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Gravity: The Force Behind Rigging
In the world of rigging, gravity isn't a joke - it's the very reason we exist. This natural force, caused by the Earth's attraction to objects, is what riggers work against to safely lift and move heavy loads.
Understanding Mass and Weight:
- Mass: The amount of matter an object contains (constant regardless of location).
- Weight: The force exerted on an object due to gravity (varies depending on gravitational pull).
Rigging Rule of Thumb:
For most practical rigging purposes, we can consider mass and weight to be the same. This is because most rigging operations occur on Earth's surface with a consistent gravitational field.
Navigating Measurement Systems:
The metric and imperial measurement systems can cause confusion with mass and weight. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Metric: Units like kilograms typically represent mass.
- Imperial: Units like pounds typically represent the force of weight due to gravity.
- Ton (US): 2,000 lbs (also called a short ton)
- Tonne (Metric): 2,240 lbs (also called a long ton or metric ton)
- Kip: 1,000 lbs (commonly used by engineers)
Remember: Weight conversions between these units are straightforward and readily available online.