what is the safety factor of wire rope sling brands

Wire ropes are essential for safety purposes on construction sites and industrial workplaces. They are used to secure and transport extremely heavy pieces of equipment – so they must be strong enough to withstand substantial loads. This is why the wire rope safety factor is crucial.

You may have heard that it is always recommended to use wire ropes or slings with a higher breaking strength than the actual load. For instance, say that you need to move 50,000 lbs. with an overhead crane. You should generally use equipment with a working load limit that is rated for weight at least five times higher – or 250,000 lbs. in this case.

This recommendation is all thanks to the wire rope safety factor. This calculation is designed to help you determine important numbers, such as the minimum breaking strength and the working load limit of a wire rope.

The safety factor is a measurement of how strong of a force a wire rope can withstand before it breaks. It is commonly stated as a ratio, such as 5:1. This means that the wire rope can hold five times their Safe Work Load (SWL) before it will break.

So, if a 5:1 wire rope’s SWL is 10,000 lbs., the safety factor is 50,000 lbs. However, you would never want to place a load near 50,000 lbs. for wire rope safety reasons.

The safety factor rating of a wire rope is the calculation of the Minimum Break Strength (MBS) or the Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) compared to the highest absolute maximum load limit. It is crucial to use a wire rope with a high ratio to account for factors that could influence the weight of the load.

The Safe Working Load (SWL) is a measurement that is required by law to be clearly marked on all lifting devices – including hoists, lifting machines, and tackles. However, this is not visibly listed on wire ropes, so it is important to understand what this term means and how to calculate it.

The safe working load will change depending on the diameter of the wire rope and its weight per foot. Of course, the smaller the wire rope is, the lower its SWL will be. The SWL also changes depending on the safety factor ratio.

The margin of safety for wire ropes accounts for any unexpected extra loads to ensure the utmost safety for everyone involved. Every year there aredue to overhead crane accidents. Many of these deaths occur when a heavy load is dropped because the weight load limit was not properly calculated and the wire rope broke or slipped.

The margin of safety is a hazard control calculation that essentially accounts for worst-case scenarios. For instance, what if a strong gust of wind were to blow while a crane was lifting a load? Or what if the brakes slipped and the load dropped several feet unexpectedly? This is certainly a wire rope safety factor that must be considered.

Themargin of safety(also referred to as the factor of safety) measures the ultimate load or stress divided by theallowablestress. This helps to account for the applied tensile forces and stress thatcouldbe applied to the rope, causing it to inch closer to the breaking strength limit.

A proof test must be conducted on a wire rope or any other piece of rigging equipment before it is used for the first time.that a sample of a wire rope must be tested to ensure that it can safely hold one-fifth of the breaking load limit. The proof test ensures that the wire rope is not defective and can withstand the minimum weight load limit.

First, the wire rope and other lifting accessories (such as hooks or slings) are set up as needed for the particular task. Then weight or force is slowly added until it reaches the maximum allowable working load limit.

Some wire rope distributors will conduct proof loading tests before you purchase them. Be sure to investigate the criteria of these tests before purchasing, as some testing factors may need to be changed depending on your requirements.

When purchasing wire ropes for overhead lifting or other heavy-duty applications, understanding the safety dynamics and limits is critical. These terms can get confusing, but all of thesefactors serve an important purpose.

Our company has served as a wire rope distributor and industrial hardware supplier for many years. We know all there is to know about safety factors. We will help you find the exact wire ropes that will meet your requirements, no matter what project you have in mind.

Have you wondered why rigging experts always suggest a sling that has a significantly higher breaking strength than the actual weight of the load you are lifting? The manufacturers know that the rigging used in overhead applications need to have room for error. This is known as the Safety Factor.

Northern Strands manufactures wire rope slings rated up to 36,000 lbs and sells round synthetic slings that are rated up to 140,000 lb capacity. This capacity is the Working Load Limit of the sling, which is the maximum amount of weight or force that the sling"s user is allowed to put on the sling. Note: These slings do not break at the working load limit. These slings are designed with a safety factor of 5:1. This means that 5 times as much force as the working load limit has to be applied to the sling before it potentially fails. This means the wire rope slings have a Breaking Strength of up to 180,000 lbs and the round synthetic slings can withhold up to 700,000 lbs.

Wear - Working load limits are based on slings in brand new condition and a safety factor can help account for normal wear and tear until it is deemed unfit for further use.

Uneven loading - Slings are made up of either wires or fibers that must all share the weight of the load evenly. If any situation arises where the sling is bent or wrapped around an object, there is potential that some of the wires or fibers will be taking on a greater share of the load than others.

Visit Northern Strands website to use the sling tension calculator. The Northern Strands Sling Calculator has been designed to assist you in selecting slings with enough load carrying capacity for your lifting applications. It is your responsibility to assure that the slings you use are appropriate for your application. http://www.northernstrands.com/sling-calculator.aspx

Sling made with a triangle fitting on one end and a slotted triangle choker fitting on the other end. It can be used in a vertical, basket, or choker hitch.

Sling made with flat loop eye on each end with loop eye opening on same plane as sling body. This type of sling is sometimes called a flat eye-and-eye, eye-and-eye, or double-eye sling.

Sling made with both loop eyes formed as in Type III, except that the loop eyes are turned to form a loop eye which is at a right angle to the plane of the sling body. This type of sling is commonly referred to as a twisted-eye sling.

Return-eye (reversed-eye) sling is formed by using multiple widths of webbing held edge-to-edge. A wear pad is attached on one or both sides of the sling body and on one or both sides of the loop eyes to form a loop eye at each end which is at a right angle to the plane of the sling body.

Alloy Steel-chain slings differ from wire-rope slings in that components using wire are replaced by link chain. Other sling components are similar. Chain slings are more rugged and flexible, but less shock resistant than wire-rope or braided slings. This size is measured by the link stock.

However, as with ANY wire rope sling, when using a chain link sling in ANY Marine related construction activity…Safety is of the upmost of importance.

When exposed to service temperatures more than 600 degrees F (315 degrees C), one should reduce the working load limits in accordance with the chain manufacturer’s recommendations.

