Tips on Preventing Damage to Synthetic Slings

From time to time, we have equipment of all types returned damaged or generally in poor condition. One of the leading products we receive damaged is synthetic slings, or round slings, as they’re more commonly referred to. Damage to round slings often comes from the rigging coming into contact with a sharp edge or hard surface when the rigging is on the ground, often after the main lift has been completed. At other times, it appears that the sling jacket has been folded at its bearing point while taking up load, and then ripped through when load has been applied.

To help prevent damage to round slings, we recommend:

• Rigging and de-rigging directly out of and back into their plastic bins they’re supplied in
• Avoiding any sharp objects when handling them, including anything on the ground
• Packing away equipment in between lifts if not in immediate use over an extended period
• Placing sling protectors top and bottom where the sling takes up inside the shackle
• Never joining two slings with one shackle as this can compromise and damage the sling sitting in the jaws of the shackle on the pin
• Evaluating shackles used with wire grommet slings for rough edges inside bow that could rip a jacket
• Whenever possible using chains or wire slings as your first option before opting for synthetic slings
• Finally, keep in mind that grease contamination cannot be removed from sling jackets – it would lead to their condemnation.