Which Is Best For Your Application: A Wire Rope Sling Or A Chain Sling?

Slings for material handling aren't all made equal, and while a chain sling or wire rope sling could be perfect for one use, they could be devastating in another. It's critical to understand the many types and kinds of slings to select the best and safest slings for your industrial material handling applications.

Types of Rigging and Lifting Slings

When there are loads to be transported, rigging and lifting slings are used. They are usually used with a crane and are made of cable, chain, webbing, or rope. Steel slings are recommended for high loads, although in some cases, polyester or nylon slings can offer the strength required without the added weight and rigidity of metal slings. 

Chain Slings

Chain slings for lifting are used to lift odd-shaped, difficult-to-place weights or heated materials, and they're noted for their toughness and durability. The chains come in several grades, with the greater the grade number, the stronger the chain; the most frequent grades are 80 and 100. Chain slings are available in single, two-leg, three-leg, and four-leg variations.

Wire Mesh Slings

Wire mesh slings are useful when the loads are too hot or abrasive for web slings (as in the metalworking industry). They're also useful when there are sharp edges on the load that could harm conventional slings, or when you need an extra bearing surface to balance the load. They also have exceptional flexibility and a low stretch.

Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are the finest choice for rigging and lifting applications that demand heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant slings that are still flexible. It also doesn't hurt that they're usually the most cost-effective alternative for the amount of freight they can transport. EIPS, FC, and IWRC are the most popular materials used in wire rope slings. A rope with more wires provides more flexibility, whereas a rope with fewer wires provides superior abrasion resistance. 

Conclusion

The right sort of sling combined with the suitable design helps to assure the load's safety as well as the safety of any adjacent employees and equipment. Balbir Singh & Sons can assist you in navigating the often-complex world of sling kinds, designs, and combinations if you are interested in obtaining the right lifting sling for your application.