The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Rigging Slings

Rigging slings play a key role in the lifting and material-handling industry. It’s important to understand and select the right sling for your lifting and rigging applications. If you’re unsure about which sling to choose, this article will help clarify the options and guide you on where to use them. At Holloway, we provide rigging slings with safety and efficiency at the core of every lifting project. Selecting the right sling is crucial for successful operations. Let us walk you through the types of rigging slings and their applications to help make your lifting projects safe and effective.

What Are Rigging Slings?

Rigging slings are essential tools designed to lift and secure loads during hoisting operations. These slings connect the load to lifting equipment such as cranes or hoists, providing stability and safety during movement. A rigging sling is typically attached to or wrapped around the object being lifted, facilitating safe handling in various lifting scenarios.

Available in multiple materials—including nylon, polyester, and steel—rigging slings cater to diverse lifting requirements, from lightweight objects to extremely heavy-duty applications. To make sure optimal performance and safety, it’s crucial to consider several key factors when selecting a rigging sling:

• Load weight, size, and shape
• Working environment (temperature, humidity, exposure to chemicals)
• Lifting angles and center of gravity
• Frequency of use and durability requirements

Regular inspections are vital to maintaining rigging slings in top condition. Look for signs of wear, fraying, or corrosion, and replace damaged slings promptly to avoid accidents.

Understanding Rigging Slings

A rigging sling is attached to or wrapped around the object being lifted, used in conjunction with a lift or crane. Since rigging slings handle various weights and sizes, they must be routinely inspected for signs of wear. Over time, the material used in the sling will deteriorate and must be replaced. It is generally recommended that slings not be shortened or lengthened by knotting or twisting, as this can accelerate wear on the ropes or cables. Rigging slings are often utilized with hitches that connect to the load. The four primary types of sling hitches include:

1. Vertical Hitch

A vertical or straight hitch is attached directly to an object (generally by looping around an attached hook) to lift it up vertically. A downside to this type of sling hitch is that the object can rotate or swing while being moved. However, a tagline can be added to help control this rotation and prevent the sling from twisting.

2. Choker Hitch

A choker hitch loops around an object to provide a strong grip with an adjustable knot at the top. This also must be used on evenly balanced loads and must be tightly secured before lighting to ensure that the object does not shift.

3. Basket Hitch

A basket hitch distributes the weight of a load more evenly by splitting it and cradling both slides within a sling. It is typically used in conjunction with a lifting beam or spreader bar to provide additional support.

The angle of the sling does change the load capacity, and both sides need to carry equal weight. Otherwise, the object will topple. Therefore, basket hitches are used on longer objects which are evenly weighted, such as lumber or pipes.

4. Bridle Hitch

A bridle hitch is a term used when two or more slings are needed to lift an object. So, two vertical hitches can be used to create a bridle and distribute the weight more evenly between the slings.

Choosing the Right Sling Material

The type of material used for a rigging sling depends on several factors:

• Application or project
• Load weight, shape, and size
• Center of gravity of the object
• Environmental conditions (wind, clearance, height restrictions)
• Sling and lift angles

So, let’s explain the differences between the three main types of sling materials.

Types of Rigging Slings

Choosing the right sling depends on your project’s unique demands. Here’s a breakdown of the primary types of rigging slings and their key applications.

1. Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are one of the most popular lifting sling choices because of their strength, flexibility, and fatigue resistance. Wire rope products are made up of strands of wires wrapped around one another to create a bendable (yet extremely sturdy) rope.

The material can handle heavy weights. Wire ropes also have a central core, which is made from steel or fibers, to provide additional support when the rope is bent.

Wire rope has numerous purposes outside of liftings and rigging, such as permanent or temporary attachment securement or material handling.

Wire rope slings have several pattern options:

• Single-layer – typically six strands and one core for lighter lifting applications
• Filler wire – two layers of wire around a core
• Seale – two layers of wire with a smaller inner layer and thicker exterior
• Warrington – two layers of wire. The inner layer has a uniform diameter while the outer layer has different diameters woven in
• Combination – two or more of any patterns woven together to make a single rope

Wire ropes also come in three finishing types: bright, galvanized, or stainless steel.

A “bright” wire rope means that there is no surface treatment on the metal and is instead lubricated to prevent rust and corrosion. This is generally the least expensive type of wire rope.

Stainless steel wire ropes are the most expensive and are also the most durable. They are highly resistant to corrosion and rust, so they are frequently used on ships or near water.

Although wire rope slings offer numerous benefits, such as strength, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion, there are a few disadvantages.

First, wire rope has a fairly low strength-to-weight ratio and the metal core and exterior can wear down quickly if misused. Wire rope is also non-repairable and must be completely replaced if it breaks.

