| Diameter of Rope | Rated Capacities in Short Tons | Min. Sling Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Leg 90° | Two Leg 60° | ||
| 5/8" | 3.9 | 6.7 | 3' |
| 3/4" | 5.6 | 9.6 | 3'-6" |
| 7/8" | 7.6 | 13.1 | 4' |
| 1" | 9.8 | 16.97 | 4'-6" |
| 1-1/8" | 12 | 20.7 | 5' |
| 1-1/4" | 15 | 25.9 | 5'-6" |
| 1-3/8" | 18 | 31.1 | 6' |
| 1-1/2" | 21 | 36.3 | 7' |
Tea Cup Wire Rope Slings Overview
Tea Cup Wire Rope Slings are used for lifting concrete pipe and box culverts through internal lift points when external lifting methods are not practical. Commonly called tea cup slings, they are used with compatible Tea Cup Pipe Carriers that insert into pre-drilled holes in the concrete to support lifting and positioning.
The sling transfers the load through the carrier and sling legs and must be used within the rated capacity based on sling size, configuration, and lift angle. Proper hole size, carrier fit, and alignment are required. Tea Cup slings do not reinforce the concrete or compensate for incorrect installation, so manufacturer instructions, capacity ratings, and inspection requirements should always
Key Features of Tea Cup Slings
Working Load Limit vs. Breaking Strength
Wire rope slings are designed with a safety factor of 5, meaning the breaking strength is typically five times the Working Load Limit (WLL). Manufacturers determine the WLL based on wire rope construction, fabrication efficiency, and standardized testing methods in accordance with ASME B30.9.
Understanding Sling Angles
Sling angles are measured from the horizontal. A 90° angle from horizontal indicates a vertical lift, while a 60° angle corresponds to a standard two-leg bridle lift. It’s important to note that as the angle from horizontal decreases, the tension on each sling leg increases, affecting load distribution and safety.
Measuring Sling Length at Bearing Points
The length of a sling is measured from bearing point to bearing point when laid flat, not around the circumference. This measurement ensures accurate determination of the effective reach, especially when threading the sling through pipe holes or around load points.
Material Specifications
Wire Rope Design
- Continuous loop construction for balanced load handling.
- Available in diameters from 5/8" to 1-1/2".
- Standard bright finish with galvanized or stainless steel options available.
End Fittings
- Top termination : Standard eye or thimbles with alloy master link (bridle configuration).
- Bottom termination : Swaged button fitting.
- Bearing-to-bearing measurement determines effective length.
Configuration Types
Single-Leg Configuration
Features a standard eye at the top end with a swaged button at the bottom that prevents pull-through when threaded through a drilled pipe hole and used for single-point lifts at 90° from horizontal (vertical).
2 Leg Bridle Configuration
Incorporates alloy master link with thimbles at top ends and swaged buttons at bottom. Each leg threads through a separate drilled hole with buttons preventing pull-through. Used at 60° angle from horizontal per standard practice.
Tea Cup Pipe Carriers (Sold Separately)
Holloway manufactures Tea Cup Pipe Carriers as companion hardware that provides the bearing surface inside pipes. Available with 7" or 12" diameter flanges. Manufacturer ratings assume use with the specified Tea Cup Carrier to establish the designed bearing surface and protect concrete at the lift point.
Inspection & Removal Criteria (Awareness)
OSHA 1910.184 Inspection Requirements Standards require a daily visual inspection before use and a documented annual inspection (minimum) or more frequently based on service severity.
Standards Met :
- OSHA 1910.184
Proof Testing Requirements Each sling is proof tested per the manufacturer's procedure: serialized certificate documents, test date, applied load, and acceptance criteria per ASME B30.9.
Removal from Service Indicators per OSHA 1910.184(e)
Ten or more broken wires in one rope lay.
Five broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.
Wear or scraping of 1/3 the original wire diameter.
Kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or other rope structure damage.
Heat damage evidence or arc strikes.
Damaged or deformed end attachments.
Corrosion affecting wire flexibility.
Missing or illegible identification.
Application Considerations
Typical Uses
- Water and sewer pipe installation.
- Box culvert placement.
- Storm drain construction.
- Precast concrete pipe handling.
- Limited headroom applications.
Note : Always consult with a qualified engineer or manufacturer for specific application requirements and safety guidelines.
Load Factors to Consider
- Pipe weight including contained materials.
- Center of gravity location.
- Angle of lift from horizontal.
- Environmental conditions.
- Dynamic loading during placement.
Drilling Requirements
Hole diameter and location must be specified by engineer or carrier manufacturer based on pipe specifications and load requirements.
Technical Support Information
For application-specific guidance, custom length requirements, or technical consultation, contact Holloway Houston engineering support. Custom configurations available including special materials, coatings, and lengths for project requirements.
Manufacturing Location
Houston, Texas facility Lead Time :
Standard sizes typically 3-5 business days Custom Orders: 2-3 weeks depending on specifications.
