Choosing the Right Lifting Sling: Round slings vs. Webbing Slings

A "sling" is a broad term used to describe an apparatus designed for lifting and moving heavy objects. Round slings, as the name suggests, are made of a continuous loop of fabric that is typically polyester or other synthetic materials.

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The ends of the sling are typically looped together and sewn to create a circular shape. These slings come in various lengths and weight capacities. For instance, the round slings at Holloway Houston Inc. range in size from 18 inches to anywhere over 150 feet.

Let's do a round-up of some common challenges in heavy lifting and see how round slings can help overcome them.

Complexity of Weight Distribution

Let's say you want to lift a heavy object that is not symmetrically shaped. It could be a large crate, a machinery part, or anything that has an uneven weight distribution.

A traditional wire rope or chain sling may not be effective for such objects because it adapts to the object's shape. Due to this, the rope might have unequal stress on different points or angles, causing it to break.

In contrast, round slings are more flexible. They conform to the shape of the object and distribute weight more evenly. That makes them much safer.

Limited Maneuverability

When you're lifting a weighty object, it can be pretty tricky to maneuver it into the desired position. Round slings are designed to rotate and bend in any direction, much like cables on a crane. So, they offer more freedom of movement and flexibility.

Abrasion and Wear

Traditional chain-based slings can cause abrasion and wear on the lifting equipment. With repeated use, the chain can cut into the lifted object, causing significant damage.

Polyester round slings are much gentler on the object you're lifting. So, you can use them to lift delicate objects like glass or polished metal.

Safety Concerns

Another challenge with heavy lifting is the risk of accidents. When using traditional slings, there's always a chance they'll slip or break under too much weight, which can cause severe injuries or property damage.

Round slings come with reinforced loops and are made for heavy loads. As long as you don't exceed the weight limits, you can count on them to do the job safely. They are also less likely to slip because of their flexible nature.

Compliance With Lifting Regulations

The compliance regulations differ across industries. For example, the compliance requirements for lifting in construction might be different from those of heavy-duty machinery. The same is true for different countries or states.

Round slings are versatile and can meet compliance regulations for various industries. You can choose ones according to your use case's rules or standards.

When you're in the market for lifting round slings, here are some factors to keep in mind.

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Material

The material will make or break the effectiveness and safety of the round sling. Polyester is a popular choice because it's durable and flexible. Some other synthetic fibers used in round slings are aramid and HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene). A round sling may have multiple layers or webbing for added strength and resistance.

Construction

Another consideration is the construction quality. The following factors matter:

• The way the yarns are twisted
• Orientation of the yarns
• Sling's load and capacity
• Number of yarns
• Orientation of core yarn
• Tension control

At Holloway Houston, we use the highest quality polyester webbing for our slings. The material is then woven and sewn by skilled craftsmen to make sure the resulting sling is reliable.

Length Tolerance

Polyester round slings have a certain length tolerance. If length precision is crucial for your lifting requirements, you should check if the sling adheres to industry standards. For example, EN 1492-1 is a European standard for webbed slings. The slings that conform to this standard are suitable for use in the following temperature ranges:

• Polyester and polyamide:-40°C to 100°C
• Polypropylene:-40°C to 80°C

Similarly, there are different standards for synthetic round slings, too. Check the length tolerance for your sling before use. If it’s not specified, we recommend asking the manufacturer for details.

Load Capacity

The load capacity will determine the maximum weight that the sling can safely lift. Factors like the construction quality, length tolerance, and material type will decide the load capacity.

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Again, your particular use case is relevant here. How much weight do you want to lift? Will the sling be used in extreme temperatures or harsh environments?

For instance, if you only plan to use the sling in mild weather conditions and for light loads, such as furniture and boxes, a standard polyester sling would suffice. But if your lifting requirements are more demanding, such as lifting containers, you'll need higher load capacities.

It's evident that lifting round slings can help overcome most of the challenges you might face during heavy lifting. The key is to choose a suitable sling for the job.

If you're unsure about which sling to choose, consult your lifting equipment supplier for guidance. Our representatives at Holloway Houston are always happy to help you find the best solution for your lifting needs. Contact us today.