Common applications for wire ropes include:

• Mining equipment
• Elevator wires
• Crane ropes
• Gas and oilfield equipment

Limitations:

While durable, Wire rope slings are strong but heavy, and they cannot be repaired. If any visible damage occurs, the sling must be replaced immediately to maintain safety standards.

To know more about wire rope slings Click here Also Three-Part EIPS Slings, Nine-Part EIPS Slings, Eye & Eye Slings, High-Capacity Low-Headroom Grommets, Bridle Slings, Pendant Lines (Socket Lines) are available.

2. Chain Slings

For lifting heavy, hot, or unusually shaped materials, chain slings are the best solution. Their high-grade alloy steel design makes them ideal for demanding, repetitive lifting tasks in tough environments. Available in different grades (Grade 80 and Grade 100).

Design and Strength

The alloy steel mixture used in chain slings makes them one of the strongest rigging options. The chain-link design offers a balance of flexibility and strength while resisting extreme temperatures and corrosion. Unlike synthetic or wire rope slings, chain slings can be repaired by replacing damaged links, further extending their service life.

Despite their durability, chain slings are heavier than alternatives. With a 4:1 Working Load Limit, they require a chain rated at a quarter of the weight of the object being lifted. While they are a worthwhile investment for heavy-duty applications, their weight and cost may be drawbacks in certain situations.

Key Features

• Heat and corrosion-resistant.
• Flexible yet sturdy for versatile use.
• Repairable links for extended service life.

Common Applications

Chain slings are frequently used in:

• Foundries and steel mills.
• Heavy-duty machinery lifting.
• Harsh industrial conditions requiring durable tools.
• Environments requiring repetitive lifting operations.

Limitations

Chain slings are heavier and more expensive than other sling types, such as wire ropes or synthetic slings. Additionally, they are prone to damage if crushed. However, their ability to withstand extreme conditions and be repaired makes them an excellent choice for long-term use in demanding environments.

Synthetic Sling

Synthetic rigging slings are made of nylon or polyester fibers woven together to create straps that are extremely lightweight and flexible. Since the material is much softer than wire rope or chain slings, they are often used to protect expensive or sensitive loads that could be damaged from scratches. You will commonly see yachts, vehicles, or décor items lifted with synthetic slings.

Synthetic rigging slings are made of nylon or polyester fibers woven together to create straps that are extremely lightweight and flexible. Since the material is much softer than wire rope or chain slings, they are often used to protect expensive or sensitive loads that could be damaged from scratches. You will commonly see yachts, vehicles, or décor items lifted with synthetic slings.

Synthetic slings come in varying styles depending on the application. Synthetic web slings are flat straps that can be wrapped around an item for lifting. Synthetic round slings are used with vertical, basket, or choker hitches and are best for lifting round objects, like tubes and pipes.

Although synthetic slings are made of fabric fibers instead of metal, they are strong and versatile and have a 5:1 Design Factor. In other words, the breaking strength is five times greater than the Working Load Limit of the sling.

Holloway Houston offers two primary types of synthetic slings: web slings and round slings. These slings are designed to deliver flexibility and strength while protecting delicate loads from surface damage. Here's a closer look at each option:

Web Slings

Web slings are made from flat, woven nylon or polyester materials and are suitable for a wide range of lifting applications. Their lightweight body and soft texture make them easy to handle and ideal for loads that require careful treatment.

Key Features:

• Flat, wide surface for even weight distribution
• Reduced risk of scratching or damaging the load
• Available in multiple configurations: endless, eye & eye, or triangle

Applications:

• Lifting fragile or painted objects
• Construction and light industrial tasks
• Temporary lifts requiring quick setup

Round Slings

Round slings are tubular in shape, with multiple layers of synthetic fibers encased in a durable fabric sleeve. These slings provide exceptional load-bearing capacity and are well-suited for lifting heavy or irregularly shaped objects.

Key Features:

• Flexible and adjustable for load balance
• Resistant to abrasion and wear due to the protective sleeve
• Lightweight yet capable of handling substantial loads

Applications:

• Heavy machinery or equipment lifts
• Loads requiring gentle yet strong support
• Tasks with uneven weight distribution

Conclusion

Rigging slings are a key component of any lifting application – but you need to have the right material and design. Otherwise, it could compromise the safety and effort of the project.

It is crucial that you understand the differences between the types of rigging slings, as well as the style of hitch to use. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages – but there is a combination of every job requirement.

If you have any further questions regarding rigging slings or ready to place an order, please reach out to Holloway Houston Inc. Our team would be glad to help you find the exact lifting equipment needed for any project.