Rigging comes from the Norwegian word “rigga” which means to bind or wrap up. It was a nautical term, but as buildings and structures became much taller, the word has become common in construction.
Boat rigging
Boat rigging is divided into two classes, standing and running rigging. Standing rigging supports the mast and running rigging is used to manage the orientation of the boat by controlling the sails. The ropes used in boats were made of manila or hemp and the tackle or hardware usually made of wood and brass.
Modern rigging
Wire rope was invented at the dawn of the industrial revolution in Germany. It was developed to support mining applications. As engineers first used this technology go deep into the earth, it was also used to reach up into the sky and across rivers through the development of modern suspension bridges.
Along with the wire, more complex and purpose built hardware was developed. The Crosby group, which was launched in 1836 has been a leader in rigging for over 180 years.
Many construction contracts specify “Crosby Rigging Only” or “Crosby Rigging or Equal” in their agreements. Crosby Rigging is considered a standard in the industry and is regarded for its engineering efficiency.
Types of rigging
There is rigging to hold wires or to fasten them such as shackles, hooks, links, rings eye bolts, swage sockets, turnbuckles, load binders and wire rope clips, these are analogous to standing rigging in nautical terms.
Then there is rigging to manipulate, hoist, or manage other objects such as snatch blocks, sheaves, crane blocks, tackle blocks and construction blocks.
If you are going up down or sideways for any distance, you are bound to run into Crosby rigging solutions. Either aiding in the construction or incorporated into the structure. Crosby has been standing for nearly 200 years, and they rest proudly on their solid reputation.