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Choosing Your Lifting Sling

When you need a lifting sling to help to lift a heavy and/or awkward load there are a number of criteria to consider. Obviously the safe working load is a top priority but so is how you will be utilising the sling. Consider your lifting operation and what other types of equipment will be used, i.e. lifting gantry, type of hoist and connection types. The type of load should also be considered as this could heavily influence your choice.

Round slings are softer due to their padded core and therefore better suited to loads that are perhaps more delicate in that you don't want to mark them. They are a continual loop so no specific lifting eyes/loops.

Web slings are flat and pliable although not quite as soft as round slings. They sit nicely around loads and tend to be much wider than its same SWL counter parts. Each end of a web sling has a reinforced loop or lifting eye for easier attachment to the load hook of a hoist for example.

Chain slings come in four main varieties, a single leg has 1 chain leg, a double leg has 2, then you have 3 and 4 leg varieties. Each leg is terminated with a specific fitting according to your needs and provides the anchoring point between the sling and load. Multi-leg chain slings can have different fittings on each leg if necessary although more unusual. Each leg connects together at the top in a master link – a large steel ring which attaches easily to a crane or hoist hook.

You can find out all the pertinent details about each type of sling in their relevant product pages above along with full specifications.

Custom Lifting Slings

If you need a sling for a particular task and a standard, off the shelf sling will not work then Lifting Gear Store can help. We have our own facilities where we can make up slings to your requirements whether chain slings, web slings or round slings. We can also add wear sleeves to your sling for better sling and load protection in high wear areas.

All our slings are clearly marked with serial numbers, safe working loads and more and are tested and certified to the required standards.

Slinging safely

When you are using any type of sling there are specific safety procedures that should always be followed. Some key examples of things to do include;

You should always plan and evaluate lifting operations prior to their undertaking.

Always evaluate the load, check weights and sizes. Ensure the sling is fitted correctly and ensure the load is fully stable before carrying out the lift. A small test lift just shy of the ground is the best way to check load safety and stability.

Examine your slings before use to ensure there are no issues which could affect the safety. Look for damaged and/or worn links on chain and loose stitching, cuts or excess wear on web and round slings.

Never tie or knot your slings; never exceed the stated SWL and never use outside the lifting angles permitted.

There are many other safety factors that need to be considered when using any lifting sling so due diligence must be applied.