What is rigging hardware?
Rigging hardware refers to the essential components used to connect, secure, lift, tension, and control wire rope systems across demanding industrial environments. Rigging hardware forms the backbone of safe and efficient lifting, marine, construction, and heavy-industry operations. Designed to withstand extreme forces and variable loads, these components ensure that every connection performs reliably.
From securing offshore structures to stabilizing architectural cables, the components play a critical role in keeping operations safe, aligned, and fully controlled. High-quality hardware enhances system durability, improves operational precision, and ensures long-term safety in environments where every detail matters.
Why rigging hardware is essential for your operation
Rigging hardware is engineered to deliver maximum safety, operational efficiency, and structural stability. Immediately after installation, these components secure wire ropes and transfer loads safely across complex systems. Whether you are working with cranes, offshore rigs, industrial machinery, or infrastructure projects, rigging hardware provides the foundation for controlled movement and secure load handling.
Key benefits:
- Enhanced safety through secure load transfer and high-strength construction
- Operational efficiency with quick installation, minimal downtime, and easy maintenance
- Compatibility with wire ropes, steel cables, and structural connections
- Flexibility in applications ranging from lifting to tensioning
- Durability engineered to withstand corrosion, abrasion, vibration, and heavy loads
Reliable rigging hardware helps prevent misalignment, slippage, and structural stress. This ensures safe, predictable performance across all critical operations.
Rigging hardware by Global Rope Fittings
At Global Rope Fittings, rigging hardware is engineered with precision and designed for extreme environments, from turbulent offshore conditions to high-load crane systems. Every AqualLine product is manufactured using high-strength materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure reliability under pressure.
Our decades of engineering experience allow us to support clients with both standard and fully custom solutions.
Applications of rigging hardware
Rigging hardware is used in industries where strength, stability, and safety are mission-critical. For real-world examples of how our products perform in demanding environments, explore our projects and applications.
Construction & Infrastructure
- Stabilizing and tensioning architectural cables
- Supporting bridges, stadiums, and lifting systems
- Ensuring reliable load-bearing performance in structural frameworks
Marine & Offshore
- Securing mooring lines and subsea structures
- Tensioning marine rigging in corrosive environments
- Providing reliable connections for offshore cranes and support systems
Cranes & Lifting Systems
- Safe load transfer during heavy lifting
- Maintaining alignment and tension in crane wire ropes
- Enhancing the reliability and efficiency of rigging assemblies
Mining & Heavy Industry
- Supporting high-load transport systems
- Stabilizing cables and anchor points in rugged conditions
- Ensuring consistent performance under extreme wear and changing loads
Wherever reliability, precision, and endurance are essential, rigging hardware delivers the safety and performance required to keep operations running.
Types of rigging hardware we offer
Global Rope Fittings provides a comprehensive range of rigging hardware, engineered to meet diverse mechanical and environmental demands across industries.
Spelter sockets
Used for permanent, high-load terminations where maximum strength and reliability are essential. Ideal for offshore, construction, and heavy-lifting applications.
Global Rope Fittings offers four specialized types of spelter sockets, each engineered for specific operational requirements:
- Adjustable open spelter sockets: providing controlled adjustment while maintaining a permanent, high-strength termination.
- Closed spelter sockets: designed for maximum security and fully enclosed, permanent connections.
- Open spelter sockets: offering a strong yet accessible connection point for rigging components.
- Open strand spelter sockets: suitable for applications where strand visibility and inspection are required.
Key advantages:
- Extreme load-bearing capacity
- Permanent connection for long-term installations
- High resistance to corrosion and abrasion
Wedge sockets
Perfect for applications requiring adjustability, quick installation, and frequent reeving. Widely used in crane systems and industrial environments.
Global Rope Fittings offers three dedicated types of wedge sockets, each designed to meet specific operational needs:
- Open wedge sockets: enabling fast installation and easy rope adjustment, ideal for dynamic lifting and rigging applications.
- Open wedge sockets with integrated tail clamp: providing additional security by preventing wedge movement during peak or shock loads.
- Closed wedge sockets: offering a fully enclosed eye for more permanent or high-stability connections while retaining the benefits of reusability.
