Lost a load because I didn't double-check the slings

I was on a job in Phoenix last month, lifting a 12-ton HVAC unit onto a rooftop. One of the shackles wasn't fully tightened, and the sling slipped just as I started the lift. Had to set it down fast, almost hit a truck. Now I check every connection twice before I even think about picking anything up. Anyone else had a close call with rigging gear?

3 comments

3 Comments

vera_murphy1mo ago

Jumping into that one, I almost dropped a 10 ton chiller over a parked truck because I skimped on checking the shackle pins once. Turned out one was cross-threaded and barely catching. That sound of metal grinding still makes me flinch. Phoenix heat just makes you want to hurry, but that's exactly when stuff goes sideways.

danielhenderson1mo ago

Wait, cross-threaded?! That's terrifying, I didn't even think about that being a thing that could happen. Normally you just make sure the pin goes in smooth but that's a whole other level of hidden failure waiting to happen. Man, that grinding sound would haunt me too, I can't imagine hearing that and realizing what's about to go down. Glad you caught it in time, that could have been a real disaster with a chiller that size.

masonbell1mo ago

That "Phoenix heat just makes you want to hurry" bit is too real. I started doing a quick hand check on every shackle pin before hooking up, even if I just saw it get tightened. A buddy of mine tapes a small mirror to his hard hat so he can see the back of connections without stretching, which has saved us a few times in tight spots.