In this article, we present the essential tools and best practices to ensure optimal performance and safety when using our wide selection of rigging devices: the Transport Anchor, the Mini Yoke, the Yoke 1T, the Yoke 5T, and the Yoke XL. Learn the do’s and don’ts to maximize efficiency and safety in your rigging operations. For more detailed guidance on choosing the right rigging device for your specific needs, refer to our previous article, “MTC Solutions Rigging Devices—How to Pick the Right Ones?”
Approximately 5-minute reading time.
Essential Rigging Tools
To ensure safety and performance, our anchors must be installed with ASSY self-tapping screws and driver bit, in accordance with our design guides (Rigging Design Guide and Structural Screw Catalog) developed by our team of engineers:
ASSY SK
ASSY VG CSK
ASSY Kombi LT
ASSY Kombi
ASSY Ecofast
RW Bit
Our rigging hardware should only be installed and used following our recommended installation methods, as negligence in this aspect may result in damage and/or injury.
Power Tools
Do NOT use impact drills.
Cordless clutched drills: Recommended for fasteners with smaller diameters (1/4[ 6 mm ] and 5/16 in.[ 8 mm ]) in small quantities.
Corded double-handled drills: Recommended for fasteners with larger diameters (3/8 in.[ 10 mm ], 1/2 in.[ 12 mm ], and 9/16 in.[ 14 mm ]).
Figure 1. Power tools
Watch the following installation video for the recommended tools for rigging mass timber elements:
Installation Best Practices
Things to Do
Engage a licensed rigging professional to calculate the proper positions for anchors:
ensure the hook lifts over the center of gravity of the element;
verify edge and end distance requirements; and
verify the orientation of the rigging devices.
Use the right rigging device for each lift.
Check if large panels can support themselves when lifted.
Align the RW driver bit parallel to the screw axis to prevent stripping and ensure proper torque transmission.
Install screws straight and use pilot or predrilled holes as recommended for specific wood species.
Reduce the rotational speed of the drill when the screw head is approximately 1 in.[ 25 mm ] away from its final position to avoid over-torquing during seating.
Install each screw without interruption.
Contact a licensed design professional if wood splitting is observed during installation.
Follow a circular workflow using four sets of rigging hardware, recommended to maximize crane efficiency and reduce delays on-site:
(A) one set is installed on the element on the truck bed;
(B) one set is used to rig the element into place;
(C) one set is unmounted from the element in place; and
(D) one set transported back to the truck.
Figure 2. Recommended circular workflow
After use, store rigging devices designed for mass timber separate from other rigging elements, such as slings and shackles, to prevent use with other materials.
Things to Avoid
Do NOT exceed the allowable torque of the screws, which varies primarily with the nominal diameter:
this can cause their head to break off, especially during seating, or compromise their capacity; and
these failures can lead to costly consequences, such as increased crane time, wasted panels, and workflow interruptions.
Do NOT use impact drills:
the hammering motion during rotation can easily lead to exceedance of the allowable torque; and
this can cause metal fatigue, resulting in potential strength reduction.
Do NOT apply an excessive downward force on the screw once it is engaged in the wood member:
this may cause it to buckle, especially if it is slender, thus altering its installation path;
instead, apply just enough downward force to keep the driver bit from slipping or disengaging.
Removal Best Practices
Remove screws slowly to avoid breakage after the completion of the lift.
Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling screws that have been just removed:
screws will be hot; and
burns may occur on bare skin.
Discard the screws used in a rigging device immediately after removal.
any screw that has been installed CANNOT be reused as it has already experienced installation torque.
Apply a direct vertical downward force sufficient to keep the drill bit inserted in the screw head as it comes out of the element:
this helps prevent head stripping during removal, which can make extracting the screw more difficult and may require additional tools.
In short, use the right tools, follow best practices, engage a licensed rigging professional, and you will make your project a success! Check out our YouTube channel to see how it’s done!
And if you have any questions about our devices or need help with rigging planning, our Technical Support Team is just one click away. 😉
