CMCO Live

Over the past few weeks and months, our Chattanooga, Tennessee Forge Operations has been working vigorously to improve product quality and deliveries. As you have seen with our In-Stock Guarantee, we are committed to manufacturing the highest quality products in the market, stocking over 155 of our most popular chain and forged rigging attachment products and guaranteeing to  ship them in 3 business days.

We have some changes in progress which will result in even higher quality shackles. These changes include larger markings and a new shackle pin design.

Enhanced Identification Markings
The forged identification markings on our CM shackles will be the largest and most user-friendly on the market.  Some of the benefits of the larger and more legible lettering are:

• Improved operator safety by reducing the risk of users misreading or not being able to read important size and WLL information.

• Reduction in replacement costs by decreasing necessary out-of-service issues due to worn and illegible identification.
• Easier identification of the product as a CM shackle with a larger CM logo forged into the side.

Over time, all CM shackles will have this improved marking.

New Pins
We are also changing the shackle pins on our Screw Pin Anchor shackles (SPA) to provide more efficient thread fitting inside and outside of the shackle.

Both the Enhanced ID Markings and the New Pins will be running changes. Once we have depleted our existing shackle inventory, we will begin shipping these new shackles.

Keep your eyes open for these new shackles to hit the market soon!

Many of you work with chain and rigging equipment every day.  At Columbus McKinnon, the safe and proper use of all rigging products is a top priority. We have been busy developing training resources to help promote occupational safety with the products that we make, and the know-how we have garnered over the last 138 years (yes, you read that right!). This week, we decided to share our most popular rigging resources with you so that you have them available when you need them most.

Training & Product Videos
We have many videos available on our YouTube Channel to help you with critical tasks on the job.  In the following video, our Columbus McKinnon Training Department presents a walk-through of a proper pre-lift inspection of rigging equipment. This quick and easy routine is what every operator should do before they lift or move a load using rigging equipment. From proper assessment of the load weight and securing the work area to visually inspecting the rigging equipment for damage, this inspection routine will help make your lifting application safer.

Below is a list of other rigging videos available to you:
• Rigging Products from Columbus McKinnon
• CM Bundling Clip
• Columbus McKinnon Training Capabilities
• Sixth Wheel Ratchet by Dixie Industries

Free Safety Webinars
Have you attended any of our popular Chain & Rigging Safety webinars?
If not, you haven’t missed out. Our webinars were recorded and you can view them here:
• Proper Use of Shackles Webinar
• Chain Sling Inspection Webinar
• Rigging with Lever Tools Webinar
• Load Securement for Transportation Webinar

In-Person Safety Training
Nothing is a substitute for taking a classroom or hands-on training course. Our staff of full time instructors are product and safety professionals with over 100 years of combined experience. Our training courses are not sales pitches. They are intense learning experiences on overhead crane, hoists and rigging equipment. As you can see, our attendees gain very practical experience that they can apply immediately in their jobs.
Visit us at www.cmworks.com/training  more information and a complete training schedule.

In-Stock Guarantee (ISG)
Now that you have a resource for rigging training, you can get your rigging product. Columbus McKinnon is committed to shipping its most popular chain and forged attachment products in 3 days — and we guarantee it. We have just added 22 new items, raising our ISG inventory to over 155 products. Learn more about our In-stock Guarantee.

Now we want to know, how important is  rigging safety to you and your organization?

Anyone for a round of golf? I think we would have a few takers especially if it were to benefit a charity. Our Columbus McKinnon Damascus, Virginia Operations recently sponsored the first of what we hope will become an Annual Charity Golf Tournament to support the Justin Foundation.

What is the Justin Foundation?

The Justin Foundation is named after Justin Ernest Hamby who died on September 28, 2002, at the age of 19.  Justin had a difficult time in school due to a learning disability and was trying very hard to “fit in” somewhere. Despite having a supportive and loving family, Justin made a bad decision one night and died from a fatal dose of methadone.  The mission of the foundation is to reach out to youth in our community, just like Justin, who may be struggling and need guidance and support during the difficult teenage years.

