A hoist ring is a special type of heavy-duty lifting ring that’s used in conjunction with a hoist to lift or lower a load. Whether driven by electricity or pressurized gas/air, hoists require the use of a ring to perform their intended operation. Known as a hoist ring, it allows the hoist’s chain or rope to connect to the object being lifted. While there are other ways to lift heavy loads using a hoist, a hoist ring is particularly useful because of its unique design. If you’d rather watch this article than read please check out our Youtube video of this article.
The Basics of Hoist Rings
As shown in the image above, a hoist ring is a relatively simple device resembling a common eye nut. Unlike eye nuts, however, they feature a horizontal pin in addition to a metal loop. Eye nuts consist entirely of a metal loop, with an open screw thread at the bottom that’s used to fasten the eye nut to the load. In comparison, hoist rings consist of a semi-circular metal loop. The open section of the hoist ring’s metal look features a horizontal pin that runs through a separate body screw.
How Hoist Rings Are Used
When preparing to raise or lower a heavy load, companies often use hoist rings. Depending on factors such as the weight of the load, size of the load, material of the load, type of hoist being used to lift the load and more, anywhere from one to a half-dozen hoist rings may be used — sometimes even more for particularly large or heavy loads. If a single hoist ring is being used, it’s typically secured to the top center of the load. A screw is driven through the center of the hoist ring and into the top of the load.
If multiple hoist rings are used, on the other hand, they are typically secured to the load in different areas. If four hoist rings are used, for example, each of the four rings may be secured in each of the four corners on the top of the load.
Swivel vs Non-Swivel Hoist Rings
Hoist rings may have either a static or swiveling base. Swivel hoist rings are often preferred because of their ability to freely rotate. When a load is lifted or lowered, wind gusts may cause it to turn. If a non-swivel hoist ring is used, the chain or rope to which the load is connected will twist together. As this happens, it stresses the chain or rope while increasing the risk of failure. Swivel hoist rings solve this problem by allowing the load to rotate back and forth without the chain or rope twisting.