Lastly, extremely low temperatures (less than 0 degrees F) may cause brittle fractures. Under these conditions, sudden loading should be avoided, and the load should be lifted a very short distance while the chains are carefully inspected.

Chains should be stored in racks or in designated locations when not in use. Chains should never be stored in damp or dirty places, nor in places exposed to the weather. For long-term storage, they should receive a coating of oil. Should one have any empty chains, the “Ends” should be hooked onto the hoist hook or bull ring.

Chains should not be lubricated when in use because this might make them dangerous to handle. Chains should be cleaned periodically to remove abrasive grit and to facilitate inspection.

The total load that can be lifted safely with steel-chain slings depends on how the slings are attached to the load. If all legs of a steel-chain sling are hooked back into the master link, the safe-load capacity of the whole sling may be increased by 100 percent if the capacity of the master link is not exceeded.

The safe-load level of any chain sling is a function of three basic factors: size and number of legs, condition of chain and other components. Let alone the sling angle between legs and horizontal. One should note the dramatic drop in load capacity when a “Double Chain Link Sling” is positioned in an extremely low hook height and wide leg spreads.

One should keep in mind that hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links and other attachments should always have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which they are used or the sling should NOT be used in excess of the rated capacity of the weakest component.

In ending, upon the return to the shop ANY chain link slings coming off of ANY Project no matter how short the job was, one should always do the following, at a MINIMUM, prior to storing…said Slings.

The LKING STEEL LIMITED 6 x 37 IWRC (independent wire rope core) single-leg wire rope sling has eye-and-eye endings and a mechanical splice for lifting loads with vertical, choker, or basket configurations in general industry applications. The 6 x 37 IWRC construction contains six strands of wire rope with approximately 37 wires per strand wrapped around a separate 7 X 7 wire rope, which has seven strands with seven wires per strand, in the center of the sling. This construction provides more flexibility than a 6 x 7 or 6 x 19 wire rope sling. The wire rope construction has more abrasion and heat resistance than a web sling. This eye-and-eye sling has an eye, or loop, on both ends, and can be used with vertical, choker, and basket lifting configurations. The eyes are secured with a mechanical (also called Flemish) splice that is stronger than a hand splice. This sling has a minimum D/d ratio of 25 and meets American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) specification B30.9 and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specification 1910.184.

Slings are used to lift heavy objects for industrial applications. Types of slings include web slings, wire rope slings, chain slings, and mesh slings. The appropriate type of sling for an application depends on the strength-to-weight ratio, flexibility and resistance to bending, resistance to abrasion and cutting, resistance to crushing, resistance to stretching, and resistance to high temperatures and other environmental stressors. Slings have one, two, three, or four legs; or a continuous loop of webbing or wire rope. Legs are support branches that extend from a single point at the top of the sling to the item being lifted so the weight of the load is distributed evenly among the branches. Slings have eyes (loops) or alloy steel fittings on the ends.

A vertical lifting configuration connects a crane hook directly to a load with a single, vertical sling, usually by means of a hook. In a choker configuration, the sling wraps entirely around the load, and one loop passes through the other to form a slip noose, or choker. In a basket configuration, the sling passes under the load and both ends of the sling connect to the crane hook. Load capacity is the maximum weight to be lifted in a vertical configuration. The capacity in a choker configuration is approximately equal to the vertical capacity times 0.8. The capacity in a basket configuration, with sling ends at a 90-degree angle, is approximately equal to twice the vertical capacity. Load capacity in a basket configuration decreases if the angle of the sling is less than 90 degrees. For example, a sling with a capacity of 2,000 lb. in a vertical configuration will have an approximate capacity of (2,000)(0.8)=1,600 lb. in a choker configuration and an approximate capacity of (2,000)(2)=4,000 lb. in a basket configuration, if the sling ends are at a 90-degree angle to the load. A wire rope sling"s capacity in a basket configuration applies only when the configuration meets the sling"s minimum D/d ratio, which is the ratio of the diameter of the rope"s curve around the load (D) to the diameter of the sling (d). If the minimum D/d ratio is not met, the capacity of the sling is decreased.

LKING STEEL LIMITED Lifting Technologies manufactures lifting solutions including slings, cranes, and hoists. Founded in 1967, the company is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

B) if the 2legswire rope sling, the hanging points should be on both sides of the goods and the hooks are above the center of gravity of the suspended objects.

C) if it is three legs or four legs wire rope sling, the hanger must be proportioned on the plane around the cargo and the hook is located directly above the center of gravity of the suspended object.

Account should be taken of the maximum temperature that can be reached by the wire rope sling in service. This is difficult in practice but underestimation of the temperature should be avoided.

The table below summarises the necessary de-rated working load limits of a sling due to temperature, taking into account the type of rope termination, the ferrule material and the core of the rope.

One of the biggest causes of injuries and fatalities in the lifting and rigging industry is accidents caused by falls. As heavy objects are being lifted, sometimes the lifting sling can fail and lead to potential catastrophes. To prevent these situations, it is critical that you must use the correct types of lifting slings for your lifting jobs. Read 3 factors you should consider when choosing the right lifting sling, and learn the different types of slings we carry at US Cargo Control.

It’s important to know the weight and strength of the load that you intend to lift, as well as the WLL (Working Load Limit) of the sling. When you have an understanding of the object’s weight and strength, make sure you provide support from all directions. Providing support from the sides will prevent the object from falling, preventing injuries and risk to the workers on site.

The other thing that you should note is the fragility of the load you are lifting. The goal is to not only lift an object but protect the object from getting damaged in the lifting process. For lifting heavy objects or objects made of hard metals, we recommend using chain slings to perform the job.

Saw random numbers on your load-bearing equipment and didn’t know what they meant? Read what Working Load Limit, Breaking Strength, and Safety Factor mean.

When you’re looking at the object you will be lifting, observe the object’s shape and design to tell you where the center of gravity is. You do not want to miss the center of the load before you begin to lift because you can potentially thrust the load and cause damage. If you’re lifting irregularly-shaped loads, consider using nylon slings as these have great flexibility and strength.

