Manually Operated Rigging adds the ability to lower and raise pipe battens by counterbalancing the load with an arbor loaded with counterweight (steel plates). This is typically called Counterweight Rigging and requires manual operation of each line set. A line set consists of a steel pipe batten suspended from lifting cables which pass over loft block sheaves, then over the head block at one side of the stage and down to the counterweight arbor. The key with manual rigging is balance. While a properly balanced load is extremely safe, an improperly balanced load poses great danger. This system requires a trained and experienced operator and strict safety precautions.

In a Single Purchase Counterweight Set the weight and travel distance of the loaded batten equals the weight and travel distance of the properly loaded arbor. These sets are simple to install and operate, and are very efficient.

In buildings where space for vertical travel of the arbor is not sufficient for single purchase sets to operate, the counterweight side of the system can be double purchased. This is a condition that requires twice the amount of weight on the arbor side. However, only one foot of arbor travel is required for each two feet of batten travel. Double purchase systems are very useful in some situations, but they are more expensive and more difficult to install.

In this High School access to the stage was needed. Several line sets had to be installed on a new bridge we built above the doorway. This cut the travel distance of the arbor. Double purchase line sets made up for the difference.