climbing systems
- Easy one-handed operation
- Available with swivel eyes to prevent twisting
Common Types:
- Locking Snap Hooks: Auto-locking or screw-gate for critical connections
- Non-Locking Snap Hooks: Quick connections for non-critical applications
- Swivel Snap Hooks: Rotating eye prevents line twisting
- Double-Locking Snap Hooks: Two-stage locking for maximum security
Safety Hooks
Heavy-duty hooks designed with safety latches or gates to prevent accidental disengagement. Essential for rigging, lifting, and material handling where load security is critical.
Key Features:
- Safety latch prevents accidental release
- High load capacity for rigging operations
- Forged steel construction for strength
- Various throat openings for different applications
- Swivel or fixed eye options
- Meets rigging and lifting standards
Types:
- Eye Hooks: Fixed or swivel eye for attachment
- Clevis Hooks: Clevis pin attachment for slings and chains
- Grab Hooks: Narrow throat for chain links
- Slip Hooks: Wide throat for easy chain attachment
Cargo Hooks
Large, heavy-duty hooks designed for securing and lifting cargo, equipment, and materials. Common in transportation, construction, and material handling applications.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty construction for large loads
- Wide throat opening for straps and chains
- Safety latch or keeper prevents release
- Forged steel for maximum strength
- Various sizes and capacities
- Ideal for tie-down and cargo securing
Rigging Hooks
Specialized hooks for rigging operations including choker hooks, foundry hooks, and sorting hooks. Designed for specific rigging applications and load configurations.
Types:
- Choker Hooks: Designed for choker hitch rigging configurations
- Foundry Hooks: High-temperature applications in foundries
- Sorting Hooks: Narrow design for sorting and handling materials
- Sling Hooks: Optimized for use with synthetic and wire rope slings
Climbing & Arborist Hooks
Specialized hooks for climbing, tree work, and rope access applications. Designed for lighter loads and specific climbing system requirements.
Types:
- Lanyard Hooks: Connect lanyards to harnesses and anchor points
- Tool Hooks: Secure tools and equipment while working at height
- Rope Hooks: Temporary attachment points for ropes and lines
- Pruner Hooks: Specialized hooks for arborist tools
Common Applications
Fall Protection & Safety
- Lanyard connections to harnesses
- Lifeline attachments
- Anchor point connections
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Positioning lanyards
Rigging & Lifting
- Sling and chain connections
- Load lifting and positioning
- Rigging configurations
- Material handling
- Heavy equipment rigging
Arborist & Tree Care
- Lanyard attachments
- Tool securing and tethering
- Rigging and lowering operations
- Climbing system connections
- Equipment organization
Transportation & Cargo
- Cargo tie-down and securing
- Strap and chain connections
- Load securing in trucks and trailers
- Equipment transport
- General cargo handling
Choosing the Right Hook
Key Considerations
- Application: Fall protection, rigging, cargo securing, or climbing
- Load Capacity: Ensure hook is rated for your maximum expected load
- Locking Mechanism: Locking required for fall protection and critical connections
- Material: Steel for strength and durability, aluminum for light weight
- Throat Opening: Must accommodate your straps, chains, or ropes
- Gate Type: Spring-loaded, screw-gate, or auto-locking based on application
- Swivel vs. Fixed: Swivel prevents twisting, fixed is simpler and often stronger
- Certifications: Ensure hook meets applicable standards (OSHA, ANSI, ASME)
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel or coated hooks for harsh environments
Application-Specific Recommendations
- Fall Protection: Locking snap hooks meeting ANSI Z359 standards
- Rigging & Lifting: Safety hooks with latches, rated for load capacity
- Cargo Securing: Heavy-duty cargo hooks with safety keepers
- Arborist Work: Locking snap hooks for lanyards, appropriate for tree work
- Marine Applications: Stainless steel or galvanized hooks for corrosion resistance
Safe Hook Use
Safety Guidelines
- Proper Loading: Load hooks along the spine, never side-load
- Gate Closure: Ensure gate is fully closed and locked before loading
- Load Limits: Never exceed rated working load limit
- Inspection: Inspect before each use for damage or wear
- Correct Application: Use hooks only for intended purposes
- Avoid Shock Loading: Prevent sudden impacts or dynamic loads
- Safety Latches: Ensure safety latches function properly and are engaged
- Proper Attachment: Attach to appropriate anchor points or equipment
Critical Safety Warnings
- Never Side-Load: Side-loading dramatically reduces hook strength
- Locking Required: Use locking hooks for all fall protection connections
- Gate Must Close: Never use a hook if the gate doesn't close completely
- No Modifications: Never modify, weld, or alter hooks
- Avoid Point Loading: Don't load hooks on the point or tip
- Check Compatibility: Ensure hook size matches attachment point
Understanding Hook Ratings
Load Ratings & Standards
- Working Load Limit (WLL): Maximum load hook should support during normal use
- Breaking Strength: Load at which hook will fail (typically 5x WLL for rigging)
- Safety Factor: Ratio of breaking strength to working load limit
- Gate Strength: Strength when gate is closed vs. open (significantly lower when open)
Important: Always use hooks within their rated working load limit. The safety factor accounts for dynamic loads, wear, and other factors. Never use breaking strength as a working load.