Need Technical Consultation?
These custom configurations allow operators to match sling specifications precisely with their project conditions. For customisation of T-Cup wire rope slings contact us.
Tea Cup Wire Rope Slings are manufactured by Holloway Houston at its Houston, Texas facility. Fabrication includes wire rope cutting, eye formation, swaged button installation, and proof testing in accordance with applicable industry standards. Each sling is identified with rated capacity, configuration details, and serialized documentation for reference and traceability.
In-House Fabrication
Sling assemblies are produced internally using controlled fabrication and testing procedures.
Traceability
Serialized tags link each sling to manufacturing and test documentation for reference purposes.
Standard-Based Ratings
Working Load Limits are established using a 5:1 design factor in alignment with ASME B30.9 requirements.
Proof Testing & Documentation
Each sling is proof tested and supplied with test records and identification per manufacturer procedures.
SAFETY NOTES
Always inspect prior to use. Do not exceed working load limits. Use only for approved applications. If any doubt exists regarding condition or use, discontinue immediately and consult the manufacturer.
Recommended Holloway Houston Products
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Chain Slings
Heavy-duty lifting solutions built for high-temperature, rugged, and demanding applications.
Web Slings
Soft, durable slings ideal for lifting pipes and loads without surface damage.
Crosby Shackles
High-strength connecting components engineered for secure and reliable lifting assemblies.
Tea Cup Wire Rope Slings are manufactured by Holloway Houston at its Houston, Texas facility. Fabrication includes wire rope cutting, eye formation, swaged button installation, and proof testing in accordance with applicable industry standards. Each sling is identified with rated capacity, configuration details, and serialized documentation for reference and traceability.
In-House Fabrication
Sling assemblies are produced internally using controlled fabrication and testing procedures.
Traceability
Serialized tags link each sling to manufacturing and test documentation for reference purposes.
Standard-Based Ratings
Working Load Limits are established using a 5:1 design factor in alignment with ASME B30.9 requirements.
Proof Testing & Documentation
Each sling is proof tested and supplied with test records and identification per manufacturer procedures.
Applications and Use Cases
Holloway Tea Cup Slings are trusted across industries that demand precise, safe, and efficient lifting of heavy concrete pipes and culverts. Their strong build and simple setup make them a preferred choice for multiple sectors:
Marine
Industrial
Mining
Offshore Platforms
Military
Theatrical Rigging
Construction
Outdoor Recreational
Utility
Heavy Lifting
Frequently Asked Questions
How do angle measurements from horizontal affect capacity?
As angles decrease from horizontal (moving from 90° toward 30°), tension increases on each sling leg. At 60° from horizontal, each leg carries approximately 1.15 times the vertical load share. Industry practice cautions against angles below 30° from horizontal.
What inspection frequency do standards indicate?
OSHA 1910.184 indicates daily visual inspection before use. ASME B30.9 specifies documented periodic inspections annually minimum, or quarterly to monthly for severe service.
What determines minimum sling length?
Minimum length maintains proper D/d ratios where the sling bends around the load. Shorter lengths create tighter bends, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging wire rope.
How is proof testing performed?
Manufacturers apply proof test loads per established procedures. Each test receives unique certification documenting load applied and acceptance criteria.
What configurations are available for Tea Cup Slings?
Tea Cup Slings work exclusively in single-leg vertical or two-leg bridle configurations. The design requires threading through drilled holes with swaged buttons preventing pull-through. These slings cannot function in choker or basket configurations.
Are Tea Cup Carriers required for use with Tea Cup Slings?
Manufacturer ratings assume use with specified Tea Cup Carriers. The carrier provides the designed bearing surface and prevents concrete damage at the lift point.
How is sling length measured for Tea Cup applications?
Sling length is measured bearing point to bearing point when laid flat, not by circumference. This measurement determines the reach when threaded through the drilled pipe hole.
What factors affect wire rope sling service life?
Environmental exposure, frequency of use, load cycles, and handling practices affect service life. Galvanized or stainless options provide corrosion resistance for harsh environments.
Why Choose Holloway Houston Tea Cup Slings
Our slings are designed for steady lifting and smooth pipe handling, Holloway Tea Cup Slings simplify heavy pipe placement. Each sling is carefully made in-house to support safe and consistent use in pipe-handling operations.
Compact Pipe Handling Design
Fits in low-clearance areas while maintaining lifting strength for concrete pipes and box culverts.
Wide Capacity Range
Handles light to heavy loads, with rope diameters from 5/8” to 1-1/2” for different lifting tasks.
Multiple Configurations
Available in single-leg and two-leg setups to match lifting methods used in pipe installations.
In-House Fabrication
Produced completely at Holloway Houston for controlled manufacturing, quality consistency, and proper testing.
Certified to Industry Standards
Each sling is proof-tested and inspected according to ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184 guidelines.
Tagged and Traceable
Every sling carries a permanent tag with serial identification and supporting certification documents.