“The Justin Foundation really called out to us. Being a small community, many people knew Justin and his family and some of our employees had family members or friends who had received support from the Justin Foundation,” according to Michael Pinson, Human Resources Manager for Columbus McKinnon Damascus, Virginia Operations.

Of Special Mention

The Columbus McKinnon Associates pictured above are playing at one of the holes sponsored by Blood Assurance.  We recently held a blood drive at our plant for their benefit.  All the golfers had a great time while raising a lot of money and awareness for an important cause.  After everything was tallied up, we raised approximately $3,750 for the Justin Foundation.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed their time and resources to make this event successful, especially the following local businesses:

Airgas Mid America, Alcorn Industrial Inc., Allstate Insurance, At Work, Atlas Gear Company, Blood Assurance, Bristol White Sox, Comfort Systems USA, Earle M Jorgensen Co., Electrocraft, Food Cuty, G&K  Services, Hamby Insurance & Financial Group LLC, Industrial Tool Services, Inc., J&B Janitorial Services, Kwik Kafe Of Tri-Cities, M S C Industrial Supply Corp., Master Gage & Tool Co., Master Model Craft Inc., Murphy, Inc., Office Place, Special-T- Manufacturing Corp, Triad Packaging Inc., and Virginia Highlands Community College.

Special thanks to Michael Pinson for sharing the story!

Columbus McKinnon has recently extended its offering of DNV Type Approved and Certified Shackles to meet the growing needs of the offshore oil and gas industry.  Backed by the strong CM brand name, these Bolt & Nut style carbon anchor shackles provide reliable performance in the harshest environments.

Below are a few key features of these shackles:

• Certified to meet DNV Standard 2.7-1 Offshore Containers Specifications
• Meet RR-C-271 & ISO 2415 performance requirements
• Heavy duty & built to last
• Innovative design
• Designed for use with chain, wire rope, and synthetic slings
• Available in capacities from 4-3/4 Tons to 25 Tons
• Made in the USA.

Did you know that our DNV shackles are manufactured in Tennessee? In accordance with the Buy American Act, we can provide you a Certificate of Compliance at your request. Learn more about the Buy American Act.

Download a DNV Shackle flyer or watch our video to discover more.

Jason asks:

Who is responsible for putting tags on chain slings?  Can I retag my chain slings with missing tags?  Do I have to load test a sling after I retag it?

Peter answers:

It is the sling manufacturer’s responsibility.  The sling manufacturer is a person or company assembling or fabricating sling components into their final form.  The sling manufacturer and the manufacturer of the sling materials may or may not be identical.  An end user who buys components and assembles them mechanically is the sling manufacturer. If the user does not know who the sling manufacturer is because the old tag fell off and went missing, then a decision needs to be made.  It is the user’s or rigger’s responsibility to maintain the tag and be sure it remains legible.  A rigger can not use a sling without a tag or when a tag is illegible or missing information.

A Question of Competency

Can the user properly inspect and retag the sling? For retagging, the user would need to start his own serial number for documentation purposes.  In doing so, this user would become the “sling manufacturer.”   This can only be done if the user is properly trained and deemed competent.  Per OSHA,  a person who tags a sling must be a competent person designated by the employer.  ASME B30.9 states: replacement of the sling identification shall be considered a repair.  Slings shall be repaired only by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.   A repair shall be marked to identify the repairing agency. To be considered competent and or qualified, the user should have some inspection experience and complete a rigging gear inspection course from a reputable training organization.

If the user feels they are not competent to properly inspect and retag the sling, they would need to send the sling out to a rigging house with a competent person for inspection and retagging.  That rigging house now becomes the “sling manufacturer.”  Tags must have information per OSHA 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings.  I have noted the key points below referencing both OSHA and ASME standards:

OSHA 1910.184(e)(1) Sling Identification
Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach.

ASME B30.9:  SECTION 9-1.7: Sling Identification
9-1.7.1 Identification Requirements

Each sling shall be marked to show:
(a) name or trademark of manufacturer
(b) grade
(c) nominal chain size
(d) number of legs
(e) rated loads for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based
(f) length (reach).

