Industrial slings are a key part of any rigging setup. This piece of industrial hardware is incredibly versatile as they need to securely hold loads of all shapes and sizes safely in place during an overhead lift. From the square, heavy pallets to delicate pieces of glass to oddly shaped pieces of equipment, rigging slings are responsible for ensuring these items make it from one point to another.

Since overhead lifting is necessary for a wide variety of loads, you will need to use different types of slings for specific purposes. Different types of industrial slings are available and designed for these situations.
Every single piece of a rigging setup needs to work together to ensure a safe lift. Unfortunately, thousands of job site accidents occur every year due to equipment failure – and 27% of fatalities reported from these incidents were caused by a dropped load.

To reduce the risk of dropped or damaged loads during an overhead lift, you need to utilize the correct type of rigging sling for the job.

1. Synthetic Overhead Control Slings

Synthetic industrial slings are made from fibers that are not found in nature. The fabric itself is chemically synthesized to improve its durability or strength, making it a great choice for heavy-duty jobs. These types of rigging slings are commonly made from nylon and/or polyester fibers, which give the material flexibility without compromising its strength.

There are several key benefits to using these types of slings for lifting. First, the material is quite lightweight and easy to transport. The fabric straps are also easy to adjust and manipulate, making them ideal for oddly shaped loads. The adjustable straps also make the sling quite versatile, making it a popular choice for overhead lifting applications.

Synthetic overhead lift slings are primarily used for loads that could be easily scratched, as the softer material will not damage more delicate materials. It is not as durable as some other types of slings though – and sharp corners or frequent use can start to wear down the individual fibers. The material itself can be damaged fairly easily, lowering its weight-load limit.

It is very important to carefully inspect overhead lift slings before every use to ensure safe rigging practices. These slings are also not recommended for extreme weather or rugged lifting conditions.

2. Wire Rope Overhead Control Slings

Just as industrial wire ropes are used to attach the sling to overhead lifting for securement, they can also be used to make the industrial slings themselves. This creates a very strong and durable rigging sling that is still quite flexible.

Wire ropes come in many forms and are constructed from different types of metals with varying patterns and lays. This can impact the working load limit of the industrial sling, too. For instance, overhead lift slings can be made from either galvanized or stainless steel. Galvanized is less expensive and a bit more rugged, but stainless steel has a higher working load limit.

Each wire rope is made with a wire rope core surrounded by additional strands. This adds strength to the sling, while still allowing for some flexibility for secure holds. However, care is needed as these strands can easily kink or snap if the sling is not used or stored correctly.

3. Chain Overhead Control Slings

By far the most heavy-duty types of slings are made from industrial chains. This type of overhead control sling has the highest weight load limit by far, but the sling itself is also quite heavy. This weight needs to be accounted for when determining the lifting load limit.

Since this type of rigging sling is so durable, they are primarily utilized for heavy construction, mining, or manufacturing lifting. The forged metal also makes it ideal for lifting extremely hot loads, so it can be used in metal manufacturing. The alloy steel used to mold the chain links can also take quite a bit of wear without any damage.

Since these slings are so heavy, they can be difficult to transport and store. Therefore, these types of slings for lifting are usually only used for extreme tasks, like heavy-duty loads or more permanent lifting structures.

Need Help Finding Equipment for an Overhead Lifting Setup?

If you are compiling the parts for overhead lifting, you need to partner with a reliable industrial hardware distributor. You don’t want to compromise the strength or durability of your equipment when it comes to overhead lifting – from the types of slings to the bolts and shackles.

Elite Sales proudly offers high-quality industrial hardware equipment needed for all types of rigging applications. We carry a wide selection of sizes, materials, and finishes so you can find the exact types of slings for lifting to optimize your setup.

If you have further questions regarding overhead lift slings and other pieces for rigging, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. You can send us a message online with all of your questions and someone from Elite Sales will get in touch to help you find the exact hardware you need.