Yoke Swivels
Yoke swivels are among the most recognized forged swivel products in the rigging market, and that reputation comes from the hardware, not the marketing. Yoke Industrial Corp manufactures swivels in forged alloy steel, heat-treated and proof-tested per their ISO 9001 certified process in Taiwan. The result is a swivel that seated riggers actually spec by name.
About Yoke Swivels
Holloway Houston stocks Yoke swivels covering working load limits from 0.5 tons through 85 tons. Eye-to-eye swivels, shackle swivels, and swivel hooks make up the core Yoke lineup, each stamped with the WLL and manufacturer marking per ASME B30.26.
Yoke Industrial Corp has been manufacturing forged rigging hardware in Taiwan since 1985. Swivels are one of their flagship product lines, the engineering focus shows in the bearing design and the consistent proof-test documentation that ships with every piece.
A swivel's job in a rigging assembly is to allow controlled rotation between the lifting point and the load, or between sling legs, without transmitting torque through the load path. Where loads spin, twist, or need to be rotated into position, a swivel in the rigging assembly absorbs that movement.
Yoke swivels are manufactured per the requirements of ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware), which governs design, marking, and inspection for swivels and related hardware in overhead lifting service. Every Yoke swivel ships with a proof test certificate and is individually marked with the working load limit, manufacturer ID, and lot number for traceability.
Holloway Houston carries Yoke swivels in Houston with same-day shipping on in-stock sizes.
Types of Yoke Swivels
Eye-to-Eye Swivels
The eye-to-eye swivel connects two points in a rigging assembly with a rotating body between them. Both ends are closed eyes, making the connection hardware simple, a shackle or hook on each end. These are the go-to swivel type for pendant lines, tag lines, and applications where load rotation is the primary concern. Yoke eye-to-eye swivels span WLL ratings from 0.5 tons through 85 tons.
Shackle Swivels
Shackle swivels combine a shackle jaw on one end and a rotating eye or hook on the other. The shackle end bolts directly to structural connections, crane hooks, or load cells. Where a standard anchor shackle would bind under rotation, the shackle swivel absorbs the movement. These see frequent use in crane block connections and multi-point rigging setups.
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. Yoke swivel hooks are forged alloy steel, quenched and tempered, with WLL markings on the body per ASME B30.26.
Yoke Swivel Sizes and Working Load Limits
Yoke swivels cover a WLL range from 0.5 tons to 85 tons. The lineup spans light rigging applications through heavy-duty crane and offshore work.
Working Load Limit Range:
- Light duty: 0.5 tons to 2.0 tons
- Medium duty: 2.5 tons to 20 tons
- Heavy duty: 25 tons to 85 tons
Materials:
- Alloy steel : Forged, quenched, and tempered for rated capacity at reduced weight
- Surface finish : Self-colored or galvanized depending on model
Marking:
- WLL stamped on every swivel body
- Manufacturer identification per ASME B30.26
- Lot number for traceability back to proof test certificate
Why Yoke for Swivels
Yoke has been manufacturing swivels longer than most competitors have been in the rigging hardware business. Their ISO 9001 certified process covers raw material selection, forging, heat treatment, proof testing, and final inspection, and the proof test certificate ships with every swivel.
For riggers working offshore, in petrochemical plants, or on any application where the swivel needs to keep rotating without loosening under load, Yoke's bearing geometry and forging tolerances are why they get specified repeatedly. The WLL range, from half-ton up through 85 tons, covers most rigging scenarios without needing to source from multiple manufacturers.
Holloway Houston also offers rigging inspection services. Our qualified inspectors examine swivels, shackles, and hardware per ASME B30.26 and OSHA standards to keep your equipment in service and your crews working.
Shop by Product Type
Yoke Swivel Applications by Industry
- Offshore and Marine : Pendant lines, crane block connections, and mooring hardware where loads rotate under sustained tension.
- Oil and Gas : Turnaround and maintenance rigging in petrochemical facilities and refineries where load orientation matters.
- Structural steel erection : Crane rigging where loads need to be rotated into position without twisting 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 Yoke Swivels
Holloway Houston is an authorized Yoke distributor operating out of Houston, Texas with over 65 years in the rigging and lifting business. We stock Yoke swivels alongside shackles, master links, hooks, and the rest of the Yoke forged hardware line.
In-stock Yoke swivels ship from Houston same day. Proof test certificates and manufacturer documentation come with every order. Our rigging specialists can help match the right swivel configuration and WLL to your assembly.
Complete Your Rigging Assembly
- Yoke Shackles : Pair swivels with Yoke anchor and chain shackles for a matched-manufacturer connection.
- Yoke Master Links : Use master links above the swivel for multi-leg sling assemblies.
- Yoke Hoist Rings : Hoist rings and swivels are frequently paired in below-the-hook applications.
Swivel Safety and Awareness
Swivels in load-handling service fall under ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware), which covers design factors, marking requirements, and inspection intervals. EN 1677-6 (Forged steel swivels for chain slings) is the applicable European standard and is part of the design and test basis for Yoke swivel certifications. OSHA 1926.251 addresses rigging hardware in jobsite service.
- Per ASME B30.26, swivels are marked with WLL and manufacturer ID. A swivel without legible markings is not suitable for lifting service.
- Pre-use visual inspection of swivels covers the body for cracks or deformation, the pin or bearing for seizure, and the eyes or jaw for wear beyond the manufacturer's wear limit.
- Swivels are not rated for side-loading unless the manufacturer's documentation specifically states a side-load rating. Standard WLL is in-line only.
- A swivel that has been shock-loaded warrants removal from service and inspection before further use.
- Proof test certificates from Yoke are tied to lot numbers stamped on the swivel body. Keep certificates on file for the service life of the hardware.
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 lifting devices where load rotation is expected.
Yoke swivels carry a working load limit rating stamped on the body and are manufactured to ASME B30.26 requirements for rigging hardware in overhead lifting service. Each swivel ships with a proof test certificate. The rated WLL applies to in-line loading; side-load ratings apply only where the manufacturer documentation specifies one.
Yoke swivels at Holloway Houston cover working load limits from 0.5 tons through 85 tons. The range spans light rigging and pendant line applications at the low end through heavy crane and offshore rigging at the upper end. Holloway Houston can source extended WLL ranges on request for non-stock configurations.
An eye-to-eye swivel has closed eyes on both ends, you connect it with shackles or hooks above and below. A shackle swivel has a jaw on one end that bolts directly to a structural connection or crane hook, with a rotating eye or hook on the other. Shackle swivels are common in crane block applications where the swivel mounts directly to the block.
Yes. Every Yoke swivel ships with a proof test certificate tied to the lot number stamped on the hardware body. Holloway Houston provides that documentation with every swivel order. Certificates are typically retained for the full service life of the hardware.
ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware) covers inspection requirements for swivels in load-handling service. The standard defines initial inspection on new hardware and periodic inspection intervals based on service severity. EN 1677-6 (Forged steel swivels for chain slings) is the applicable European standard and part of the Yoke certification basis. OSHA 1926.251 references rigging hardware inspection in jobsite use.
DISCLAIMER
Swivels are load-bearing rigging components. Selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.26 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 lift procedures.