A load test is not required if a sling is made up of individual load tested components from the component manufacturer.  If the sling is always found in acceptable condition per ASME B30.9, OSHA 1910.184 and manufacturers’ recommendations, then the sling can remain in service without ever needing another load test performed.

Interested in getting trained? Learn more about our upcoming training classes.

History has proven the American-Made CM Super Strong Shackle is one of the most popular shackles on the market. Here are the top 5 reasons I think that’s true:

1. It’s Super Strong
That’s an obvious one, right? But in many cases, by using the Super Strong Shackle, you can use a smaller size shackle while maintaining the required strength and ductility. Our Super Strong Shackles are carbon type shackles which average 17%-50% greater strength than a comparable shackle. As a result of this strength, these shackles have a 6:1 design factor.

2. A Wide Product Offering
We have a full range of sizes and finishes in our Super Strong Shackle product offering.  Below are two brochures available for you to download. Our  CM Shackle Technical Brochure highlights performance characteristics and test data, and our Super Strong Shackle brochure features our complete Super Strong Shackle product offering.

3. Proud to be Compliant with the “Buy American Act”
Our chain and rigging attachments are made in the great state of Tennessee, USA. In accordance with the Buy American Act, we can provide you a Certificate of Compliance at your request. Learn more about the Buy American Act.

4. Meets RRC-271 Specifications
The Super Strong Shackle has to be de-rated to meet the specification of RRC- 271. What does this mean? The Super Strong Shackle has the same dimension of the standard carbon shackle that meets RRC 271, however, it’s much stronger. For example, a 1” CM Super Strong Shackle has a WLL of 10 ton, but RRC 271 requirements are 8-1/2. Because they exceed the requirements and are marked with higher strengths, the Super Strong Shackles cannot be represented as meeting RRC 271.

5. It’s In-Stock. We Guarantee It!
Columbus McKinnon is committed and prepared to ship our most popular chain and forged attachment products in 3 days – and we guarantee it! This is our In-Stock Guarantee (ISG). Currently, we offer more than 135 America-made Chain and Rigging Products that are guaranteed to be in stock and ready to ship.

Our In-Stock Guarantee features a number of popular Super Strong Shackles from 3/16” to 1”.
Check out our In-Stock Guarantee video

See our Rigging Products
If you plan to be at the AWRF General Meeting & PIE in Fort Worth, Texas on April 29th, please stop by our Booth 808 and say hello! We will be glad to show you our rigging offering first hand.

Check our our recent blog article: “What makes our American made Super Strong Shackle super?”

Hook tip loading is a common problem. While reading through one of our catalogs, Brian ran across our instructions and asked the following question,  “What does it mean to never insert a hook tip?”

Peter answers:

Hooks typically do not fit into an eyebolt or they don’t seat properly in the saddle of the hook.  This can cause side loading and weaken the strength of the eyebolt.  Inserting a hook directly into the eye of the bolt often results in “Tip Loading.”   A “tip load” would be any load on a hook that is not entirely or wholly seated in the saddle of the hook.  Tip loading subjects the hook to an overload and is never acceptable. It is recommended that a shackle be used to connect a hook to any eyebolt to prevent any unnecessary stress. Please see the below illustration for the correct procedure.

For additional reference, please review the ASME B30.10 Hooks  and B30.26 Rigging Hardware safety.

Sight and Sound Theatre, the largest faith-based theatre in America, partnered with Mountain Productions to complete a full and permanent hoist/motor installation at their Lancaster County, PA theatre.  Using all American Made chain hoists provided by Columbus McKinnon, Mountain Productions prepared and coordinated the package for ease of installation, while Motion Labs provided the electrics, controllers and programming. Sight and Sound continues its tradition of using the most state-of-the-art equipment to maintain the highest quality productions for which the theatre is famous.

D8+ Chain Hoists are the hoist of choice in theatre applications.

Sight and Sound selected our new model Lodestar D8 chain hoists, (1 ton -Model L - and 1/2 ton – Model F), featuring a double brake on each hoist.  The Lodestar D8 is legendary in the industry, and we have recently added several features to the hoist, further ensuring steady and reliable operation.

