BLP BLOG

A practical, standards-minded guide for selecting an overhead crane system—and the hoist + rigging gear that makes it safe, efficient, and compliant. Many teams use “overhead crane” to mean the complete bridge crane system (runway, bridge, trolley, controls) plus the items you buy most often—hoists, trolleys, slings, shackles, hooks, and below-the-hook devices. Lifting.com is especially strong on the equipment you spec, replace, and use every day (hoists + pullers, bea…

A Buyer’s Guide to Blocks & Snatch Blocks If you’re lifting or pulling serious weight, you’re usually not looking for a light-duty “pulley.” You’re looking for a rigging block or a snatch block—built for industrial loads, wire rope, and real jobsite conditions. In this guide you’ll learn: What “heavy-duty pulley” really means in rigging terms (blocks vs. pulleys) How to choose the right block/snatch block for your load and line…

Rigging + Below-the-Hook Devices A spreader bar (often called a spreader beam in product catalogs) is used when you need to control sling angles, protect the load, and stabilize a lift—especially on long, flexible, or multi-pick loads. Shop Spreader Bars + Beams Read: What Does a Spreader Bar Do? Quick Decision: Use a Spreader Bar When… You need wider sling separation to reduce sling loading from tight angles. The load is long, flexible, or prone to bending (pipe, panels,…

A practical, standards-minded guide for selecting and rigging a snatch block to redirect a line, increase pulling efficiency, and reduce strain on your equipment—without guesswork. Quick answer Inspect the block and rigging, confirm load/line ratings, choose the correct connection point, open the side plate, seat the rope/wire rope fully in the sheave groove, close and secure the pin/side plate, then tension the system slowly while watching for side-loading, misalignment, and snag point…