A rigger is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in the assistance of manual mechanical advantage device comprising

pulley A pulley is a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt, or transfer of power between the shaft and cable or belt. In the case of a pulley supported by a frame or shell that ...

block and tackle A block and tackle or only tackle is a system of two or more pulleys with a rope or cable threaded between them, usually used to lift heavy loads. The pulleys are assembled to form blocks and then blocks are paired so that one is fixed and on ...

or motorised such as a crane or

derrick A derrick is a lifting device composed at minimum of one guyed mast, as in a gin pole, which may be articulated over a load by adjusting its guys. Most derricks have at least two components, either a guyed mast or self-supporting tower, and ...

or chain hoists (chain fall) or capstan winch.

Etymology

The term comes from the days of

sailing ship A sailing ship is a sea-going vessel that uses sails mounted on masts to harness the power of wind and propel the vessel. There is a variety of sail plans that propel sailing ships, employing square-rigged or fore-and-aft sails. Some ships ...

s, when a rigger was a person who worked with

rigging Rigging comprises the system of ropes, cables and chains, which support a sailing ship or sail boat's masts—''standing rigging'', including shrouds and stays—and which adjust the position of the vessel's sails and spars to which they ar ...

, that is, ropes for hoisting the sails. Sailors could put their rope skills to work in lifting and hauling. In an era before mechanical haulage and cranes, ropes, pulleys and muscle power were all that was available to move heavy objects. A specialized subset are telecommunication riggers, entertainment industry riggers. In time,

became a trade in itself, giving rise to modern usages with some original terminology remaining, with its roots all but forgotten.

Description

Riggers attach loads of equipment to cranes or structures using shackles, cables, chains, clamps or straps, employing pulleys, winches, lifts or chain hoists (aka chain motors). Quick load calculations are necessary for each load and engineering principles are always in play. Riggers use various suspension techniques to get their load around obstacles on a construction site or loading dock or event site to the desired location and height.

References

{{Reflist

External links

Specialized Carriers and Riggers AssociationWhat is a Rigger?
- Rigger.com, by Toolwell
Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Qualified Rigger
- OSHA - 2010 Construction trades workers Marine occupations

Etymology

Description

See also

References

External links