The efficiency and safety of your heavy duty rigging hook and lifting operations depend mainly on the type, lbs. capacity, and grade of crane hooks you choose. This blog post will explore diferent crane hooks and their uses and benefits.
We will also highlight some of Crosby Airpes’ most innovative products, supplies, and items designed to improve the lifting experience for multiple industries.
With the right lift hook and below-the-hook equipment, you can optimize your lifting operations and ensure the safety of your employees.
What is a crane hook?
A crane hook is a piece of lifting equipment used to attach loads to a crane or hoist. It is designed to securely hold and lift heavy loads while allowing easy connection and disconnection of the load. Some crane hooks may have a self-locking system (hook with latch) latch for increased security.
Crane hooks are typically made of high-strength steel or alloy and are engineered to withstand the stresses and strains of lifting operations. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the application and the weight of the load.
Different types of lifting hooks for cranes
Choosing the right lift hook for your lifting equipment is as important as choosing the right shackles, winches, slings, or hoists. You can find different models of hook cranes depending on their shape, manufacture, or functionality.
Industrial lifting hooks differ in two main ways:
- The top attachment mechanism determines how the hook attaches to the crane or hoist.
- The shape of the hook body influences the load capacity of the hook and its suitability for specific lifting applications.
Crane hooks according to their shape
Depending on their shape, crane hooks can be categorized into single and double. Single crane hooks are suitable for machines with loads of up to 75 tons. Regardless of the type, they are simple and easy to use. On the other hand, double crane hooks are similar in design but offer superior support for heavier loads over 75 tons.
Closed and semi-closed crane hooks
When it comes to hook attachments, you can choose between closed and semi-closed crane lifting hook types.
Closed crane hooks provide the highest level of safety and load capacity, but are more difficult and time-consuming to use.
Semi-closed crane hooks bridge the gap by offering increased security levels than standard lifting hooks, while being relatively easier to attach and remove than closed hooks.
Crane hooks according to their manufacturing
- Based on their manufacturing methods and target industry, crane hooks can be forged and laminated.
- Forged crane hooks are made from a single piece of high quality low carbon steel, drop forged and slowly cooled for optimal stress resistance. They are simple to manufacture and use, with easy installation.
- Laminated crane hooks, on the other hand, are made of multiple steel plates riveted together for higher stress resistance and increased safety. These hooks are designed to continue working even if some parts are damaged.
Popular lift hook types
There are many types of crane hooks, both in design and finish (painted, powder coated, galvanized, stainless steel…).
Depending on your industry and needs, you can combine different rigging and crane hook types to create the kit you need.
Here is the list of the most common crane hooks:
- Eye Hooks
Eye hooks feature a secure loop or “eye” at the top, making it easy to connect them to slings, latches, or other lifting accessories. They are ideal for general lifting tasks and compatible with a wide range of rigging equipment. - Clevis Slip Hooks
These hooks have a U-shaped connection point with a removable pin, allowing quick and secure attachments. Clevis slip hooks are commonly used with chain slings and wire rope slings, offering versatility and ease of use. - Swivel Hooks
Built with a rotating mechanism, swivel hooks allow the hook to spin (swivel) freely, reducing twisting and stress on the load and rigging, making them perfect for applications where loads must be turned or maneuvered during lifting. - Sorting Hooks
Designed with a long, narrow point to slip into easily and sort through loads such as logs, pipes, or bundled materials. They are commonly used in forestry, construction, and material handling industries. - Foundry Hooks
Foundry hooks have a wide throat and a notched or flattened tip, allowing them to handle large, bulky loads without slipping. They offer peerless performance for foundries, steel mills, and other heavy industries. - J-Hooks
Featuring a classic J-shape, J-hooks are well-suited for lifting and securing loads with curved or rounded surfaces, such as pipes, tubes, or tires. They are often used in transport and automotive applications. - Grab Hooks
With a narrow throat and clevis attachment, grab hooks are designed to hold chains tightly in place. They are typically used in chain sling assemblies and for load binding in transport and logistics. - Drum / Barrel Hooks
Specifically designed for lifting and handling drums, barrels, and similar cylindrical They securely grip the rim or chime of the container, allowing for safe and efficient material handling.
Crosby Airpes’ lifting hooks for cranes
Crosby-Airpes can install any type of crane hook on your existing lifting devices.
C-Hook
Crosby Airpes’ C-Hooks are designed for lifting and handling heavy loads in industries such as steel mills, ports, and manufacturing facilities. These hooks are engineered to provide a safe and efficient method for lifting and moving large coils, slabs, and other heavy materials. Crane hooks are available in various capacities and sizes, ensuring a perfect solution for your specific lifting needs.
Discover more about the C-Hook for lifting metal coils.
Weighing Hooks
Crosby Airpes’ Weighing Hooks are a game-changer for industries that require precise weight measurements of their loads.
These hooks have an integrated load cell that accurately measures the weight of the load during lifting operations. It can be set up to work on kgs, ton, or lbs. This real-time weighing feature eliminates the need for separate weighing equipment and increases efficiency in logistics, construction, and other industries where accurate weight measurement is critical.
Hook Block Scale
The Crosby Airpes Hook Block Scale is an innovative lifting solution that combines a high quality lifting hook and an integrated weighing system. The hook’s digital display allows easy weight monitoring in kgs and lbs during lifting operations, ensuring safety and efficiency. This versatile product is perfect for various applications, including logistics, construction, and manufacturing.
Lifting Clamps
Lifting clamps (also known as lifting tongs) allow the lift of beams and horizontal objects, firmly clamping the object for the lift. We can design the lifting clamps hydraulically or mechanically powered depending on the capabilities you need.
Motorized Rotating Hook Block
Our Motorized Rotation Hook Block is a more powerful and precise version of the classic Swivel Hook because it comes with motorized capabilities. If you need to fully control the rotation and it’s a heavy item to lift, maybe this is the solution you need.
Crosby Airpes: your supplier of custom lift hooks and below-the-hook equipment
Above: crane trolley with a double sheave lifting hook. This lifting system allows lifts up to 12 ton (24,000 lbs)
Crosby Airpes is a leading manufacturer and supplier of lifting hooks and below-the-hook equipment.
Any of the crane hooks listed above can be combined with any of our lifting solutions to suit to your industry, such as:
With our extensive experience and commitment to innovation, we provide top-quality lifting solutions and handling solutions to various industries worldwide, such as wind energy, logistics and shipping, and metallurgy.
Our products are designed to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity in lifting operations, ensuring our customers receive the best value for their investment. Our consultancy team can also help you with hook crane service, repairs, and supplies.
If you are looking for the perfect crane hook, lifting hook, or other below-the-hook equipment, look no further than Crosby Airpes. Our sales team is here to help you.
