To select the right web sling for your application, the most important factor is going to be working load limit. Always ensure that whatever operation your sling will be subject to that it will always remain within the manufacturers set capacity for that sling. There are three main contributing factors to the slings working load limit: ply count, width, and lift configuration.
1. Web Sling Ply Count
First, it’s important to decide what ply count your sling will to perform best on the job. Plies are the layers of polyester webbing that are sewn together to create a thicker and more rigid construction. Most importantly, the more plies, the stronger the sling will be overall. However, more plies make the sling less flexible, limiting the compatibility with smaller lift points. Some of the reasons rigging professionals have one-ply slings on hand is that they’re light, easy to maneuver and are easy to slip through tight spaces.
2. Web Sling Width
You’ll find that a sling's width affects its working load limit. Not only will a wider sling have a higher listed working limit, but also will support the object better since the load is more dispersed across the width of the webbing. To protect fragile machinery during lift, we also recommend going with a wider sling since it maintains better contact throughout the lift, giving it a lower chance of damage during the lift.
3. Web Sling Configuration
How you configure a sling during a lift can impact the sling's working load limit, which is imperative to consider every time you operate a web sling. Every THOR-TEX Polyester Web Sling is fitted with a certification tag located near one of the ends of the sling. It contains important information on working load limits per configuration for that particular sling. It should always be referenced before configuring for the lift.
NOTE: If this tag is ever removed, the sling should be retired, discarded, and replaced.
The eyes of a web sling can be an important factor of configuration. If you find yourself using basket hitches to regularly perform lifts, you may consider choosing a sling with line bearing points since eyes in that configuration will be taking most of the load and could be subject to more abrasion than choker or vertical hitches.
For more information about THOR-TEX Web Slings read out safety bulletin here Read our blog on performing the 3 Web Sling Hitches here.
