What’s a lift hook?

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A lifting hook is a sturdy, question mark-shaped implement used to attach heavy objects to ropes or chains in order to lift them. Typically, a lifting hook is made of metal. Some types have an open hook, while others close once hooked onto the object they are using to lift.
The exact shape of a lifting hook can vary depending on its intended use. Grab hooks are designed to hold a chain link, while slide hooks are designed to slide the chain through them. Grab hooks are usually both lighter and smaller. Slip hooks are often made with a catch to keep the attached object in place.

The opposite end to a lifting hook can be designed differently depending on how it will attach to the rope or chain. An eye hook has a hoop on the end through which a string can be threaded. A hinged hook has a U-shaped end with holes in the top of each branch of the U. A small pin can be slid through these holes and secured so that a cable or other piece of equipment can be securely fastened. A shank hook ends in a straight bar that can be inserted into a hole in another tool.

Lifting hooks are rated by the weight they can handle. They are often marked with numbers indicating their load capacity as well as the angle and distance between the hook point and other parts of the hook. These numbers allow you to check the integrity of a hook after use. Experts recommend that lifting hooks be inspected regularly for cracks, chemical damage, bending, or straightening.

Various types of equipment use lifting hooks, including cranes, forklifts, and hoists. Typically, a load is not hung directly from a lifting hook on one of these machines. Instead, a sling is secured under and around the object being lifted. The sling is then attached to the hook, which is positioned directly above the load’s center of gravity. This helps distribute the load evenly and keep the object stable and level as it is being lifted.

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