[SML] Chain as hanging hardware

[Tanner]

Hi Ben,

The lack of consistency means it was never really thought through or
engineered. That would be my biggest concern. Is there any signage or
documentation for the pipe grid load rating, etc? Hopefully that is solid at
least. Sounds like everything below it should come down.

I'd recommend that an ETCP certified and licensed contractor quote and
tackle it for no other reason than to shift liability. 

If you are planning on doing it yourself, I'd recommend a pipe clamp at the
grid, chain shackle, rated chain, and then batten termination by one wrap +
one half for height adjustment with rated trim chain (or a jaw/jaw
turnbuckle to pipe clamp) The drapery track can be safely terminated with
heavy duty S hooks depending on the type and condition of the hangers. 

I might be able to recommend someone in your area, or at least point you in
the right direction.

Note that this is my own advice as a fellow stagehand and not the
professional advice of the company I work for blah blah blah

Regards,

Tanner Brants
Protech Theatrical

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Ben
Thoron SML via Stagecraft
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2018 2:55 PM
To: Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Ben Thoron SML <bthoronsml at gmail.com>
Subject: [SML] Chain as hanging hardware

So...
I was invited to a nearby high school theatre space to take a look at a few
things the drama teacher was worried about.  She was right to be worried.
That being said, there were some hanging hardware choices that weren't the
way I would have done them, but I wasn't sure I I was over thinking the
problem.

All the fixed battens are attached to a pipe grid, hung to some unseen
structure above a plaster ceiling, using threaded rod.  That seemed fine to
me.  All the battens, curtain track etc was hung with chain.
Open S hooks at the track, looped over the pipe, and terminated with a
variety of hardware (quick links, bolts, s hooks and shackles).
I didn't mind the chain, provided it wasn't rusty, but the choice of
terminations did.  In my theatre, shackles and proof chain are the only
way... Open S hooks, bad, bolts through the links, very bad, quick links,
maybe.
  What is the best practice for hanging under a pipe grid in this situation?
(Other than simply recommending that they hire a reputable theatrical
contractor to redo the entire installation).

Ben Thoron
The Old Globe

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