[SML] Chain as hanging hardware

[Bill Sapsis]

Ben

There are many issues with this rig.

The use of unrated hardware in visible areas indicates that unrated hardware was used elsewhere.  
The inability to see how the rod is attached to the ceiling is very troubling.
The use of threaded rod indicates to me that whatever they did in the ceiling has been subjected to the stress of equipment being hung from the grid and then removed from the grid.  Most anchors are designed for static loads.  A pipe grid is anything but static.  And the rod is brittle.  We hate threaded rod.  A chain or wiore rope suspension is much better.

I would say your last sentence is the correct approach.

Zat help?

Bill S
 
bill at sapsis-rigging.com
http://sapsis-rigging.com
+1.267.278.4561 mobile 

On 10/2/18, 5:57 PM, "Stagecraft on behalf of Ben Thoron SML via Stagecraft" <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net on behalf of stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

    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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