You’re going to lift objects that have sharp edges. Although nylon slings work best for loads needed for flexibility, the fabric will not perform well because it will be fighting against sharp edges. They will cause ripping to the sling, and this will likely result in the object falling and getting damaged.

If you’re having to lift objects with sharp edges, we recommend using chain slings or wire rope slings. We also carry corner protectors that can cover the edges of the object and protect your slings and chains.

Now that you know the three critical factors to consider when choosing a sling, you need to learn the many different types of slings there are. This will help you identify which sling is worth the investment for your lifting situations.

Known as synthetic web slings or nylon web slings, our nylon lifting straps perform well for lifting breakable, delicate objects. Its heavy-duty synthetic material has great stretch and flexibility that help the slings mold to the shape of the load. Not only that, the nylon lifting sling’s material is treated to improve abrasion resistance and reduce wear, even in the most rigorous lifting applications.

They are lightweight, easy to handle, and offer a wider body with more stretch than a polyester sling. Its attributes make synthetic slings a popular choice for rigging purposes and are essential to have around, but they should not be used in extreme or rugged conditions. Nylon rigging straps will wear down more quickly than other types of slings if you go against its limits!

If you’re depending on a sling that requires extra strength and durability, the chain sling is your best choice. The chain lifting sling is the strongest and most durable type of sling and is highly popular to use for heavy lifting operations. They will perform better than polyester round slings or nylon slings because they’re more durable, tolerant to hot temperatures, and cut-resistant. When we say chain slings are tolerant to hot temperatures, this means they are useful for lifts in extremely hot temperatures or to secure extremely hot objects.

We offer three trusted brands of lifting chain slings, Crosby, KWB, and Pewag. We offer chain slings from these brands because we want you to have the highest-quality slings that will perform the lifting job successfully. We sell these in two types, standard and adjustable, and we also offer custom options if needed.

We recently added a full line of Grade 120 chain and components that are now available at US Cargo Control. Read more about Grade 120 and its benefits.

Polyester slings can be confused with nylon slings due to their material that is also made of a web-like fabric. The difference is that while nylon slings stretch easily, polyester round slings have a little stretch to them. These are useful to have for lifting operations where strength is needed, but not a lot of stretch needed.

Manufactured in the USA from a continuous loop of polyester yarn that creates exceptional strength, the round slings are versatile, pliable, convenient, and cost-effective. Because of their many benefits, you can use these in vertical, choker, or basket hitches, making them effective to lift a wide variety of cargo!

Known as steel cable or wire sling, these are more durable than synthetic slings and more cost-effective than chain slings. Wire rope slings are an excellent choice not only for lifting, but also for hoisting, towing, or anchoring loads. Its fabrication offers abrasion-resistance and heat-resistance, as they are made by weaving individual strands or wire around a core.

Wire rope slings are favorable by riggers as they can come in a wide variety of materials, diameters, and configurations. Each steel wire rope configuration will offer different benefits and are suited to certain applications. For example, a smaller number of large outer wires offers better wear and corrosion resistance, while a larger number will provide better flexibility and fatigue-resistance.

We know the importance of quality when it comes to rigging supplies. We carry a variety of rigging hardware, as well as lifting beams and spreader bars that are designed to lift heavy loads safely and efficiently.

Contact our sales team today at 866-444-9990. Our team of product experts is here to answer any questions about rigging hardware, lifting slings, and more.

Original equipment wire rope and replacement wire rope must be selected and installed in accordance with the requirements of this section. Selection of replacement wire rope must be in accordance with the recommendations of the wire rope manufacturer, the equipment manufacturer, or a qualified person.

Wire rope design criteria: Wire rope (other than rotation resistant rope) must comply with either Option (1) or Option (2) of this section, as follows:

Option (1). Wire rope must comply with section 5-1.7.1 of ASME B30.5-2004 (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6) except that section"s paragraph (c) must not apply.

Option (2). Wire rope must be designed to have, in relation to the equipment"s rated capacity, a sufficient minimum breaking force and design factor so that compliance with the applicable inspection provisions in § 1926.1413 will be an effective means of preventing sudden rope failure.

Type I rotation resistant wire rope ("Type I"). Type I rotation resistant rope is stranded rope constructed to have little or no tendency to rotate or, if guided, transmits little or no torque. It has at least 15 outer strands and comprises an assembly of at least three layers of strands laid helically over a center in two operations. The direction of lay of the outer strands is opposite to that of the underlying layer.

Type II rotation resistant wire rope ("Type II"). Type II rotation resistant rope is stranded rope constructed to have significant resistance to rotation. It has at least 10 outer strands and comprises an assembly of two or more layers of strands laid helically over a center in two or three operations. The direction of lay of the outer strands is opposite to that of the underlying layer.

Type III rotation resistant wire rope ("Type III"). Type III rotation resistant rope is stranded rope constructed to have limited resistance to rotation. It has no more than nine outer strands, and comprises an assembly of two layers of strands laid helically over a center in two operations. The direction of lay of the outer strands is opposite to that of the underlying layer.

Type I must have an operating design factor of no less than 5, except where the wire rope manufacturer and the equipment manufacturer approves the design factor, in writing.

When Types II and III with an operating design factor of less than 5 are used (for non-duty cycle, non-repetitive lifts), the following requirements must be met for each lifting operation:

A qualified person must inspect the rope in accordance with § 1926.1413(a). The rope must be used only if the qualified person determines that there are no deficiencies constituting a hazard. In making this determination, more than one broken wire in any one rope lay must be considered a hazard.

Each lift made under § 1926.1414(e)(3) must be recorded in the monthly and annual inspection documents. Such prior uses must be considered by the qualified person in determining whether to use the rope again.

Rotation resistant ropes may be used as boom hoist reeving when load hoists are used as boom hoists for attachments such as luffing attachments or boom and mast attachment systems. Under these conditions, all of the following requirements must be met:

The requirements in ASME B30.5-2004 sections 5-1.3.2(a), (a)(2) through (a)(4), (b) and (d) (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6) except that the minimum pitch diameter for sheaves used in multiple rope reeving is 18 times the nominal diameter of the rope used (instead of the value of 16 specified in section 5-1.3.2(d)).

