When you think of rigging and lifting heavy loads, a heavy-duty crane might come to mind. However, a crucial part of a rig is a synthetic sling. Synthetic slings give items optimal support and damage prevention when a rig hoists them.
Greenshields Industrial Supply in Everett, WA, is the place to call if you need quality synthetic slings of any type. Our inventory of Liftex Synthetic Slings and straps offers top-quality performance for any rigging job.
What Are the Types of Synthetic Slings?
A rigging sling is a specially designed strap that you can attach or wrap around an object you need to lift in the air using a mechanical lift or crane. Many projects use wires or chains to secure their loads, but the synthetic variety offers a less damaging alternative without sacrificing strength.
Synthetic slings usually consist of carefully woven nylon or polyester fibers that are lightweight and durable. Since they are softer than chains and wires, they are less likely to damage items during lifting. Below are some of the synthetic rigging slings Greenshields Industrial Supply offers:
- Poly Web Slings: These versatile rigging slings are a polyester loop with no end fittings or fixed wear points.
- Round Slings: These rigging slings are a continuous loop of woven yarn with a high load-bearing capacity and protective nylon or polyester covering. They are pliable enough to adjust to the load’s contour and have exceptional durability.
- Eye and Eye Slings: An eye and eye sling is a round sling with a flat loop on each end for attachment to basket, vertical, and choker lift hitches.
- Endless Slings: Endless slings are like the eye and eye variety. However, users can rotate them to expose an infinite number of contact points for the ends of the strap and when the sling makes contact with the load.
- Polyester Slings: These rigging slings consist of polyester, making them an effective alternative to nylon slings. They are soft, less abrasive on items, and have a 3% stretch rate for greater load control during a lift.
How Industries Synthetic Slings Are Used
Synthetic slings are accessories you will find in many industries and projects that require the lifting and placing of heavy objects, such as construction beams and concrete slabs for building skyscrapers. Since the slings have a lightweight material and versatility for multiple applications, they are acceptable for sensitive loads that cannot sustain scratches or other damage during transport.
For instance, the shipping industry uses custom synthetic slings to lift a yacht or commercial ship from a shipyard to a body of water. Auto manufacturers or dealerships also use the slings to secure vehicles during mass towing to maintain the beauty and integrity of the cars’ exteriors.
Construction and mining are other industries where synthetic slings are commonplace. The fibers in the straps are flexible enough to form a snug grip on heavy and fragile items. Synthetic slings are easy to rig and don’t recoil much when they break, making them suitable for use in dangerous mining and construction environments.
Dos and Don’ts of Using Synthetic Slings
Before you begin shopping for new synthetic slings, consider these dos and don’ts to ensure that you use them appropriately.
Do keep your sling out of the dirt. Too much soil in synthetic slings can lead to internal abrasion. Too much dirt exposure could alter the synthetic sling’s strength and possibly shorten its lifespan.
Do clean your slings. Though you should not expose your rigging slings to solvents that are not compatible with nylon and polyester, you could safely clean your slings using dry-cleaning solvents, upholstery cleaner, or standard laundry detergent. Light scrubbing is acceptable.
Don’t ignore sling ratings. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers and OSHA require rigging slings to have tags featuring their rated capacity directly from the manufacturer. The load should never exceed the sling’s rated capacity.
Don’t use synthetic slings in every environment. Polyester and nylon slings are not suitable for hot environments with temperatures exceeding 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the manufacturer’s specifications before using them around bleaches, organic solvents, oils, moisture, and prolonged sunlight to prevent degradation.
Synthetic Slings Supply of Greenshields
No matter your industry or current project, you can be confident that Greenshields Industrial Supply has what you need. We keep poly web, round, eye and eye, and endless slings in our inventory at all times, but we can fulfill requests for polyester and nylon slings as well. Learn more about our high-quality synthetic slings today by calling our team at 425-225-4619 today.
