I bought my span sets from sapsis rigging. Just put them into a google search. You can also try " custom built equipment. "

As far as your rigging set up, I would try contacting Nimble Arts in Vermont to see if they can advise you.

Hope you find what you need.

Carol

Hi Julian,

I once worked on a rigging set up very similar to what you described, and to be honest, I will NEVER do that again. Even though I consulted with a certified rigger and a construction company which supplied the hardware, and they all insisted that the eyebolts were strong enough, they were not. After 3 shows, they were bending from the forces, and if we'd done a fourth show, they would have shattered. The problem is that eyebolts are rated for static loads, not dynamic live loads which vary greatly depending on the type of movement and angles of movement, and the shockloads and forces that can be generated by a performer are much greater than expected.

I've kept those eyebolts as a lucky charm (lucky because we noticed the problem before an accident happened) and as a reminder of how dangerous an improper rigging set-up can be. I highly recommend finding a space where you have exposed steel beams and can use span sets instead. It's a much easier set-up, easier to inspect, and easier to replace the span sets rather than eyebolts which can bend, break, or loosen over time. Maybe other performers have been fine on an eyebolt set-up, but after what I experienced, I can't recommend it, I don't think it's worth the risk.

There's my 2 cents worth, hope it helps! Best wishes,
Liz :)

I've used eyebolts several times and while I agree its not ideal, there are a couple of things you can do to make the best of it. You should screw the eye head as close to the beam as possible so that the wood is supporting the shaft. This will minimize the bend and shatter possibility. Also, you should ALWAYS use a nut at the top of the beam. I actually often use two. Also, cut out any especially high velocity tricks for this show, like ankle drops, and tricks that pull laterally, like coffins. Good luck!