Key advantages:
- Fast installation without special tools
- Reusable and adjustable
- Ideal for environments with repeated load cycles (lifting and rigging operations)
Turnbuckle (adjustable) sockets
Combining socket strength with fine-tuned tension control, adjustable sockets are essential for structural cable systems and precise length adjustment.
Global Rope Fittings offers turnbuckle sockets in two configurations: open and closed.
- Open turnbuckle sockets allow for easy connection to external rigging components and are particularly suited for applications where accessibility and adjustment speed are important.
- Closed turnbuckle sockets provide a fully enclosed termination, offering increased stability and security in structural and long-term installations.
Key advantages:
- Controlled tensioning
- Compatible with a wide range of wire rope diameters
- Engineered for high-stress applications
Wire rope clips & thimbles
Supporting safe terminations and protecting rope integrity in lifting and securing operations.
Global Rope Fittings supplies both wire rope clips and solid wire rope thimbles as reliable supporting components within complete wire rope assemblies.
- Wire rope clips are used to create temporary or adjustable terminations by securing the free end of a wire rope. When correctly installed, they provide a practical and flexible solution for non-permanent applications.
- Solid wire rope thimbles are designed to protect the rope eye against abrasion, deformation, and premature wear. By maintaining the correct bend radius, thimbles significantly extend the service life of wire rope terminations.
Key advantages:
- Reinforced rope loops
- Prevention of wear and deformation
- Suitable for a wide range of rope constructions
Triangle plates
Our heavy duty triangle plates are designed to distribute loads evenly and ensure secure lifting configurations.
Key advantages:
- High-strength construction
- Reliable load control in multi-leg assemblies
- Suitable for heavy industrial lifting
Custom-made rigging hardware
For unique challenges, from non-standard loads to specialized dimensions, we engineer custom solutions tailored to exact project specifications.
Key advantages:
- Tailored geometry and load ratings
- Material selection for extreme environments
- Full engineering support from concept to installation
How rigging hardware works in wire rope systems
Rigging hardware functions as the connection, support, and load-transfer point within a wire rope system. Each component works to secure, stabilize, or adjust tension based on operational requirements.
How they enhance system performance:
- Distributes forces safely across structural components
- Minimizes stress and vibration in variable environments
- Ensures precise alignment of cables and load paths
- Allows adjustable or permanent terminations depending on the application
- Improves safety margins through engineered load control
This synergy between hardware and wire rope is essential for lifting, suspending, securing, or tensioning loads in high-risk environments.
Advantages of rigging hardware by Global Rope Fittings
Global Rope Fittings stands out through a combination of engineering excellence, technical expertise, and customer-focused service.
Engineered for extreme environments: Our components are designed for offshore storms, heavy industrial loads, and harsh marine conditions, where every connection counts.
Premium materials: We use corrosion-resistant, high-strength steels that ensure longevity and consistent performance under extreme stress.
Rigorous testing & certification: Every component undergoes extensive testing to meet or exceed industry standards.
Tailored solutions: For complex or unique installations, we provide fully custom-engineered hardware.
Fast response & delivery: In line with our core USP’s:
- Response within 24 hours
- Short delivery times
- Dedicated technical support
FAQs about rigging hardware
What is rigging hardware used for?
Rigging hardware is used to connect, lift, secure, and tension wire rope systems in industries such as marine, offshore, construction, crane operations, mining, and infrastructure.
What types of components do I need for my application?
This depends on load requirements, rope diameter, environmental conditions, and whether the termination must be permanent or adjustable. Our team can advise based on your specifications.
Is your rigging hardware suitable for offshore use?
Yes. All our AqualLine components are engineered using corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials designed for extreme marine and offshore environments.
Can they be reused?
Some components, such as wedge sockets, can be reused if inspected correctly. Permanent solutions like spelter sockets should not be reused, which is why you should always consult a specialist first.
Do you offer custom rigging hardware?
Absolutely. We engineer custom solutions for projects requiring special materials, non-standard sizes, or unique performance characteristics.
Contact us for rigging hardware
Looking for premium rigging hardware engineered for maximum safety and performance? Whether you need standard sockets, lifting hardware, wire rope accessories, or a fully customized solution, our experts are ready to support your project from start to finish. Contact us for your rigging hardware.