The operating design factor for these ropes must be the total minimum breaking force of all parts of rope in the system divided by the load imposed on the rope system when supporting the static weights of the structure and the load within the equipment"s rated capacity.

Wire rope clips used in conjunction with wedge sockets must be attached to the unloaded dead end of the rope only, except that the use of devices specifically designed for dead-ending rope in a wedge socket is permitted.

Prior to cutting a wire rope, seizings must be placed on each side of the point to be cut. The length and number of seizings must be in accordance with the wire rope manufacturer"s instructions.

Are you planning your next overhead lifting project and unsure about the best type of lifting sling to use? Or, maybe you’re not getting the service life you would expect out of the slings that you’re currently using? Alloy chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings, and metal mesh slings can all be used to safely and efficiently lift, move, and position a load.

But, choosing the right type of lifting sling is dependent on a complete understanding of the application, the environment it’s being used in, and how the sling will be used to support and lift the load.

At Mazzella, we provide ideal lifting solutions—offering all styles of lifting slings, rigging hardware, wire rope, overhead cranes and hoists, and engineered lifting devices. Our goal for this article is to help you understand the basics of overhead lifting slings and provide you with the advantages and disadvantages of each type so you can make an informed decision and select the best lifting sling for your particular application.

Wire rope is a preferred lifting device for many reasons. Its unique design consists of multiple steel wires that form individual strands laid in a helical pattern around a fiber or steel core. This structure provides strength, flexibility, and the ability to handle bending stresses.

Wire rope slings are popular in construction, automotive, oil and gas, and general manufacturing industries where a variety of heavy loads and rugged conditions exist. They’re also very popular in steel mills and forging facilities where the durability of the rope is really put to the test.

Different configurations of the material, wire, and strand structure will provide different benefits for the specific lifting application—including abrasion resistance, strength, flexibility, and fatigue resistance. Wire rope slings have a lower initial cost than alloy chain, while remaining fairly lightweight in design.

Wire rope slings are available in single-leg or multi-leg assemblies and can be used in a variety of hitches including vertical, choker, and basket hitches. The Design Factor for wire rope slings is a 5:1 ratio, meaning the breaking strength of the sling is five times higher than the rated Working Load Limit (W.L.L). Per the Wire Rope Users Manual, a design factor is necessary to allow for conditions such as wear, abrasion, damage, and variations in loads which are not readily apparent. Although wire rope slings have a design factor, the user should never exceed the rated Working Load Limit.

When it comes to toughness and dependability—alloy chain slings are the bulldogs of lifting slings. Chain slings can be used to lift very heavy and bulky loads on a regular or repetitive basis. Their flexible design provides strength and durability so they can withstand impact, extreme temperatures, and exposure to chemicals and UV rays.

Chain slings are preferred in high-temperature applications and for lifting heavy-duty loads. Their strength and durability allow them to be used in foundries, steel mills, heavy machine shops, and any other environment where repetitive lifts or harsh conditions would damage or destroy a wire rope sling or synthetic nylon or polyester sling. If any damage does occur on a chain sling, they are completely repairable and can be load tested-and re-certified after the repair.

Alloy chain slings can be heated up to temperatures of 1000°F, however the Working Load Limit must be reduced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations when continually exposed to temperatures above 400°F.

Chain slings can be configured in single-leg, 2-leg, 3-leg, and 4-leg designs. They can be configured for use in vertical, choker, or basket hitches and a variety of different sling hooks, lengths of chain, and master links can be used to create different sling assemblies for different applications.

While there are many different types of chain, alloy steel grades 63, 80, and 100 are normally recommended for overhead lifting. In some applications, chain slings made of material other than alloy steel may be used. These applications involve a corrosive or high-temperature environment. The chain material in these unique applications is often stainless steel or some other special material chain. If non-alloy chain is used for lifting, we recommend that the user document the reason for using chain other than alloy, and also follow all appropriate chain sling standards including sling identification and inspection.

The Design Factor for chain slings is a 4:1 ratio, meaning the breaking strength of the sling is four times higher than the rated Working Load Limit. Although chain slings have a design factor, the user should never exceed the rated Working Load Limit.

For highly finished parts or delicate equipment, nothing beats the flexibility, strength, and support that synthetic lifting slings can provide. Synthetic slings can be made from nylon or polyester materials and are lightweight, easy to rig, and extremely flexible. They’re extremely popular in construction and other general industries because they’re fairly inexpensive, come in a variety of standard sizes, and can be replaced easily.

Because they’re so flexible, they can mold to the shape of delicate and irregularly-shaped loads, or be used in a choker hitch to securely grip loads of round bar stock or tubes. The soft materials they’re made from are strong enough to lift heavy loads, but will protect expensive and delicate loads from scratches and crushing. Synthetic slings are extremely versatile, can be used in vertical, choker, and basket hitches and have a Design Factor of 5:1, meaning the breaking strength of the sling is five times higher than the rated Working Load Limit.

Because they’re made of non-sparking and non-conductive fibers, they can be used in explosive atmospheres. However, they’re also more susceptible to cuts, tears, abrasions. Exposure to heat, chemicals, and UV rays can also cause damage and weaken the strength and integrity of the sling.

In most cases, synthetic slings cannot be repaired, so any evidence of damage is cause for removal from service. Best practice is to destroy and dispose of damaged synthetic slings to prevent further use.

Disadvantages of Using Synthetic SlingsSynthetic slings have a relatively low heat-resistance and are not recommended for use in high-heat applications

Special considerations must be made when selecting a synthetic sling to be used in chemical applications. Nylon and polyester slings have different resistance characteristics to acidic and alkaline environments.

Synthetic slings are not as durable as steel slings when it comes to abrasion and cut resistance. Corner protectors or edge guards should be used to protect against cuts and tears.

