What Is a Webbing Sling?

What Is a Webbing Sling?

Webbing slings are often used to lift tools and loads in the construction industry. These flat slings are often outfitted with metal hardware like hooks on each end to help secure their load.

They are usually made from either nylon or polyester. Each has different chemical resistance. Nylon slings can assist with grease and oil but not so much with acids, bleaching agents or high temperatures.

Material

Synthetic web slings are made from man-made fibers such as polyester or nylon. They are generally webbing sling more flexible than their wire rope counterparts, and this versatility allows them to conform to a wider range of loads. They also offer more protection to the load than abrasive materials like wire rope, which makes them ideal for lifting delicate or soft items.

The most common types of synthetic webbing sling are endless or eye-eye, and they can be used in a wide variety of hitches to achieve different capacities. They also come in a variety of lengths, which means they can be adjusted to fit the application.

Nylon and polyester web slings are unaffected by grease and oil, and they have good chemical resistance to aldehydes, ethers and strong alkalis. However, they are not suitable for use in acidic conditions or near bleaching agents or acids with a pH level above 7.

When using webbing slings, it is important to pay attention to the load’s surface and to protect the sling from sharp edges and rough surfaces. This is because these elements can damage the sling’s surface, which causes heat to be transferred to the core yarns and leads to heat damage. It is important to check the sling for any signs of this, including disoriented or fuzzy webbing surface yarn and any visible reduction in elasticity or strength.

Strength

Flat webbing slings are strong and flexible, which makes them easy to adjust. They also do not rust or corrode as easily as other types of rigging gear. When using these slings, be sure to inspect them regularly and remove them from use when they show signs of damage or reduction in strength. This will prevent them from becoming a potential hazard to workers and equipment.

Cutting is a common cause of failure for synthetic webbing slings, according to a 2021 study conducted by engineering professor Dr Steven Tipton for the Web Sling and Tie Down Association (WSTDA). This can be caused by misuse or external factors such as cuts, nicks or cuts. These seemingly “minor” damages can result in significant loss of strength for the sling and may pose a serious hazard to personnel.

Slings are usually enclosed in a woven outer jacket that does not have load-bearing capabilities, but helps protect the internal core yarns against abrasion, dirt and grease. The jacket also protects the slings from UV degradation. It’s important to consult with the sling manufacturer before using these slings in chemically active environments.

When it comes to the strength of a webbing sling, a rule of thumb is that it has twice as much strength as a single strand. This is due to the fact that there are two strands sharing the load.

Chemical Resistance

A webbing sling can be made from either nylon or polyester, and the material is usually chosen to suit specific applications. This is because certain synthetic web materials perform better than others in particular environments and conditions, such as resistance to certain chemicals, stretch at rated capacity, and temperature.

For example, a nylon web sling is unaffected by grease or oil, and it has good chemical resistance to alkalies, aldehydes, and ethers. However, it is not suitable for use with acids or bleaching agents or in locations where temperatures exceed 194 degrees Fahrenheit. Polyester is a more common general purpose web sling, and it is unaffected by most acidic substances but Webbing Sling Manufacturer is not suitable for conditions involving concentrated sulfuric acid or alkaline. The stretch of a polyester web sling at rated capacity is around 6% – 10%.

For both types of synthetic web slings, it is important to check the condition of the webbing after each lifting operation and before using it again. Damaged or deformed webbing is a sign of poor quality and should be replaced immediately. The sling should also be tested to ensure it meets the rated load capacity before being put back into service. Consult the sling manufacturer or a qualified person for test procedures and recommendations before using web slings in or around chemically active environments.

Temperature

Nylon web slings are able to assist in conditions where there is grease and oil and have good resistance to many chemicals, including aldehydes, ethers, and acids, but they’re not ideal for environments with concentrated sulfuric acid or alkaline. This type of sling also has minimal stretch (rated at only 3%), which means it’s not a good choice for applications that require tight loads.

Polyester web slings are able to handle acids, and they’re unaffected by bleaching agents, unlike nylon, but they’re not ideal for conditions where concentrated alkaline or sulfuric acid is present. They’re also not appropriate for use in high temperatures, as they can deform and lose their rated capacity.

Inspecting synthetic webbing slings regularly and prior to each use is the best way to ensure that your team stays safe while handling loads. Training employees in rigging and lifting safety can help, as well.

For optimal performance, avoid storing webbing slings in temperatures below 0° Celsius. This can cause ice to form within the material, damaging it and reducing its flexibility. Additionally, storing your slings in the sun can cause UV degradation that reduces their strength. This will be evident by accelerated abrasion damage to the surface of the sling and a reduction in rated load capacities. When this occurs, it’s important to replace the sling before its capacity decreases too much.