Swivels

Lifting Swivels and Anti-Twist Hardware for Australian Rigging

Lifting swivels are rated rigging components that allow rotation between two connected components — preventing the twist that would otherwise transfer to the lifting load when slings, hooks, or chains rotate during the lift. For Australian rigging, lifting, and crane operations, swivels are essential where rotational freedom is needed without compromising the load-bearing connection. AIMS Industrial supplies lifting swivels from Yoke and Beaver, compliant with the relevant AS standards.

The swivel types we stock

• Lifting swivels (eye-and-eye) — both ends are rated lifting eyes, with rotation allowed between them
• Swivel hooks — rated hook on one end, eye on the other; rotation between the hook and the connection
• Bearing-supported swivels — for rotation under load (the bearing handles axial load while permitting rotation)
• Friction swivels — for rotation only when load is suspended (cheaper but limited to specific applications)
• Chain swivels — for use within chain sling assemblies

Where lifting swivels earn their place

• Crane and hoist applications — preventing rope or chain twist as the load rotates during lifting
• Multi-leg sling assemblies — allowing the master ring or hook to rotate freely as the load is positioned
• Suspended loads requiring rotation — turning loads in place during installation or assembly
• Long lifts — preventing accumulated twist over significant lift heights
• Custom rigging assemblies — wherever rotation between two connected lifting components is needed

Bearing-supported versus friction swivels

• Bearing-supported (under-load) swivels — rotate freely even with the load suspended; suit applications where the load must turn while in air
• Friction swivels — rotate only when the load is set down or partially supported elsewhere; cheaper but limited application

For most lifting applications requiring rotation under load, bearing-supported swivels are the right specification. Don't substitute friction swivels for bearing-supported applications — they won't rotate under load and the lift may be unsafe if rotation is essential.

Working load limits

Each swivel is rated by working load limit (WLL) — the maximum continuous load the component can safely handle. The WLL must match or exceed the heaviest load the swivel will see, with appropriate safety factor. Swivel ratings are sometimes specified by chain grade equivalence (Grade 80 swivels match Grade 80 chain WLL); confirm by checking the manufacturer's data and the WLL tag on the component.

Compliance — AS 3776 and AS 2550

Australian lifting swivels must comply with AS 3776 (lifting components) and the broader AS 2550 lifting safety standards. Components must be supplied with traceable manufacturer documentation, marked with the WLL and identification number, and inspected at intervals specified by the workplace lifting safety management system. Damaged or visibly worn swivels must be removed from service immediately — there is no in-field repair for rated lifting hardware.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Yoke and Beaver cover the lifting swivel range across the standard sizes and types. Both brands supply swivels with full Australian compliance documentation. For specific OEM-pattern swivels or specialty applications, sourcing through our distribution channels covers most options.

Inspection and service

Swivels fail at the rotating bearing or pin if not maintained. Periodic inspection should check for: free rotation (binding indicates internal wear or damage), visible deformation (any deformation requires immediate retirement), corrosion (particularly on outdoor and marine swivels), and the integrity of the WLL tag. Replace swivels showing any of these issues rather than continuing in service.

Companion ranges at AIMS

Lifting swivels sit alongside our broader rigging hardware range — see lifting shackles, rigging and lifting slings, round rings (master rings), and SY Chain for the related products.

Need help speccing swivels for a specific lifting application? contact our team — we'll match by load, swivel type, and configuration.