Web slings are flat belt straps made of webbing material and most commonly feature fittings, or flat or twisted eyes, on each end. Web slings are the most versatile and widely-used multi-purpose sling. They’re strong, easy to rig, and inexpensive. Compared to alloy chain slings, they’re more flexible and lighter and can be used to help reduce scratching and denting to loads. They can also be fabricated with wide load-bearing surfaces up to 48” to provide significant surface contact for heavy and large loads.

Nylon web sling performance isn’t affected by oil and grease, and they’re resistant to alkaline-based chemicals. However, they should never be used in acidic atmospheres or near chemicals used as bleaching agents. Polyester web slings can be used in acidic environments or near chemicals used as bleaching agents, but should never be used in alkaline environments.

They also have a relatively low heat-resistance and are not to be used in environments that exceed 194°F, or environments where temperatures are below -40°F. For loads with sharp edges, corner protectors or edge guards should be used to protect the sling from cuts and tears. Because there is a difference between abrasion-resistant protection and cut-resistant protection, be sure to identify the type of resistance required for your application.

If used outdoors, they should be stored away in a cool, dark, and dry environment to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays, which can damage and weaken the strength of the sling. When a lift is made at the W.L.L., the user can expect approximately 8-10% stretch when using a nylon web sling and 3% stretch when using a polyester web sling at rated capacity.

Endless roundslings have load-bearing fiber or core yarns that are protected by a woven outer jacket. They are strong, soft and flexible, and protect smooth or polished surfaces from scratches, dents, and crushing. Roundslings can be used in vertical, basket, or choker hitches—which are especially useful for lifting tubes and pipes.

The woven outer jacket is designed to protect the internal load-bearing fibers and core yarns against abrasion, dirt and grease, and UV degradation. Polyester roundslings are suitable for acidic environments, or near chemicals used as bleaching agents, but should not be used in alkaline environments.

Like web slings, roundslings are more susceptible to heat damage and should not be used in environments that exceed 194°F or below -40°F. For loads with sharp edges, corner protectors or edge guards should be used to protect the sling from cuts and tears.

If used outdoors, they should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays, which can damage and weaken the strength of the sling. When a lift is made at the W.L.L., the user can expect approximately 3-5% stretch when using a roundsling.

A number of high-performance and lightweight roundslings are available for industrial and heavy lifting applications—including steel, energy, automotive, and manufacturing. Twin-Path® roundslings have the precision and flexibility to perform heavy lifting jobs quickly and safely and only weigh 10% of the total weight of a comparable steel sling. High-performance roundslings come in standard vertical lifting capacities up to 500,000 lbs., and can also be special-ordered to handle larger capacities. These slings have less than 1% stretch at rated capacity.

Unlike standard roundslings, Twin-Path® roundslings utilize two paths of K-Spec®load-bearing fibers. The Twin-Path® patented design provides the rigger with two connections between the hook and the load for redundant back-up protection. They also feature other technologies like a Check-Fast® inspection system and an External Warning Indicator (EWI) that can provide visual indications of overloading, UV damage and degradation, or damage to the internal core fibers.

Twin-Path® slings are susceptible to cuts and tears to the jacket when used to support loads with sharp corners or edges. The specially-designed Covermax® Cover provides the best ultraviolet (UV) protection and the best abrasion protection of any commercially available synthetic lifting sling. CornerMax® Pads and CornerMax® sleeves are extremely cut resistant and can be used to protect the Twin-Path® slings in applications where cutting is a concern. If the outer jacket is cut or torn, and the load bearing fibers are not cut, Twin-Path® slings are repairable by applying a patch and proof-testing the sling after the repair is performed.

Standard Twin-Path® slings are also susceptible to heat damage, and should not be used in high heat environments above 180°F. Specially-designed slings are available with high-temperature core yarns and a high temperature cover that is resistant to temperatures up to 300°F.

Although synthetic rope slings have been in use for over sixty years, the advancement of high-performance fibers has recently improved the perception of using rope slings for overhead lifting applications. These high-performance fibers are characterized by their light weight, strength, flexibility, and versatility. Not only are they becoming more widely-accepted, but are preferred in certain lifting applications in the construction, shipyard, and offshore and deepwater industries. Because there are various types of synthetic rope material, it’s critical to know the specific fiber that a rope is made from to help understand its environmental characteristics.

Diameter to diameter, a synthetic rope sling is approximately 1/8 the weight of a steel wire rope sling with similar specifications, and compared to chain slings, they offer even more significant weight-savings.

Another major benefit of synthetic rope slings, is that if a break or failure occurs, there is no whipping motion of the sling or projectiles that could injure nearby workers. When a steel rope or chain breaks, the reaction is often violent and explosive and can potentially injure workers or damage nearby equipment.

Synthetic rope slings are more prone to damage from abrasion or cutting when lifting loads with sharp corners or edges. Additional edge protection and abrasion protection is available, but can add significant costs to the slings to try and equal the durability and resistance that more traditional steel slings offer.

Depending on the type of fiber, some newer technology synthetic ropes can be used outdoors in harsh elements (UV exposure, rain, snow, freezing temperatures), in chemically-active environments, and are neutrally-buoyant so they can be used in freshwater or saltwater environments. Consult the sling manufacturer or a Qualified person to confirm how a specific sling material may react to sunlight, UV, or chemicals.

Disadvantages of Using Synthetic Rope SlingsSynthetic rope is not as durable as steel slings in that they will experience cutting, fraying, and abrasion if used to lift loads with sharp edges

Some synthetic rope sling material may be susceptible to chemically active environments or exposure to sunlight or UV light. Consult the sling manufacturer or a Qualified person to confirm how a specific sling material may react to sunlight, UV, or chemicals.

Metal mesh slings are made from high-tensile carbon, alloy, or stainless steel wire mesh and are used primarily in metalworking and other industries where the loads can be hot, abrasive, or have the tendency to cut through softer synthetic slings. They’re resistant to corrosion and they’re designed to last in demanding and rugged operating environments.