Along with the Lodestar D8 units, Prostar chain hoists were also installed. The Prostar is a lighter, quieter and more portable hoist that is designed for unique rigging applications in tight quarters. Combined, the Lodestar D8 and Prostar offer versatility, allowing for a variety of rigging configurations at the theatre.

The motor control and load monitoring systems were supplied by Motion Laboratories, a cutting edge company known for their high quality power distribution and motor control systems. The state-of-the-art PLC touchscreen system handles motor control and load monitoring at the theatre. The ability to program specific presets into the system makes the PLC an efficient motor control/load monitoring solution. Sight and Sound’s professional riggers will be able to lower and raise loads with ease, and rely on the system’s precision to always keep equipment on point.  Load Cells will be used for accurate load monitoring, supporting the safety of the system.

New rigging grid reduces maintenance time and show preparation.

One of the key benefits of this system is the amount of time the theatre will save on maintenance and preparation for shows. Glen Broderson from Sight and Sound led his team in making the decision to install the new rigging grid. He expressed how much easier it will be to pinpoint individual electrics for maintenance thanks to the soft limit system. This also makes prep time between productions quicker and more convenient. “With the new system, going from a 40 ft trim to a 30 ft trim is just a push of a few buttons,” Glen shared. The whole process has been valuable to Glen and his team.  Everyone is excited to see how the theatre will use the installation in future productions.

Sight and Sound Theatre

Always striving to push the envelope with new technology and productions, the Sight and Sound Theatre remains an innovator in the theatrical industry. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, consider checking out their latest production of Noah. 

Thank you to Mountain Productions, for sharing this application story and to the Sight & Sound Theatre  for use of their photography.  For more original photos of this installation, check out  Mountain Productions’ Blog.

We are changing the way we do business.
Changes that not only affect Columbus McKinnon and our Channel Partners, but the entire material handling industry.

We are committed, and now prepared, to ship our most popular chain and forged attachment products in 3 days – and we guarantee it. This is our In-Stock Guarantee (ISG). This is not a promotion, but a new industry-changing way of doing business.

The ISG business model has been developed from the top down, with a focus on providing best-in-class service and the most popular chain and forged attachment products that our end-users use every day. For our Channel Partners and distributors, it means that they can reduce their inventory while increasing their cash flow. It also means that they’ll be able to deliver products to their customers on time, every time.

Currently, Columbus McKinnon offers more than 135 chain and rigging products that are guaranteed to be in stock and ready to ship — and made in America.

Watch our video to learn more about the In-Stock Guarantee, and meet some of the hard-working CMCO Associates who are committed to ship in 3 days.

Richard asks:

What is the working load limit of a ½ “ – G80 2-legged chain sling when both legs are used in a choke?

Peter answers:

The first thing that you want to do is to look at how the choke is rigged or rendered.  Working load limits shown on charts or tags for vertical chokes are based on the angle of choke being 120 degrees or greater.  If there is less than a 120 degree angle of choke, the choke rating must be reduced further. Once we determine the correct choke rating, we can take into account the angle of loading.

First you take the choke rating and multiply it by the SIN of the angle x 2 = Rating of a two leg sling used in a choke.

Example: 
Our charts show that ½” grade 80 chain is good for 9,600 lbs when pulled vertically with a choke hitch of 120 degrees or greater.   Let’s assume when this double sling is rigged at a 60 degree angle it has a choke hitch of 120 degrees or greater.   Our working load limit for this sling is 9600 lbs x .866 ( sin of 60 degrees) = 8314 lbs x 2 legs = 16628 lbs.

Another way is to take the rating of the sling at a 60 degree angle and reduce it by 20%. Again assuming 120 degree angle of choke, ½” Grade 80 double sling chain is good for 20,800 lbs  (at a 60 degree angle)  x .8 (20% reduction):  rating: 16640 lbs.

Our first example is a little more conservative.

If you want to learn more about rigging, check out our rigging training.