Get Stable, Balanced Lifts with a Spreader Beam
A spreader beam is a rigging staple because of the stability and safety it adds to critical lifts. Unlike a lifting beam, which carries the load from a single pick point, a spreader beam distributes weight across two or more points, which cuts down on stress to your rigging hardware and helps keep the load from shifting mid-lift.
You'll find spreader beams doing work across construction, shipping, steel fabrication, and industrial manufacturing. Our M&W and Caldwell Dura-Lite spreader beams are built to meet ASME B30.20 standards and ship with proof-testing certification.
Whether you're rigging to an overhead crane, gantry crane, or mobile crane, a properly matched spreader beam gives you a secure, balanced lift. For a closer look at how a spreader beam compares to a lifting beam, see our Lifting Beams & Spreader Bars overview.
Types of Spreader Beams
Whether you need a fixed or adjustable spreader beam depends on the job.
A fixed spreader beam holds a set length, which makes it a solid fit for repetitive lifts where the load size doesn't change, such as steel fabrication, precast concrete handling, and shipbuilding. Since the spread is locked in, there's no setup guesswork before each lift.
For more versatile load handling, an adjustable spreader beam lets you change the spread to match different rigging configurations, which is useful in dynamic work environments where lift requirements shift from job to job. Adjustable beams are also easier to transport, since you can collapse them to their shortest length before moving.
Choosing the Right Spreader Beam
Once you know whether you need a fixed or adjustable beam, a few other factors come into play:
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Load Weight – Choose a beam with a rated capacity that matches or exceeds your load's total weight.
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Beam Spread – Confirm the beam's maximum spread is wide enough to handle your load.
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Job Environment – Factor in the conditions you're working in. Caldwell Dura-Lite spreader beams, for example, are non-conductive and corrosion-resistant, which makes them well suited to marine applications or jobs where sparks are a concern.
Rigging System Accessories
Complete your rigging setup with shackles, rigging hooks, and lifting slings.
Questions?
Need help picking the right spreader beam for your lift? Our product experts can help you match the right beam and accessories to your job. Call (888) 794-1590, email customerservice@fastenersplus.com, or contact us.