Metal mesh slings are flexible and have a wide bearing surface that can be used to firmly grip an irregular load without extensive stretching and can be used in vertical, basket, or choker hitches. They’re extremely resistant to abrasion and cutting, however if there is evidence of even one broken wire in the sling, the entire sling needs to be removed from service. The Design Factor for wire rope slings is a 5:1 ratio, meaning the breaking strength of the sling is five times higher than the rated Working Load Limit. Although metal mesh slings have a design factor, the user should never exceed the rated Working Load Limit.

As you can see, there are many different options when it comes to selecting the proper lifting sling for the job at hand. Many factors should be considered to ensure that the lifting sling you select will provide consistent performance over many safe and reliable lifts:Strength and rated capacity of the sling

At Mazzella, we provide rigging equipment, rigging inspection services, and rigging/operator training to workers in all types of industries. We have locations scattered throughout the country that provide specialized lifting and rigging services to industries like energy, construction, automotive, steel, naval and maritime, and mining.

The braided wire rope sling is comprised of several galvanised steel wire ropes, braided by hand. It offers a safety factor of 5. The braided sling is highly flexible, resistant and has a large grip width. It can be used for “basket handling”.

The braided wire rope sling is available in stainless steel on request. To increase surface contact between the wire rope sling and the load, LIFTEUROP offers wire rope slings braided with either 6 or 8 ropes. LIFTEUROP also offers a closed braided wire rope sling with an even higher level of resistance.

The braided wire rope sling comes with an EC declaration and is readily available. In addition, it has an ID Tag ALITAG, which includes legible marking and an individual traceability code.

Wire Rope Sling made of Steel Wire Rope with fiber heart. The Wire Rope Sling is swaged with Talurit ferrules. When ordering please state your desired length = L.

In this connection, the Danish Working Environment Authority is of the opinion that a load will be uneven, unless it can be documented that it is equally / symmetrically distributed.

Wire rope is constructed of multiple strands of wire that are twisted and braided together to form a spiral design or helix. Once the separate wires are shaped into a solid form, they become a single wire with greater strength because the individual wires equalize pressure and have greater flexibility than the individual strands.

To further enhance the strength of wire ropes, they are grouped and wound together to produce cables, which adds to their usefulness as a means of support, ability to lift, and give structural stability.

A key factor in wire rope is the lay of the strands, which can be regular or lang. With regular lay, or right and ordinary lay, the strands are wound from left to right with the wires laid in the opposite direction of the lay of the strands. With lang lay, the wires are wound in the same direction.

The structure and design of wire rope produces a final product that has superior strength, excellent strength flexibility, and the ability to handle constant bending stress as well as being weather resistant.

Wire rope is one of those products that has found a place in a wide variety of industries since it can be adapted and shaped to fit several applications. It can be found as a tow cable for boats and airplanes or in the movie industry as a harness for stunt artists. The varied uses of wire rope have made it an essential part of operations that require a rope with strength, endurance, and flexibility.

In the aerospace industry, wire ropes, or Bowden cables, connect pedals and levers in the airplane cockpit to send power to aircraft systems to control the airplane. The things that are controlled by wire ropes are propeller pitch, cowl flaps, and throttle. Wire ropes on aircraft are insulated to avoid vibrations.

Wire rope is extensively used in the auto industry for a wide variety of applications due to its versatility and strength. It is used for raising windows and opening and closing sunroofs. Other uses include steering wheels, cables, exhausts, springs, sunroofs, doors, and seat components. In the manufacturing process, wire rope is used to hoist vehicles, move large body parts, and on hoists and cranes.

The construction industry has a greatest reliance on wire rope because of the need to lift and lower heavy loads. Wire rope used in construction must have extremely high strength and exceptional performance for safety reasons and efficiency. Larger versions of wire rope are used for suspension bridges and supporting concrete columns.

The main use of wire rope in food processing is for lifting, moving loads, and other heavy tasks. Finished products or raw materials require being moved in storage units and processing centers. The strength and endurance of wire rope makes it possible to move these materials. Wire rope for food processing must be able to withstand regular chemical cleaning.

As with other industries, the oil and gas industry needs strong and reliable equipment for moving heavy equipment. In ocean drilling, machinery is dropped into the ocean using wire rope to securely hold devices to be dropped to extreme depths. Wire ropes are designed to withstand the extreme pressure and stress required. A further use of wire ropes for drilling operations is to maintain stability in the drilling lines. One of the unique features of oil rig wire rope is its length, which can exceed 10,000 feet.

A very common use for wire rope is mooring and towing of sea and freshwater boats and vessels. In the shipbuilding industry, wire rope is used to secure lifeboats as well as lower them into the water. On sailboats, wire rope is used to lift and lower sails. The benefit of using wire rope is its resistance to corrosion and rust caused by salt water and ocean mist.

The skiing industry, much like heavy equipment industries, uses wire rope to hold cars, lifts, or chairs to transport skiers up the mountain. This type of wire rope comes in several varieties depending on the size of the mountain. The benefits of wire rope for skiing is its dependability, guaranteed safety, and reliability. The main challenge of wire rope for use in sports is the weather conditions it must endure.

Since the beginnings of amusement parks, wire rope has been an essential part of attraction construction. It is used to bring roller coaster cars to the top of the ride, hold swings, and pull various vehicles through attractions. One of the main concerns of public amusement parks is safety since rides are filled with powerful machinery designed to operate continuously.

Making the dangerous and exciting shots in movies requires well planned safety precautions. One of the aspects of that planning is wire rope that is designed to protect performers when they are engaged in dangerous and life threatening shots. Dependable wire ropes are ideal since they have the flexibility, strength, endurance, and versatility to be adapted to any conditions.

In architecture and design, wire rope has been used for guard rails, balustrades, and roof construction. In innovative green buildings where plants grow along the surface of the building, the plants grow along specially designed vertical wire ropes that are capable of withstanding weather conditions.

A common use of wire rope is in railings, which are safe, durable, and provide a pleasing aesthetic appeal. The use of wire rope for railings provides protection without obstructing the view from a building. This aspect of wire rope is one of the reasons that it is used for large architectural projects since it blends into the structure without interiors with the architectural design.

