How to Choose the Right Sling for Your Lift: Wire Rope, Chain or Synthetic?
Choosing a lifting sling isn’t simply a matter of finding one with enough capacity for the load.
The load itself, lifting environment, temperature, potential for sharp edges, required flexibility and rigging configuration can all influence which type of sling is appropriate for the job.
Wire rope, alloy chain and synthetic slings each offer distinct advantages. Understanding those differences can help you select the right sling for the application.
Wire Rope Slings: Durable and Versatile
Wire rope slings are widely used in construction, manufacturing, steel, energy, marine and other demanding industries.
They offer a strong combination of strength, durability and abrasion resistance and are available in numerous configurations to accommodate different lifting requirements.
Wire rope slings may be a good choice when:
- The application requires strength and durability
- Loads or working conditions may be abrasive
- The sling will be used in demanding industrial environments
- Resistance to heat is an important consideration
- A variety of hitch configurations may be required
Wire rope slings do require regular inspection. Broken wires, kinking, crushing, corrosion, heat damage and other conditions can affect whether a sling should remain in service.
Alloy Chain Slings: Tough Enough for Demanding Conditions
When ruggedness and durability are priorities, alloy chain slings are often an excellent option.
Chain slings can handle demanding lifting environments and offer advantages in applications involving high temperatures and rugged loads. They can also be configured with different components to accommodate a wide range of lifting needs.
Chain slings may be a good choice when:
- Lifts involve high-temperature environments
- Loads are rugged or abrasive
- Durability is a major consideration
- Adjustable configurations are beneficial
- The sling will see demanding, repetitive use
Chain slings should be inspected for conditions including wear, stretching, cracks, nicks, gouges, bent components and heat damage. Only alloy chain and components specifically designed and rated for overhead lifting should be used for lifting applications.
Synthetic Slings: Lightweight and Load-Friendly
Synthetic web and roundslings offer a very different set of advantages.
They’re lightweight, flexible and easy to handle, making them especially useful when protecting the surface of the load is important. Their flexibility can also make them easier to position around loads with certain shapes or configurations.
Synthetic slings may be a good choice when:
- Protecting finished or delicate surfaces is important
- A lightweight sling makes handling easier
- Flexibility is needed to conform to the load
- Crews frequently handle and position the slings manually
- Reducing sling weight is beneficial to the application
Synthetic slings are particularly susceptible to cuts and damage from sharp edges. Appropriate edge protection should be considered whenever a sling could contact an edge that may damage it.
Chemical exposure and temperature must also be considered because different synthetic materials have different limitations.
Don’t Choose Based on Capacity Alone
Regardless of sling type, Working Load Limit is only one part of sling selection.
Before choosing a sling, consider:
What are you lifting?
Know the weight, dimensions and center of gravity of the load.
How will it be lifted?
Vertical, choker and basket hitches can affect sling capacity and performance.
What are the sling angles?
As sling angles decrease, tension on the sling legs increases. Sling angle should always be considered when determining the required capacity.
Are there sharp edges?
Load edges can damage slings and may require appropriate protection.
What’s the environment?
Heat, chemicals, moisture, abrasion and other environmental factors may affect sling selection.
How frequently will the sling be used?
A sling used repeatedly in a demanding production environment may have different requirements than one used occasionally.
There Isn’t One “Best” Sling
Wire rope, chain and synthetic slings aren’t interchangeable—and there isn’t one type that’s right for every lift.
The best choice is the sling that is properly rated and suited for the load, hitch, environment and conditions in which it will be used.
When you’re unsure, don’t guess.
CERTEX offers a wide range of wire rope, alloy chain and synthetic lifting slings, along with rigging hardware, inspection services, training and knowledgeable support from teams across the country.
Not sure which sling is right for your application? Contact your local CERTEX branch and let our team help you find the right solution for your lift.
