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crane hooks are the core components of lifting equipment, and their quality directly affects operational safety. When purchasing, factors such as standard compliance, material technology, load capacity, and supplier qualifications need to be considered comprehensively . The following is a detailed purchasing guide and key considerations.

1. Clarify procurement requirements

1. Determine the hook type

2. Load and size requirements

• Rated load (WLL) : Select according to actual needs and include a safety factor (usually ≥4).

• Hook size : Match wire rope/sling (refer to ISO 2415 or ASME B30.10 standard).

2. Key Procurement Criteria

1. Comply with international/national standards

It must be verified whether the hook nameplate is marked with the standard number, WLL, and manufacturer information.

2. Material and process requirements

• Material :

  • Carbon steel (such as C45): general use.

  • Alloy steel (such as 34CrMo4): heavy load or impact conditions.

  • Stainless steel (such as 316L): Corrosive environment.

• Process :

  • Forging + heat treatment (quenching + tempering), it is prohibited to use casting or welding to repair the hook.

  • The surface should be free of defects such as cracks and folds (MT/UT test report is required).

3. Safety devices

• Latch : Mandatory requirement (unless exempted, such as C-hook).

• Swivel bearing : ensures the hook can rotate freely, reducing wire rope kinks.

3. Key points for supplier evaluation

1. Qualification review

• Certification : ISO 9001 quality management system, special equipment manufacturing license (such as China TSG certification).

• Testing capability : Whether the supplier has NDT (MT/UT) and static load testing equipment.

2. Historical performance

• It is required to provide similar project cases (such as applications in ports and metallurgical industries).

• Check third-party testing reports (such as SGS, TÜV).

3. After-sales service

• Whether technical documents (material certification, test report, user manual) are provided.

• Warranty period (usually 1 to 2 years) and emergency support capabilities.

IV. Matters Needing Attention in Procurement Contracts

1. Clarify technical parameters :

   • Material grade, WLL, safety factor, testing standard (such as MT/UT).

2. Acceptance Terms :

   • Third-party re-inspection after arrival (such as hardness test, size verification).

3. Breach of Contract :

   • If the test fails, the supplier must return or exchange the goods unconditionally.

5. Arrival acceptance process

1. Visual inspection :

   • No cracks, rust or deformation, and the nameplate is clear.

2. Size Measurements :

   • Check whether the hook mouth and hook throat dimensions are in accordance with the drawing (tolerance ±3%).

3. Document verification :

   • Material certificate (Grade 3.1 or above), static load test report, certificate of conformity.

4. Sampling test (optional):

   • One or two hooks are randomly selected for 150% WLL static load test .

6. Cost Optimization Suggestions

1. Bulk purchase : 10%~15% negotiable for order quantity ≥50 pieces.

2. Alternative materials : Carbon steel can be used in non-corrosive environments (30%~50% lower cost than stainless steel).

3. Long-term cooperation : Sign framework agreements with high-quality suppliers and lock in prices.

VII. Procurement recommendations for high-risk scenarios

Summarize

1. Standards first : ASME/ISO/EN certified products are preferred.

2. Strictly control materials and processes : forging + heat treatment is the basis, rejecting low-cost and inferior products.

3. Supplier selection : qualifications, cases and services are all essential.

4. Acceptance is not sloppy : Arrival inspection is the last line of defense.

Warning : Do not purchase non-standard hooks at low prices, as the cost of accidents is much higher than the purchase price difference!