The types of wire rope are determined by the number of wires in each strand and how many are in the rope, which is defined by a two number system with the first number being the number of wires and the second being the number of wires in each strand. For example, a 6x19 wire rope has 6 wires in 19 strands.

There are a wide variety of products that are produced using wire rope. The demand for wire rope products is due to its strength, durability, and reliability. Since the basic purpose of wire rope is to lift and move heavy materials and items, the most common type of wire rope product is the wire rope sling.

Though the construction of wire rope slings is very similar for all types, there are certain variations applied to slings to adjust them to fit different applications. Slings are configured in various ways to fit different types of loads. These changes are referred to as hitches.

Choker Hitch: In the choker configuration, one eye of the sling is attached to the lifting hook. The second eye is looped over the first sling eye to form a noose shape or choke. The load is placed in the choke loop.

Bridle Hitch: The multiple leg or bridle hitch style has more than one wire rope sling attached to equalize the load and control balance. They reduce load damage by using fixed points on the load and offer easier rigging when hooked into fixed lifting points. .

Single Part Wire Rope Sling: The eye for a single part wire rope sling is formed by looping the wire rope back on to the rope. The end of the rope is attached by a clamp or being woven by hand or mechanically into the rope body. Single part wire rope slings use a single wire rope to produce the sling.

Braided Wire Rope Sling: A braided wire rope sling is made by braiding wire ropes to form a sling. The increased number of strands enhances the strength of the sling and its load capacity. Braiding can be done with three to nine wire ropes.

Cable Laid Wire Rope Sling: Cable laid wire rope slings are made from combining several smaller wire ropes to form a flexible, easy to handle, and kink resistant sling.

Woven Eye Wire Rope Sling: For the woven eye version of a wire rope sling, the eye is formed by weaving the wire rope into itself after forming the loop. It is designed to reduce the chance of the sling catching or being hung up when lifting.

Thimble Wire Rope Sling: To add to the strength of wire rope slings and lessen the stress on a small area of the eye, a thimble, a U shaped piece into which the wire rope fits, is placed in the eye, which helps the sling to retain its natural shape. The thimble is positioned to prevent the hook or load from coming in contact with the wire rope.

Endless Wire Rope Sling:Endless wire rope slings are adaptable slings without a set wear point. They can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes and are used in applications where headroom may be a problem. Endless wire rope slings are made by splicing the ends of a piece of wire rope together or by tucking strand ends into the body to form a core with a tucked position the opposite of the core position. They are also referred to as grommet wire rope slings.

Coiled wire rope is made from bundles of small metal wires that are twisted into a coil. It comes in many varieties and is easy to store since it does not require a spool. Coiled wire rope is produced in coils. When it is not in use, it springs back into a coil, which makes it easy to handle.

Cable wire rope is a type of high strength rope, made of several individual filaments. These filaments are twisted into strands and helically wrapped around a core. One of the most common types of wire rope cable is steel cable.

Push pull wire rope assemblies are used to send force and are used in the aircraft, exercise, medical, automotive, and office equipment industries. Unlike using a single heavy wire, push pull assemblies made with wire rope are stiffer and have a larger bend radii for smoother motion of the wire.

Wire rope assemblies include wire rope and various parts and components that have been added to the wire rope to enhance its function. The connectors for a wire rope assembly are designed to connect the assembly to hooks, equipment, or machines as well as other wire rope assemblies. The central part of a wire rope assembly is the wire rope, which determines the type and kind of work the assembly can perform.

Wire rope lanyards are a standard wire rope product that have a multitude of uses. They are produced using the same process that is used to produce wire rope with the same numbering categorizing system. Lanyards are used to hold fasteners, hardware, or components to prevent loss of an item or prevent injury.

As can be seen in the image below, lanyards come with a variety of connectors to specifically fit an application. Custom designed lanyards are designed for unusual and unique functions where a standard lanyard will not fit. The variety of connectors allows the lanyard to be easily connected.

Ends Fittings or Terminals: The nature of the end fitting depends on the function of the lanyard. All manufacturers have a wide assortment of end fittings to choose from. They include stamped eyes, ball ends, ball shanks, stops, sleeves, thimbles, threaded studs, and strap forks and eyes, to name a few. The image below has a few examples of end fittings terminals.

In many ways, wire rope is a form of machine with multiple moving parts. Normally, when we think of a machine, we imagine a device with a motor, drives, and gears. Wire rope does not have any of those components but does fit the definition of being a complex mechanism. It has moving parts that work together to move heavy materials and loads.

The main function of wire rope is to do heavy lifting, which is very dependent on wire rope slings. The type of sling is determined by the quality of the wire rope used to form them and whether several ropes have been braided or wound together.

Wire is the smallest part of wire rope but makes up the various strands. The composition of the wire can be steel, iron, stainless steel, copper, or other types of metal wires and are produced in different grades. The individual wires can be coated or bright, meaning uncoated.

Strands are sets of wires that are twisted together and are placed in a helical pattern around the core. The size of the wire determines its abrasive qualities with larger wires being more abrasive and less flexible than smaller ones.

The core is the center of the wire rope and serves as a support for the strands and helps the wire rope keep its position when it is under stress or bearing a load.

Lubrication is applied during the manufacturing process to reduce friction between the wires and strands as well as protection from corrosion and rust. The tight winding of the wires enhances the ability of the wire rope to retain the lubrication which is essential to its longevity.

The purpose of applying lubricant is to limit the friction between the cables to increase the useful life of the wire rope. In certain applications, such as space travel, lubricants can be hazardous and cause equipment to malfunction. In those instances, non-lubricated wire rope is used, which is referred to as dry wire rope or cable.

Of all of the products that are made from wire rope, slings are the most common and widely used. These looped wire ropes come in different varieties and grades depending on the type of wire used. Also, to enhance wire sling performance, several wire ropes may be wound together to form a sturdier and more reliable sling.

Flemish splicing is a method for repairing a wire rope and involves breaking the wire rope in half and tying it back together. In the Flemish method, the wire rope is tied back on itself and swaged down a sleeve over the unbroken wire rope to create the new eye.

