What are Lifting Slings and What are They Used for?

A sling is a form of equipment that is used to lift heavy objects. You can use a lifting sling to hoist heavy objects that you can lift by hand. The sling is attached to lifting equipment, such as a crane. Additionally, these slings can be constructed from different types of materials.

In today’s article, we are going to look at wire rope slings and their applications. This type of lifting sling is ideal for hoisting tasks because of its strength, flexibility and durability.

Why Choose a Wire Rope Sling?

Wire rope slings are reasonably priced and are excellent at stabilising the load that needs to be lifted. Other benefits include:

• They are resistant to abrasion
• They can’t be crushed easily
• Won’t corrode easily
• Resistant to rotation

What to Take into Consideration

If you need to purchase a lifting sling, there are certain features you need to consider such as:

• The length of the item
• The size and volume
• The direction and type of lay
• How the wires are finished
• The grade of the rope
• What material the cord is made of

Each type of wire rope sling has a maximum breaking strength and load limit, that shouldn’t be exceeded.

Carry Out an Inspection Before Using it

Lifting heavy objects can be dangerous. It’s extremely important to inspect the sling before every use. Anyone that works with the sling should be taught how to inspect the sling. Look for the following:

• The slings workload limit capacity
• How long the sling is
• Look for deformities
• General damage and wear and tear
• Make sure all the pieces are there and in working order
• Kinking
• Crushing
• Wires that are frayed or look out of place
• Bent hooks

What are the Different Kinds of Lifting Slings and What are they used for?

There are many different types of lifting slings and each of them is used for a different purpose.

• Duplex webbing slings: These are constructed from double-thick webbing and have strengthened eyes to protect them from injury. Their flexibility makes them ideal to lift shaped objects. They can be configured in many different ways.
• EWL round slings: This type of sling was designed to lift cargo. They are the most cost-effective type of sling as they are made from polyester yarn and colour coded for added convenience.
• Endless flat slings: Gaining in popularity, these slings can be rotated and have an unlimited number of contact points. Many different types of chokers and hitches can be used with this type of sling.
• Dyneema slings: These slings offer the ultimate lifting power. They are constructed from Dyneema which is a strong fibre. They are perfect for lifting heavy equipment and machinery. The strings can be used in place of steel wire ropes.
• Round slings: They are endless yarn strings lined with a knit tubular jacket. Able to lift to 6 tons, the sleeve provides protection when lifting heavy objects.

Common Uses for Lifting Slings

Lifting slings are very versatile and can be used for the following purposes:

• Mountain climbing: Webbing slings are often used for climbing mountains as a stabilisation device. They can be secured around trees or rock structures to protect the climber from falling as they ascend.
• On your boat: Boats are incredibly heavy and require a lot of work to get them in and out of the water. Some boats need to be docked on land. To accomplish this task a special lifting sling is needed.
• Towing a car: Webbing slings are perfect for towing other large vehicles, such as diggers, trucks, caravans and horseboxes. The slings provide extra power should the vehicle be stuck in the mud or snow.
• Air rescue: When people are injured in a remote place and need to get transported to the hospital quickly, a lifting sling can be used by a rescue helicopter. The sling is strong enough to carry the injured person to safety
• Tree surgeons: People that chop down trees or do tree maintenance often use slings to keep themselves safe, when they work at great heights. Slings could even be used to lift and lower cut branches safely.
• Laying pipes: Pipes are extremely heavy, so plumbers use lifting slings to pick them up and then lower them into the correct position.
• The construction industry: Building materials and wooden beams are lifted into place by cranes using lifting slings.
• Heavy machinery: The only way to move heavy machinery is by using lifting slings and a crane
• Telecommunications industry: They use lifting slings to install pylons, poles and other items
• Aeroplanes: Slings are used to lift and transport parts of the aircraft. This system is also used to replace faulty parts.

Final Thoughts

Lifting slings can be used in many different ways. Almost every business that requires heavy lifting needs to have slings available. Additionally, there are different types of lifting slings, so it’s important to choose the correct sling for the job. If in doubt, contact an expert for advice.