Slings are a staple in the lifting equipment space, allowing you to safely and easily hoist heavy loads or secure cargo.
However, with various different types of slings available on the market, it can be difficult to know which type of sling is best-suited to a particular application.
In this article, our team of lifting equipment experts has produced an all-encompassing guide to the four most common types of slings, including a breakdown of the advantages, disadvantages and common uses of each sling type.
4 Common Types of Slings You Need To Know
Webbing Slings
Webbing slings consist of a length of webbing with eyelets or loops at each end. The sling is looped around the load and the ends are either joined together or attached to a form of lifting apparatus (such as a crane).
Webbing slings are made from high-strength polyester – or nylon webbing – and are renowned for their flexibility, strength and durability. They’re also colour-coded to indicate their working load limit for easy identification.
They’re arguably the most affordable option for lifting and securing cargo, especially when working with modest working load limits.
Advantages of webbing slings:
- Lightweight, allowing them to be easily transported
- Soft exterior, ensuring minimal abrasion to the load
- Flexible, allowing them to be wrapped around bulky or oddly-shaped loads
Disadvantages of webbing slings:
- Lower working load limit than other types of slings
- Not suitable for moist or damp conditions
Round Slings
Round slings are looped slings that feature a woven tubular jacket on the exterior. They’re looped around the object being lifted and attached to a lifting device, such as a crane or hoist.
There are two main types of round slings – flat webbing and tube webbing. Flat webbing round slings are made from a single layer of webbing, while tube webbing round slings have an internal sleeve that helps to protect the webbing from abrasion.
They are commonly used in rigging and lifting applications, as they can be easily configured and adjusted to the load being lifted. In addition to their added versatility, round slings are particularly advantageous when it comes to evenly distributing the weight of the load.
In addition to lifting loads, are also often used to secure loads during transportation. They’re available in a variety of sizes and strengths, so it is important to choose the right one for the job at hand.
Advantages of round slings:
- Lightweight and foldable, allowing them to be easily transported
- Flexible, allowing for endless loops to be configured
- Slightly higher working load limit than a standard webbing sling
Disadvantages of round slings:
- Much lower stretch rate than webbing slings
- Lower working load limit than steel-based slings
Wire Rope Slings
Wire rope slings are made of a length of wire rope that is looped around an object and then tightened. The wire rope itself can be made using various materials, such as steel or nylon.
There are two main types of wire rope slings – those with an eye at each end, and those with a thimble at one end and an eye at the other. The eye can be attached to various types of equipment, including hooks, carabiners, and other ropes or slings.
Wire rope slings are particularly useful in industrial lifting or rigging applications. They are commonly used to lift heavy loads, such as construction materials or machinery. They can also be used to secure loads during transportation, though webbing and round slings are generally preferred for this purpose.
There are many advantages of wire rope slings over other metal-based slings. Firstly, they have a high degree of flexibility, which allows them to be used in a variety of applications. They are also very strong and have a high resistance to wear and tear; this allows for extended use without having to be replaced.
Advantages of wire rope slings:
- Higher working load limit than webbing or round slings
- Lighter in weight than chain-based slings
- Flexible and able to quickly regain their original shape following use
Disadvantages of wire rope slings:
- Lower working load limit than chain-based slings
- Susceptible to corrosion or kinking
Chain Slings
Chain slings are made from lengths of high tensile chain, being constructed from materials such as stainless steel, galvanised steel and brass.
They’re most commonly used for heavy-duty applications, such as lifting heavy machinery or vehicles. Given their high working load limit and robust nature, they’re a common feature of construction and demolition projects. However, it’s important to note that chain slings can often cause abrasion to the load, making them unsuitable for lifting delicate objects.
There are many different types of chain slings, with the most common being a single-legged chain sling. This form of chain sling has one leg that’s attached to a lifting device – such as a crane – using a hook. This form of chain sling is generally used for lifting moderately heavy machinery, such as engines.
Another type of chain sling is the double-legged chain sling, which has two legs and is also attached to a lifting device with a hook. The double-leg chain sling is used for lifting very heavy objects, such as locomotives or large pieces of machinery.
Advantages of chain slings:
- Very high working load limit
- Suitable for use in harsh environments
- Resistant to corrosion
Disadvantages of chain slings:
- Heavy and not as easy to transport as fabric-based slings
- Likely to cause abrasion to the load
- More expensive than wire rope or fabric-based slings
Closing Thoughts
There are many types of lifting slings available on the market, each with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
It’s important to select the type of sling that is best suited for the job at hand, taking into account the weight and size of the load, as well as the environment in which the lifting will take place.
With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect lifting sling for your needs.
Be sure to browse through our entire range of slings to learn more, or alternatively get in touch with us to discuss your individual requirements.