How to Choose a Lifting Sling

Are you planning a lifting project and unsure about the correct sling type to use? Or maybe you’re not getting the service life you expect from the slings you’re currently using? Learning how to choose a right lifting sling is an important part of any lift plan.

Web slings, wire rope slings, polyester round slings, and chain slings may all be used to lift, move, and position a load safely and efficiently. However, choosing the right sling depends upon understanding the lifting application, the environment in which the lift will take place, and how the sling will be used to support and lift a load.

This guide provides a broad overview of how to choose a lifting sling by comparing common sling types and the factors that should be reviewed before making a selection.

What Is a Lifting Sling?

A lifting sling is a piece of rigging equipment used to connect a load to a lifting device, such as a crane, hoist, forklift attachment, or lifting beam. Slings help support, secure, and lift the load during material handling operations.

Lifting slings are available in several materials and configurations, including synthetic web slings, polyester round slings, wire rope slings, and alloy chain slings. Each type is designed for different load conditions, environments, and lifting requirements.

Web Slings

Web slings are the most versatile and widely used multi-purpose sling since they are strong, flexible, and easy to rig. Their inexpensive and lightweight design makes them attractive to almost any industry or lifting application. They’re essentially flat belt straps made of webbing material. They commonly have fittings or eyes on each end, although endless slings are also available.

Pros:

• Made of soft, flexible material that grips and molds to the shape of irregular loads
• Strong enough to lift heavy loads but will protect delicate loads from scratching
• Performance not affected by oil and grease, resistant to alkaline-based chemicals

Cons:

• Low heat resistance, not to be used in environments where the temperature is below – 40˚F or above 194˚F
• Not as durable as steel slings when it comes to abrasion and cut resistance. Wear pads required when lifting loads with sharp edges.
• Sensitive to prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays

Check out our comprehensive guide to the various types of web slings to learn more.

Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are popular across industries where rugged conditions exist due to their strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. Its unique design consists of multiple steel wires that form individual strands laid in a helical pattern around a fiber or steel core. All LGH wire rope slings are mechanically spliced and come with a standard eye-to-eye design, available in a wide range of capacities and sizes.

Pros:

• Lighter in weight and lower initial cost than alloy chain slings
• Different designs provide strength, flexibility, and abrasion/fatigue/corrosion resistance
• Can be used in vertical, choker, and basket hitches
• If the wire rope is damaged, the hardware may be re-used – provided it is undamaged

Cons:

• Difficult to inspect – especially in and around the core
• Abuse or misuse may cause kinking, crushing, or abrasion, resulting in damage and loss of strength. Unrepairable if damaged.
• Susceptible to internal and external corrosion
• Not to be used in temperatures above 400˚F or below -40˚F

Polyester Round Slings

Round slings have load-bearing fiber or core yarns protected by a woven outer jacket. The jacket protects the internal load-bearing fibers and core yarns against abrasion, dirt, grease, and UV degradation. They are ideally suited for general and heavy industrial lifting. They have the precision and flexibility to perform heavy lifting jobs quickly and safely.

Pros:

• Weighs approximately a tenth of the total weight of a comparable steel sling
• Strong, soft, and flexible composition means the sling will not damage your load when used correctly
• Usable in vertical, basket, or choker hitches
• Suitable for acidic environments and around bleaching agents

Cons:

• Susceptible to heat damage
• Wear pads required for loads with sharp edges or in any case where extra durability is needed
• Weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays
• Not to be used in alkaline environments

Chain Slings

When it comes to durability, chain slings are on top. Chain slings can be used to lift heavy and bulky loads on a regular or repetitive basis. Their strength, durability, and high heat resistance allow them to be used in foundries, steel mills, heavy machine shops, and other environments where repetitive lifts or harsh conditions would damage or destroy other sling types.

In addition, their design is flexible. They may be configured in single-leg, 2-leg, 3-leg, or 4-leg designs. Various sling hooks, lengths of chain, and master links can be used to create a variety of sling assemblies for different applications.

Pros:

• If damage occurs, chain slings are repairable and can be load tested and re-certified after repair
• Able to withstand extreme temperatures
• May be configured for use in vertical, choker, or basket hitches
• Resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and UV exposure
• Unaffected by dirt, oil, or grease

Cons:

• Very heavy – the higher the rated capacity, the heavier the chain will be
• May be more expensive than other sling types
• Can easily crush or damage sensitive or finished parts

Which Lifting Sling Should You Choose?

The best lifting sling depends on the application. Each sling type has a role, and the right choice comes down to matching the sling to the load and lifting conditions.

In general:

• Choose a web sling when you need a lightweight, flexible sling for general lifting and load surface protection.
• Choose a wire rope sling when you need strength, abrasion resistance, and durability in rugged conditions.
• Choose a polyester round sling when you need a lightweight, flexible sling that can protect the load surface during heavy lifting.
• Choose a chain sling when you need maximum durability, repairability, heat resistance, or repeated heavy-duty use.

Before making a final selection, always verify the sling’s rated capacity, hitch rating, sling angle, condition, and compatibility with the load and rigging hardware.

Conclusion

Knowing how to choose a lifting sling starts with understanding the load and the conditions of the lift. Load weight, shape, center of gravity, hitch type, sling angle, temperature, chemical exposure, edge conditions, and lifting frequency all affect which sling type is appropriate.

Web slings, wire rope slings, polyester round slings, and chain slings each offer different advantages. The best sling is the one that provides the right combination of capacity, control, durability, flexibility, and load protection for the specific application.

If you need assistance choosing the right lifting sling or if you require more detailed information on what variations of each sling type are available, contact your local representative or call 800-878-7305 today.

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ABOUT LGH

LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.