CK truss knowledge centre
Professional truss and rigging, explained clearly.
Understand the equipment, terminology, venue information and decision boundaries behind event structures—from chain motors and connectors to rigging plots, bridles, load setup and inspection.
Truss specialists
Expertise means knowing what must be confirmed.
CK’s event-structure expertise covers the visible result and the technical setup conversation behind it: truss profile, complete geometry, supports, equipment, access, venue rules and outdoor conditions.
This website intentionally avoids universal load promises and unverified inventory claims. Professional selection starts with the exact system and project data.
Rigging topics
Thirteen detailed setup guides.
Chain Motors & Hoists
How entertainment chain motors, manual hoists, controllers and lifting plans relate to event truss installation.
Explore setup →02Electric vs Manual Chain Hoists
A practical comparison of powered chain motors and hand-operated chain blocks for lifting or positioning event structures.
Explore setup →03Spigoted vs Bolted Truss Connections
How conical spigots, pins and bolt-together connections differ—and why compatible truss systems must never be mixed by appearance.
Explore setup →04Venue Rigging Points & Rigging Plots
What approved venue points are, what a rigging plot communicates and what information is required before flown truss can be planned.
Explore setup →05Shackles, Slings, Steels & Bridles
Plain-language guidance to common entertainment rigging hardware and the information needed to specify it as a complete connection path.
Explore setup →06WLL, Design Factors & Load Setup
Understand working load limit, design factors, point and distributed loads, self-weight and why truss capacity is not one universal number.
Explore setup →07Truss Inspection, Records & Certification
What to check before, during and after event truss use, including component identification, damage, connections and erected-system handover.
Explore setup →08Ground Support vs Flown Truss
Compare tower-supported production grids with truss suspended from approved venue rigging points.
Explore setup →09Personnel Lifts & Rigging Access
Setup access equipment, working zones and timing for truss assembly, focusing, cabling and inspection at height.
Explore setup →10Pipe & Drape vs Event Truss
When lightweight pipe-and-drape or backdrop stands make more sense than structural event truss—and when truss adds useful capability.
Explore setup →11Production Rigger vs Local/Venue Rigger
How touring or production rigging responsibilities may differ from venue or local rigging responsibilities on an event.
Explore setup →12Venue Rigging Checklist
The questions to ask a hotel, convention centre, theatre, arena or event venue before booking truss and rigging.
Explore setup →13Rigging Lead Time & Project Brief
When to begin setup event rigging and which drawings, load information, venue details and deadlines prevent late redesign.
Explore setup →Truss-specific guides
Profiles, connections and complete systems.
Project sequence
From idea to inspected structure.
Complete rigging FAQ
The questions professional buyers ask.
What is truss used for in entertainment?
Truss can form spans, goalposts, grids, towers, backdrops, entrances and roof systems that position specified lighting, video, audio, scenic or branding elements. The exact system follows the complete arrangement.
What are the different truss types?
Common physical profiles include ladder, triangular, square or box, rectangular, folding, pre-rig and curved truss. Goalposts, roofs and ground support are structures built from compatible profiles.
What is pre-rig truss?
Pre-rig is a larger production truss format developed for touring and equipment workflow. Exact dimensions, connector systems and permissible arrangements vary by manufacturer and series.
What is the difference between spigoted and bolted truss?
They use different manufacturer-defined connection methods. Parts should be identified by exact series, assembled using the correct hardware and never mixed because they look similar.
What is circle truss?
Circle truss is assembled from factory-made curved segments with a specified outside diameter, profile, orientation and segment count. Decorative appearance does not establish overhead suitability.
When is ground support used instead of flown truss?
Ground support carries a grid through towers and bases when venue suspension is unavailable or unsuitable. Flown truss uses approved venue points. Both need project-specific load and access setup.
What should I ask a venue about rigging?
Request its current technical pack, approved point plan and capacities, contractor rules, working hours, access equipment policy, floor restrictions, documentation process and submission deadlines.
How early should event rigging be planned?
Begin when the venue, event layout and major production elements are known. Large, flown, roofed, outdoor and multi-supplier projects require more lead time than compact freestanding structures.