Project information
Connection drawing, loads and directions, point spacing, bridle geometry, truss and hoist interfaces, sling lengths, edge conditions, inspection status and any venue requirements.
Professional truss and rigging guide
Shackles, Slings, Steels & Bridles.
Plain-language guidance to common entertainment rigging hardware and the information needed to specify it as a complete connection path.
Plain-language definition
Understand the role before selecting equipment.
Shackles connect compatible components; round slings or spansets wrap or connect loads in approved arrangements; wire-rope slings are often called steels; bridles combine legs to reach or share load between defined points.
This page explains the setup logic so organisers, agencies, venues and production suppliers can exchange a complete brief. It is educational guidance—not a capacity chart, installation instruction or approval for a real structure.
The practical decision
What must be resolved.
Hardware selection depends on load direction, included angle, edge protection, environment, connection geometry, manufacturer limits and the weakest component in the complete path.
Names used in rental catalogues are useful for discovery, but the exact model, connection path, installation method and responsibility still need to be written into the project scope.
Open the related structure or setup page →Information checklist
What a useful technical brief contains.
Always identify
- Exact equipment and manufacturer series where applicable
- Verified weights, dimensions and operating positions
- Support, suspension and complete load path
- Venue or site rules and current technical drawings
- Access, lifting, work-at-height and exclusion zones
- Installation, inspection, show and dismantling responsibilities
Setup process
Eight checks from brief to handover.
01Define the event and technical outcome
02Obtain the venue or site information
03Identify the exact compatible system
04Verify equipment data and positions
05Map supports, suspension and clearances
06Agree lifting, access and build sequence
07Record responsibility and change control
08Inspect and hand over the completed setup
How CK approaches it
Truss expertise in the context of the full event.
The structure is coordinated with the stage, LED, lighting, sound, branding, scenic surfaces, guest routes, venue access and operating schedule.
Real inputs
Start with dimensions, equipment, weights, positions and site facts.
Supplier scopes
Define who supplies, installs, connects, operates, inspects and removes each element.
Build sequence
Plan crew, transport, lifting access, exclusion zones, testing and rehearsal.
Controlled changes
Inspect the final setup and review any later equipment or surface change.
Technical boundary
A guide explains; the project team approves.
Colour, diameter or appearance is not enough to establish capacity. Do not knot slings, side-load hardware or use components without identification and inspection.
Published equipment ratings apply only under their stated conditions. The assembled structure, supported loads, geometry, connections, venue or ground, environmental effects and operating method must be considered together.
Review the truss safety setup guide →Topic FAQ
Shackles, Slings, Steels & Bridles questions.
What does shackles, slings, steels & bridles mean in event production?
Shackles connect compatible components; round slings or spansets wrap or connect loads in approved arrangements; wire-rope slings are often called steels; bridles combine legs to reach or share load between defined points.
What information should I provide about shackles, slings, steels & bridles?
Connection drawing, loads and directions, point spacing, bridle geometry, truss and hoist interfaces, sling lengths, edge conditions, inspection status and any venue requirements.
Can the final rigging arrangement be selected from this page?
No. Colour, diameter or appearance is not enough to establish capacity. Do not knot slings, side-load hardware or use components without identification and inspection. The final method follows the exact equipment, manufacturer information, venue or site conditions and assigned competent people.
Who confirms the final truss and rigging method?
Responsibility depends on the project, venue and contract. The supplier, production team, venue or local rigger, competent inspector and engineer where required must have their scopes and approval route identified before installation.
Continue learning
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01
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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 →05WLL, 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 →06Truss Inspection, Records & Certification
What to check before, during and after event truss use, including component identification, damage, connections and erected-system handover.
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