More about Slings

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Slings are lengths of rope, wire and chain used in the support and transport of various loads. They are manufactured in an extensive range of materials, including nylon, polyester, polypropylene, wire rope and a wide variety of metals and metal alloys, and serve numerous industries. Everything from cargo to aerospace components is transported using slings and similar rigging devices. In addition to their use in rigging applications, slings are also employed in various ascension techniques and horizontal movements, where they provide both a harness and scaling tool for workers.

Slings can be fitted with a comprehensive assortment of locking and holding components, such master links, foundry hooks, grab hooks and carabineers. A variety of sockets, buckles, loops and clips also provide connecting and tightening mechanisms on metal, wire and chain slings. General duty web slings are typically fabricated from synthetics, such as nylon and polyester, and provide a multitude of options for applications where wire rope or chain might damage the product. Some synthetic sling designs are endless slings, which are essentially a loop of material; and flat eye-and-eye slings, which feature two eyes, or loops, of fabric joined by a stitched center length. Synthetic slings, however, are easily worn and cut by sharp edges, and certain materials will degrade under prolonged or regular exposure to sunlight.

Bridle slings are multi-leg slings affixed to a single fitting, and are used to lift and move different loads. The number of slings legs needed depends on the shape of the load; the weight of the load will determine the gauge and material of the sling required. These slings are available in both synthetics and metals (chain and wire). Blanket slings differ from the majority of sling designs in that they consist of a four-cornered blanket with loop fittings at each corner. When the corners are looped around a central hook or other fitting, they render any object within the blanket suitable for transport. Load capacities and sharp edges must be considered when using these slings.