Crosby Swivels
A rigging swivel's job is simple: absorb the load rotation so it doesn't twist through the sling assembly above. Where loads spin on the line, where pendant rigging needs to absorb crane boom rotation, or where a sling leg needs to adjust its own orientation under load, a swivel in the assembly handles that movement. Crosby produces forged swivels in the configurations used across industrial crane and rigging work.
About Crosby Swivels
Crosby forged swivels allow controlled rotation between two points in a rigging assembly. The swivel body rotates on a bearing or pin, letting the load below rotate without transferring torque to the rigging above it. The WLL applies to in-line loading - side-load ratings on swivels are only applicable where the manufacturer's documentation specifically states one.
Crosby swivels are forged alloy steel, proof-tested, and marked with WLL per ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware). The combination of forged construction and ASME compliance makes them suitable for documented rigging programs and equipment registers.
Swivels are not intended to be used as rotation motors - they absorb incidental rotation in the load path, not continuous spinning under full load. A swivel that spins under sustained full rated WLL needs to be evaluated against the manufacturer's documentation for that specific application.
Holloway Houston stocks Crosby swivels in Houston with same-day shipping on in-stock sizes.
Types of Crosby Swivels
Eye-to-Eye Swivels
Eye-to-eye swivels have closed eyes on both ends with a rotating body between them. Both ends connect via shackles or hooks. Used in pendant lines, tag lines, and rigging assemblies where load rotation is the primary concern. The closed-eye geometry is the clean, traceable connection for rigging programs.
Shackle Swivels
Shackle swivels combine a shackle jaw end that bolts to a structural connection or crane hook, with a rotating eye on the other side. Where an anchor shackle would bind under rotation, the shackle swivel absorbs the movement at the bearing. Used in crane block connections and multi-point rigging where the swivel mounts directly to the structural connection point.
Swivel Hooks
Swivel hooks mount a load hook on a rotating body, letting the hook orient itself to the load without twisting the rigging above. Common in hoist block assemblies and below-the-hook devices where the load presentation angle varies by pick. Crosby swivel hooks are forged alloy steel with WLL markings per ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware).
Crosby Swivel Sizes and Working Load Limits
Crosby swivels cover WLL ranges across standard industrial and crane rigging applications. Capacity varies by swivel type and configuration - Crosby's catalog data provides the specific WLL for each model.
Materials:
- Forged alloy steel body and swivel components
- Self-colored or galvanized finish depending on model
Marking:
- WLL and manufacturer identification per ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware)
Why Crosby for Swivels
Crosby's forged swivel line carries the same ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware) compliance and traceability as their shackle and hardware catalog. For applications where the swivel appears on an equipment register or is subject to periodic third-party inspection, the WLL marking and proof test documentation satisfy what's needed.
The forged alloy steel bearing construction in Crosby swivels handles the cyclic loading that swivels see in crane and rigging service - where a swivel rotates under load repeatedly over its service life, the bearing geometry and surface hardness determine how long it maintains rated performance.
Holloway Houston also offers rigging inspection services. Our qualified inspectors examine swivels and rigging hardware per ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware) and OSHA standards.
Shop Crosby Swivels by Type
- Crosby Eye-to-Eye Swivels
- Crosby Shackle Swivels
- Crosby Swivel Hooks
Crosby Swivel Applications by Industry
- Offshore and Marine - Pendant lines, crane block connections, and mooring hardware where loads rotate under sustained tension and a swivel prevents torque buildup.
- Oil and Gas - Turnaround and maintenance rigging in petrochemical facilities where load orientation requires a swivel to keep the sling assembly from twisting.
- Structural Steel Erection - Crane rigging where loads need to rotate into position without transmitting torque through the sling assembly.
- Heavy Manufacturing - Below-the-hook devices and hoist block assemblies where loads present at variable angles.
- Mining - Surface and underground rigging where swivels absorb the rotation that comes with irregular load profiles.
Why Holloway Houston for Crosby Swivels
Holloway Houston is an authorized Crosby distributor with over 65 years in rigging and lifting, operating from Houston, Texas. We stock Crosby swivels alongside shackles, master links, and the full Crosby rigging hardware line.
Our rigging specialists can help match swivel type and WLL to your rigging assembly. We also offer rigging inspection services.
Complete Your Rigging Assembly
- Crosby Shackles - Anchor and chain shackles for connecting swivels into the rigging assembly.
- Crosby Master Links - Master links for sling assemblies above swivel connections.
- Crosby Hooks - Crane and rigging hooks for below-swivel load connections.
Swivel Safety and Awareness
Swivels in load-handling service fall under ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware). OSHA 1926.251 references rigging hardware in jobsite use.
Key awareness points for swivels in service:
- Swivels carry a WLL for in-line loading. Standard WLL does not apply to side-loading unless the manufacturer's documentation specifically provides a side-load rating.
- Pre-use inspection covers the swivel body for cracks or deformation, the bearing or pin for seizure or excessive wear, and the eyes or jaw for wear at the shackle contact points.
- A swivel that has been shock-loaded warrants removal from service and inspection before further use.
- A swivel that binds or does not rotate freely may have a seized bearing - a seized swivel in the load path is not providing the rotation function it was installed for.
Frequently Asked Questions
A rigging swivel allows controlled rotation between two points in a rigging assembly. Where a load spins, twists, or needs to be oriented without transferring torque through the sling or chain above it, a swivel absorbs that movement. Common applications include pendant lines, crane block connections, and below-the-hook devices where load rotation is expected.
Crosby swivels carry a WLL rating marked on the body and are manufactured to ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware) requirements for rigging hardware in overhead lifting service. The rated WLL applies to in-line loading; side-load ratings apply only where the manufacturer documentation specifies one.
ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware) covers swivels in load-handling service, including design factors, WLL marking, and inspection requirements. OSHA 1926.251 references rigging hardware inspection in jobsite use.
Holloway Houston stocks Crosby swivels in Houston with same-day shipping on in-stock sizes. Call 1-888-496-4700 to confirm availability on a specific swivel type and WLL.
DISCLAIMER
Swivels are load-bearing rigging components. Selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.26-2015 (Rigging Hardware) and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific rigging procedures.