Difference between grades of chain

[mjw56]

i know, but its not like i am gonna tell the guy he has no idea what hes talking about.

[gafftaper]

Just a couple of notes:

Maillon Rapide is a French company who makes the world's only legitimate rated quick links. I just noticed that my sand bag rigging system uses Chinese made 500lb "rated" quick links. Have to do something about that soon. (Van they were installed by your old buddies by the way.)

As for your comment about buying good American made shackles at the local hardware store I'm skeptical. There are VERY few corner hardware stores that stock GOOD rigging hardware (Home Depot and Lowes sure don't stock it). You typically need to go through some sort of specialty dealer located in the industrial part of town or find a Grainger (they carry C.M.). Beyond that your best bet is your local theater dealer or purchasing from one of the national theater rigging companies (call and ask for help). There are a few exceptions but generally, if it isn't made by Columbus McKinnon or Crosby don't buy it.

It sounds like you could really use a rigging inspection. It'll cost a chunk of change but if things are as bad as you think it could save a life. Anybody have a suggestion of who to call in NJ?

[mjw56]

Just checked the catalog. Chain is from Advantage Sales and Supply Company, Inc. and most other hardware (thimbles,clips, eyebolts, shackles, etc.) is from Crosby. the hardware store is actually pretty good. but they also make their own lifting assemblies and custom hydraulic hoses on site. they also rent everything from 100' boom reaches to concrete vibrators.

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by gafftaper

... Anybody have a suggestion of whom to call in NJ?

Is NJ near Philadelphia?

[mjw56]

yeah, 10-20 minutes away

[gafftaper]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Is NJ near Philadelphia?

Sorry I'm a west coast guy. I forget how tightly packed together you guys are. I'm used to biger states and a 3 hour drive between major cities.

[mjw56]

its still a 2 hr drive from Philly to New York but most things seem to be 15 min away from everything else here in south jersey.

[ruinexplorer]

Originally Posted by mjw56

So i talked to the principal today and he assured me that all the rigging in that installation was inspected and is o.k.and that maybe the codes or standards have changed since the install was completed.(late 2005 to early 2006)

I'd be interested in the actual inspection. Who did it? Can they produce a copy of the inspection? If it was inspected by the same company who did the installation, tnen there would be no checks and balances. Based upon what you are telling us, I'm not sure that there was a proper inspection done.

What is your role in this theater? Employee, student, volunteer?

[mjw56]

well employee(not officially on the payroll)/consultant/alumnus.the title Ive come up with for myself is stage crew moderator. the crew is all students and they cant do anything unattended in the theater so the title puts me along the lines of a coach. what i actually do though is like everything. i help them build flats, hang lights pull wire, check safety stuff, do capital improvements in the theater, blah blah blah. if anyone has a better, more theatrical type title for what i do throw it out there.

As to the inspection, Ive posted everything i know about it. i don't know who did it or when or how well...one more reason im skeptical. fortunately the teachers have been in strike this week so the actors arent having practice. so im not worrying about the stuff hanging over their heads.

[mstaylor]

There are some good rigging companies around Philadelphia, if you can't get anyone there in a timely fashion PM me. I am going to be in Trenton rigging a show and would be glad to stop by and give a free consult. This would be an informal look, something official would cost.