Prior to placing the wire rope into the holding device used to shape the eye, a steel compression sleeve is placed on the rope, which will be used to secure and hold the eye.

Once the proper size is achieved, the unwound strands are rewound in the reverse order of their former positioning. If the wire rope has a right hand lay, it is rewound using a left hand lay. The opposite is true if the wire rope has a left hand lay, then it is rewound using a right hand lay. By using this technique, a friction mold is formed for the splicing of the sling.

Anti-rotational wire rope resists the forces of rotation by having opposing layers of helical stands. By winding the wire rope with oppositional strands, the wire rope is guaranteed to not unwind in clockwise or counterclockwise directions. The key to anti-rotational wire rope is to ensure that the outer diameter is static.

In the manufacture of anti-rotational wire rope, counter stranded filaments have vacant spaces between them. To make the wire rope anti-rotational, it is tightly twisted in the counterclockwise direction, which tightens the spaces between the filaments. If the wire rope is turned in a counterclockwise direction, the strands tighten around each other creating a spring force.

The tails and stray wires of the wire rope have to be straightened and properly formed before applying the compression sleeve. Once the sleeve has been placed, it is carefully checked to be sure that it is accurately engaged.

Prior to placing the wire rope sling in the swaging die, the die has to be thoroughly lubricated. Once the die is set, the wire rope‘s compression sleeve and the wire rope are compressed using several hundred thousand pounds of force. The swaging process alters the dimensions of the wire rope and compression sleeve to form a tight connection for the correct diameter for the sling connection. As force is applied, the compression sleeve is turned so that pressure is evenly applied.

There are several types of metal wires that are used to produce wire rope, which include steel, stainless steel, galvanized, aluminum, nickel alloy, bronze, copper, and titanium. Carbon steel is the most common type of wire rope material.

Wire ropes are made using uncoated bright wire, which is high-carbon steel. The type of steel depends on the requirements of the wire and its tensile strength and its fatigue and wear resistance.

Galvanized wire rope is treated with zinc to prevent corrosion and can be used in harsh conditions and environments. It is a cost effective alternative to stainless steel but does not have the same corrosion resistance. Galvanized wire rope is stronger than stainless steel of the same grade and size. Vinyl coated galvanized wire rope is easy to handle and flexible.

Stainless steel wire rope is corrosion and rust resistant. It is available in types 316 and 304 with 316 having greater corrosion resistance. Stainless steel wire rope can be used for marine applications, acidic environments, and other demanding conditions. It is produced with the appropriate tolerances and composition to meet the needs of the application.

Multiple strands of copper are braided into a round hollow shape, which is pressed into the desired width and thickness. Copper wire rope has exceptional flexibility, an exceptional life span and can be used as part of electrical components.

Bronze wire rope inhibits sparking and is corrosion resistant. It is made from preformed wire to ensure that it maintains its shape and does not unravel when cut. Bronze wire rope is abrasion resistant and very flexible with a crush resistant core.

Inconel wire can be used in applications that reach temperatures as high as 2000° F and is oxidation and corrosion resistant. It is non-magnetic and has excellent resistance to chloride based corrosion cracking. Inconel wire rope can be used with nuclear generators and chemical and food processing.

Titanium wire rope comes in several grades with grade two being 99% pure. It is easily formable and weldable. Titanium wire rope is commonly used in chemical processing and marine hardware.

For wire rope to perform properly, it needs to have proper care. Wire rope is an essential tool necessary to perform a wire range of lifting and moving jobs. It is important that it be handled, treated, installed, stored, and treated correctly to prolong its life and perform to the highest standards.

Seizing should be completed on both ends of the wire rope, which will protect it from loosening. If this is done improperly, the wire rope can become distorted. Wire rope that is properly seized evenly distributes the load.

Wire rope is stored on reels or coils and has to be carefully handled when it is being removed. To ensure excellent performance, the wire rope should not be dropped during removal. If the reel or coil is dropped or damaged, it can make handling the wire rope difficult and cumbersome. As the wire rope is removed from the reel, check to see that the reel is rotating as the wire is removed.

Wire rope is depended on for heavy lifting and is trusted to keep a load and people safe. As with all heavy duty equipment, wire rope must have a regular inspection schedule and be visually assessed during use.

Broken Strands – An easy way to check for broken strands is to run a cloth over the length of the wire. Broken strands that are found in critical areas, such as parts that pass through pulleys or sections that are regularly flexed, rubbed, or constantly worked must be replaced and repaired.

Internal wear – This can be tested by flexing the wire rope, which indicates if the interior has deteriorated, experienced fatigue, or become distorted.

For wire rope to perform at the highest level, it has to be stored in a well ventilated environment that is dry, covered, and not in contact with the floor. The avoidance of high moisture or damp conditions is an absolute necessity. While the wire rope is in storage, it should be moved regularly to keep the lubricant from wearing off.

Though lubricant is applied during the manufacturing of wire rope, it wears off during use. Lubrication is the key to the performance of wire rope because it helps prevent abrasion as the wires rub against one another. Relubrication should be applied after the original lubricant has worn off.

Wire rope is a tool and must be cleaned regularly as with any form of machinery. This can be accomplished with different types of petroleum solvents and a wire brush. Mechanical methods of cleaning can include compressed air or a steam cleaner. Once the cleaning process is completed, the wire rope should be lubricated for protection.

There are several substances that can harm a wire rope. They include salt water, brine, acid, various gasses, and humidity. To avoid the intrusion of these negative effects, when a job is completed and the wire rope is to be stored, it should be cleaned, lubricated, and placed in proper storage.

When wire rope is being removed from a spool or being spooled, the operation must be performed smoothly with the spool rotating at a constant speed and rhythm. This will help prevent kinking or binding.

When a wire rope shows a reduction in diameter, has broken wires, kinks, nodes, flattened surfaces, out of place outer wires, damage from heat exposure, corrosion damage, or the formation of unexpected loops, it should be removed and replaced or be repaired.

Wire rope is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as part of the regulations for cranes and derricks in construction as part of 29 CFR 1926.1413, which went into effect on November 8, 2010.

The inspection of wire ropes is on three levels: shif