SLING COMPARISON CHART
|
Twin-Path® Slings with Covermax® Cover and K-Spec® Core Yarn |
Polyester Roundsling |
Nylon Web Sling |
Polyester Web Sling |
Wire Rope Sling |
Tri-Flex® Sling (3 part) |
Multi-Part Wire Rope (Gator Laid® and Gator- Flex® Slings) |
Chain Sling | |
| Key Features | Lightest and Strongest Slings available, Repairable, Overload Indicators, Low stretch, Longest lasting Sling |
Low cost flexible lifting sling, available with Check-Fast® Inspection and Covermax® Cover |
Low Cost general purpose lifting sling |
Low Cost general purpose lifting sling |
Low Cost general purpose lifting sling |
Flexible, more ergonomic, cost effective alternative to Wire Rope Sling |
Flexible, more ergonomic, cost effective alternative to Wire Rope Sling, low D/d ratio |
Heavy duty, repairable Sling |
| Approx. Weight to WLL ratio | 1lb/40,000lbs | 1lb/15,000lbs | 1lb/15,000lbs | 1lb/15,000lbs | 1lb/10,000lbs | 1lb/7,500lbs | 1lb/9,000lbs | 1lb/5,000lbs |
| Length Tolerance | +/- 1" | Call | Call | Call | +/- diameter of rope | +/- finished diameter of rope | +/- finished diameter of rope | +/- length of one link |
| Stretch at WLL | <1% | 3% | 6-10% | 3-4% | 1% | 1% | 1% | <1% |
| Max Temp | 180 | 180 | 180 | 180 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Flexibility | Very Flexible | Very Flexible | Very Flexible | Very Flexible | Low | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible |
| UV Degradation | Low | Low to High | High | Moderate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Abrasion Resistant | High | Low to High | Low | Low | Very High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
| Proof Tested | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Repairable | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Design Factor | 5:1 | 5:1 | 5:1 | 5:1 | 5:1 | 5:1 | 5:1 | 4:1 |
|
D/d Ratio in eye |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5:1 | 1.5:1 | 1:1 | N/A |
| D/d Ratio in body | Any comparably rated fitting |
1:1 | N/A | N/A | 25:1 | 5:1 | 5:1 | 6:1 |
| Resistance to Acids | Very Good | Good | Poor | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Resistant to Salt Water |
Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OSHA standard for slings?
The OSHA standard for slings is outlined in 29 CFR 1910.184, which establishes safety requirements for the use, inspection, and maintenance of all types of slings used in general industry. It specifies that slings must be visually inspected before each use by a competent person and removed from service immediately if damaged or defective. The standard prohibits shortening slings with knots, bolts, or other makeshift devices and forbids loading a sling beyond its rated capacity. Additionally, slings must be properly protected from sharp edges and heat damage, and must display legible identification tags indicating material type, rated load, and manufacturer information.
What is the ideal sling angle?
The ideal sling angle is a 90 degree angle vertical hitch, where the sling legs lift straight up-and-down and no angle tension is added. As the sling legs spread out, the angle creates extra tension and the sling must be derated. Lower angles increase tension quickly, so riggers try to keep sling angles high and avoid shallow angles that can overload the sling and hardware.
What are the rules for lifting slings?
The rules for lifting slings emphasize proper use, inspection, and load control. These rules depend on sling material and manufacturer. Slings must always be used within their rated working load limits (WLL), taking into account the type of hitch (vertical, basket, or choker) and the angle of use. Rigging personnel must inspect slings before each use for signs of wear, cuts, broken strands, kinks, or other forms of damage, and defective slings must be immediately removed from service. Slings should never be twisted, knotted, or used around sharp edges without adequate padding. Loads must be balanced and securely attached, with all personnel staying clear of suspended loads to avoid injury. Proper sling selection, correct hitching methods, and attention to load stability are key to maintaining safety and compliance with OSHA standards. Always follow the sling manufacturers guidelines while using lifting slings.