Applicable Standards
- ANSI Z359: Fall protection equipment including snap hooks
- OSHA 1926.502: Fall protection requirements for construction
- ASME B30.26: Rigging hardware standards
- ASTM: Material and testing standards for hooks
- Manufacturer Specifications: Always follow manufacturer guidelines
Inspection & Maintenance
Inspection Guidelines
- Before Each Use: Visually inspect for cracks, deformation, or damage
- Gate Function: Ensure gate opens and closes smoothly and locks properly
- Wear Patterns: Check for excessive wear, especially at load-bearing points
- Corrosion: Look for rust, pitting, or corrosion
- Deformation: Check for bending, twisting, or stretching
- Safety Latch: Verify latch functions correctly and isn't damaged
- Throat Opening: Ensure throat hasn't been stretched or deformed
- Markings: Verify load rating and identification markings are legible
Retirement Criteria - Retire Hook If:
- Cracks, deformation, or structural damage visible
- Gate doesn't close or lock properly
- Excessive wear, grooves, or sharp edges present
- Hook has been shock loaded or overloaded
- Throat opening has been stretched or deformed (more than 10% typically)
- Corrosion or pitting compromises structural integrity
- Safety latch is damaged or doesn't function
- Hook has been modified, welded, or altered
- Load rating markings are illegible
- Any doubt exists about hook integrity
Hooks are critical safety components. When in doubt, retire it.
Care & Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean with mild soap and water. Remove dirt and debris
- Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricant to gate mechanism and moving parts
- Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from chemicals and moisture
- Corrosion Prevention: Keep steel hooks dry and consider protective coatings
- Avoid Contamination: Keep away from acids, solvents, and corrosive materials
- Proper Use: Use only for intended purposes and within rated capacities
- Documentation: Maintain inspection records for professional applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a snap hook and a carabiner?
Snap hooks have a spring-loaded gate that snaps closed and are typically used for fall protection lanyards and lifelines. Carabiners are more versatile connectors used in climbing and rigging with various gate styles. For fall protection, snap hooks must meet ANSI Z359 standards. Both serve as connectors but are optimized for different applications and have different strength characteristics.
When do I need a locking snap hook?
OSHA and ANSI standards require locking snap hooks for personal fall arrest systems to prevent accidental disengagement. Use locking snap hooks for all critical fall protection connections including lanyard-to-harness, lanyard-to-anchor, and lifeline connections. Non-locking hooks may only be used for non-critical applications like tool tethering.
How do I know what size hook I need?
Consider two factors: load capacity and throat opening. The hook must be rated for your maximum expected load (check WLL rating). The throat opening must be large enough to fit your attachment point (strap, chain, D-ring, etc.) but not so large that the connection can shift or rotate improperly. Consult manufacturer specifications for both ratings.
Can I use rigging hooks for fall protection?
No, unless specifically rated and certified for fall protection. Rigging hooks and fall protection hooks have different design criteria and standards. Fall protection hooks must meet ANSI Z359 standards and are designed for the specific forces involved in fall arrest. Always use equipment certified for your specific application.
What causes hook failure?
Common causes include overloading beyond rated capacity, side-loading (loading perpendicular to the spine), using hooks with open or damaged gates, corrosion weakening, fatigue from repeated loading, shock loading, and using damaged or worn hooks. Always inspect before use, load properly, and retire damaged hooks immediately.
Professional Hooks & Rigging Hardware from US Rigging
US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience, we offer professional-grade hooks from trusted manufacturers, all meeting or exceeding applicable safety standards for fall protection, rigging, and industrial applications.
Our hook collection includes locking and non-locking snap hooks, safety hooks, cargo hooks, rigging hooks, and specialized hooks for climbing and arborist work. Whether you need ANSI-certified snap hooks for fall protection, heavy-duty rigging hooks for lifting operations, cargo hooks for tie-down applications, or specialized hooks for tree work, we have the certified hardware and expertise to meet your requirements.
Browse our hook selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade hooks and rigging hardware you can depend on for safe, reliable connections.