Moving and lifting objects is not as easy as it seems. With a large range of equipment available in the market, construction managers can sometimes get confused and end up using the wrong product. Understanding how to choose a lifting sling is essential because picking the right option not only safeguards the load but also ensures the safety of the people working nearby. Using the correct Lifting Sling for each task also helps reduce risk during operations involving heavy lifting slings or other specialised equipment.
Primarily, there are four types of Lifting Sling options you can consider for your operations. Below are their characteristics, composition, pros and cons to help you make a better and more informed decision.
Roundslings
Roundslings are the most common and popular choice for a Lifting Sling, made from polyester, nylon or high-grade synthetics. They are available in small and large capacities depending on your use and nature of work. Because they can be bent and folded easily to form a secure grip, roundslings are highly suited for lifting heavy objects and are widely used across construction projects. They are also relatively cost-effective, making them a practical alternative to other heavy lifting slings.
Roundslings can be used in vertical, choker, and basket hitches. Their non-conducive materials allow them to be used in explosive environments, although exposure to heat, sun, and volatile chemicals should be avoided when selecting the ideal Lifting Sling for ongoing operations.
Pros
– Light weight
– Flexible and tough
– Can be used in multiple types of hitches
– Cost effective
– Suitable for both heavy and light loads
Cons
– Low heat resistance
– Susceptible to wear and tear
Rigging Rentals offers round slings lifting equipment hire options in various colours and sizes ranging from a capacity of 1 to 200,000 tonnes.
Chain sling
Chain slings are another common choice in the construction industry. Chain slings are flexible, readily available and suitable for various types of loads. They can be used in extreme temperatures and can withstand the impact of chemicals and extreme temperatures. They can be used in steel mills, foundries, and other harsh conditions. It is also easy to repair these slings in case of damage as their spare parts can be purchased at a low cost.
Chain slings are available in single leg, 2 leg, 3 leg, and 4 leg designs and can be used in vertical basket, and choker hitches. Chain slings are typically made of alloy, which makes them highly durable.
Pros
– Can be repaired easily
– Durable and strong
– Can be used in multiple types of hitches
– Available in multiple designs
Cons
– Heavy in weight
– Not as cost effective as other rope sling options
Lifting equipment hire options are available at Rigging Rentals.
Wire rope sling
Made of steel, a wire rope sling’s core consists of steel or fibre that provides strength and durability. Wire rope slings offer a high degree of flexibility and abrasion resistance. Because of their steel body, they are resistant to corrosion and have a long service life. Constructed from several small wires wound into strands set in a helical pattern, wire rope slings remain flexible enough to handle bending stress without breaking—making them a reliable Lifting Sling for multiple environments.
Beyond construction, wire rope slings are also widely used in sectors like oil and gas, general manufacturing, steel mills, and automotive industries. They offer a more cost-effective alternative to alloy chains and are lighter in weight compared to other heavy lifting slings.
There are two types of wire rope sling: single-leg and multi-leg assemblies. Both can be used for choker, basket, and vertical hitches depending on how to choose a lifting sling that matches the load requirements.
Pros
– More affordable
– Light in weight
– Better strength and flexibility
– Can be used in multiple hitches
Cons
– Low breaking strength
– Wire rope slings cannot be repaired.
– Cannot be used above the temperature of 200°C and below -40°
If you looking for a wire rope sling, you can check out Rigging Rentals’ single and multi-leg rope sling lifting equipment hire options.
Flat web slings
Flat web slings are quite similar to roundslings with a difference in shape. These slings are made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester and are highly flexible and lightweight. They work best with light loads and can break or bend under heavier materials, making them an ideal Lifting Sling option for general lifting rather than extreme heavy lifting slings applications.
A web sling contains a long rope with two flat webs on each side. The cloth-based sling is more bendable than wire ropes and is unaffected by oil or grease. They are resistant to corrosion but should be kept away from acidic bleaching chemicals. Storing them in a cool and dry place, away from sun exposure, helps maintain their longevity. However, they may wear more quickly when used with sharp or heavy loads, so understanding how to choose a lifting sling for the right situation is crucial.
Pros
– Light weight
– Highly flexible
Cons
– Not as strong as wire slings
– Cannot be used above the temperature of 90°C and below -40°
Rigging Rentals offers lifting equipment hire options of flat webbing slings if your need is to lift light loads.
