In the last issue, we looked at C-hooks, coil grabs, and double leg coil lifters. The final product category prompted some questions from readers, principally because of the damage early models caused to coils, and the changes that have been made to solve that problem. Double leg coil lifters are designed to lift with the inner diameter of the coil horizontal.
As it is often larger coils that are transported and stored with the eye horizontal, the capacity of double leg coil lifters tends to reflect that reality, as do the overhead cranes and hoists that are used to lift them. They are offered by most manufacturers as standard, but we frequently receive requests for customisations. In both cases, there are motorised and manual options, but this article focuses on the manual version without power from a crane.
The standout advantage of using a double leg coil lifter is that they reduce aisle space. If you think about installing a C-hook into a coil, you need significant space as compared to the feet on a two-sided lifter. The coil width adjustment is made by utilising the link that has a shaft resting in notches on the beam. The user simply lifts it out of the notch and moves it. There are decals defining the correct position based on coil width.
Over time, application at the point of use highlighted scope for improvement in early models. Our new design offers features that make it more user friendly, while the new plate bail shape better accommodates DIN style hooks, making mounting even more straightforward, while extending the life of the crane hook and lifter plate bail.
Central to the redesign was understanding how a double leg coil lifter goes onto and off of a coil. This is best thought of in three steps: one, the lifter is brought to the side of the coil to be lifted; two, the lifter is lowered so the feet are at the height of the inner diameter of the coil; and three, the lifter is moved to the coil, dragging the feet across the sides until the feet pivot in the inner diameter.
Previously, we made the hook width wider, so the shackle fitted without machining the thickness. But, given that space is a common concern, we went back to a thicker and narrower design, and now machine for the shackle. Handles, should not be included unless requested by the customer. They create more aisle space and will likely get knocked off. We discovered shoes on the hooks should not have square corners. When dragging them out, the shoe catches on the coil inner diameter, causing damage.
To adjust the original hook positions, the user needed to grab the top of the link, pull the detent pin, and slide it. A problem was that there was significant pinch point concern, especially if suspended when adjusted. The lifter could also tilt and cause the link to slide on its own.
Early models were not designed to accommodate an infinite range of coil widths. Our old version adjusted in four-inch spread changes; the reality is coil widths won’t just change every four inches. The new version features coil width decals that define correct adjustment — with an infinite range.
Even with the breadth of double leg and other coil lifters in the market, we continue to hear about some end users lifting the coil by a sling going through the inner diameter of the coil. This can be time consuming and there is potential of sling damage if not protected appropriately.
Remember, proper adjustment for coil widths remains of paramount importance.
