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Below-the-hook lifting accessories are essential to modern rigging operations. These devices attach directly to a crane hook or hoist and are engineered to grip, clamp, or secure loads that cannot be safely lifted with slings alone. When properly selected and used, below-the-hook accessories improve load control, reduce rigging time, and enhance overall jobsite safety.
Used across construction, steel fabrication, infrastructure, manufacturing, and material handling environments, these accessories are purpose-built for specific load shapes, materials, and lifting orientations. Selecting the right device is essential for maintaining compliance, protecting materials, and ensuring efficient lifting operations.
Plate Lifting Clamps
Plate lifting clamps are among the most widely used below-the-hook accessories in steel fabrication and material handling. They are designed to grip steel plate, sheet metal, and similar flat products for vertical or horizontal lifting.
Available configurations include:
• Vertical plate clamps for upright lifts
• Horizontal plate clamps for paired lifting operations
• Universal clamps capable of handling multiple orientations
Applications include:
• Steel service centers
• Fabrication shops
• Jobsite plate handling and positioning
When selecting plate clamps, professionals should consider the jaw opening range, gripping mechanism, load orientation, and whether the clamp uses load-activated or manual locking.
Beam Lifting Clamps
Beam lifting clamps provide a secure attachment point on structural beams and girders, enabling loads to be lifted or suspended directly from the beam flange. These clamps are widely used in steel erection, maintenance, and temporary rigging setups.
Typical uses include:
• Structural steel installation
• Suspending hoists or chain falls
• Temporary rigging attachment points
Key considerations:
• Beam flange width range
• Rated capacity and orientation
• Locking and safety mechanisms
Beam clamps offer flexibility on jobsites where permanent attachment points are unavailable while maintaining a high level of load security.
Pipe Grabs
Pipe grabs are engineered to lift cylindrical loads, including steel pipe, tubing, and round structural members. These devices attach securely to the pipe surface and are commonly used for vertical lifting.
Applications include:
• Industrial piping installations
• Oil and gas projects
• Mechanical and utility work
Important selection factors:
• Pipe diameter range
• Load capacity based on pipe size and wall thickness
• Jaw design to protect coated or finished surfaces
Pipe grabs offer a fast, reliable solution for lifting round materials while minimizing the risk of slippage or surface damage.
Barrier Grabs
Barrier grabs are purpose-built lifting devices designed to safely handle concrete barriers, road dividers, and similar precast products. These devices clamp securely to the barrier profile, enabling controlled vertical lifting and placement without damaging the concrete.
Typical uses include:
• Roadway and highway construction projects
• Infrastructure and traffic control installations
• Moving concrete barriers on staging yards and jobsites
Professional advantages:
• Designed specifically for standardized barrier shapes
• Mechanical clamping action that tightens under load
• Reduced need for slings or custom lifting inserts
Barrier grabs improve efficiency during repetitive placement tasks and help maintain consistent alignment during lifting.
Lifting Tongs/Grabs
Lifting tongs are versatile below-the-hook devices that grip loads using a scissor- or jaw-style clamping action. They rely on load weight and mechanical leverage to maintain a secure hold during the lift, making them ideal for handling materials that lack lifting points.
Applications include:
• Handling steel plates, beams, and bundled materials
• Moving flat or irregular loads without lugs or attachment points
• Industrial material handling and warehouse operations
Selection considerations:
• Jaw opening range and material thickness
• Rated working load limit based on lift orientation
• Grip surface design and holding force
Lifting tongs are valued for their quick attachment, minimal setup time, and adaptability to changing load dimensions on the jobsite.
Considerations When Choosing the Right Below-the-Hook Accessory
Selecting the appropriate below-the-hook lifting accessory requires more than matching the load weight. Rigging professionals must evaluate how the load will be lifted, positioned, and set, as well as the environment in which the lift will occur. The correct device improves control, reduces rigging complexity, and minimizes risk during critical lift phases.
Key factors to consider include:
• Load Geometry and Contact Points - Flat plates, round pipe, structural beams, and precast components each require purpose-built gripping solutions to ensure even load distribution and secure engagement.
• Lift Orientation and Movement - Vertical versus horizontal lifting, rotational requirements, and controlled placement all influence device selection. Certain accessories are engineered specifically for one lift orientation and should not be used outside of that design intent.
• Surface Condition and Material Finish - Painted, galvanized, coated, or finished materials may require specialized jaw designs or protective contact surfaces to prevent damage and ensure adequate grip.
• Rigging Configuration and Clearance - Available headroom, crane hook size, sling angles, and connection hardware must be considered to ensure a proper fit and unrestricted movement during the lift.
• Duty Cycle and Frequency of Use - Repetitive production lifting often benefits from faster attachment mechanisms and ergonomically designed devices, whereas occasional lifts may prioritize versatility.
Proper selection not only protects the load and equipment but also reduces rigging time, improves jobsite efficiency, and promotes consistent lifting practices across crews.
Standards, Safety, and Compliance
Below-the-hook lifting accessories are classified as critical load-bearing devices and must meet established industry standards for design, testing, inspection, and operation. Compliance with these standards is essential to safe lifting operations and to meeting regulatory and internal safety requirements.
Professional rigging programs typically emphasize:
• Rated Capacity Verification - All below-the-hook devices must be clearly marked with their working load limit and used strictly within those limits, taking into account lift orientation and application-specific conditions.
• Routine Inspection and Maintenance - Visual inspections before use and documented periodic inspections help identify wear, deformation, cracks, or compromised gripping surfaces that could affect performance.
• Operator Training and Proper Use - Personnel must understand how each accessory functions, how it engages the load, and under what conditions it should be used.
• Controlled Lift Procedures - Proper attachment, gradual load application, and avoidance of shock loading are essential to maintaining device integrity and preventing unintended release.
Adhering to recognized standards and best practices not only enhances jobsite safety but also extends equipment service life and reduces downtime caused by damaged or improperly selected lifting gear.
Your Partner for Below-the-Hook Lifting Solutions
At Empire Rigging, we supply below-the-hook lifting accessories built for demanding professional environments. Our selection includes lifting tongs, barrier grabs, pipe grabs, plate lifting clamps, beam lifting clamps, and more from trusted manufacturers known for performance and reliability.
Whether you are outfitting a fabrication shop, supporting a construction project, or upgrading your rigging inventory, our team is available to help you select the right equipment for your application.