Webbing slings, round slings or chain - which is best?

Webbing sling, round sling or chain - what is the difference?

Textile slings and chain slings solve the same task in very different ways. A webbing sling is a flat woven strap, a round sling an endless sleeve with a load-bearing yarn core, and a chain sling is made of forged round-steel links in grade 80 or 100.

Textile slings are light, grip softly and do not scratch delicate surfaces. Chains shrug off heat, sharp edges and chemicals and can be shortened to length. The right choice depends on the load, the edge and the environment.

• Webbing sling: flat, wide bearing surface, ideal for painted or polished loads.
• Round sling: endless, moulds around the load, high capacity for very low weight.
• Chain sling: heat-resistant to around 200 °C, tough on sharp edges, adjustable via shortening hooks.

What does the round sling colour code mean?

The colour code in EN 1492‑2 shows a round sling's capacity at a glance. Each colour stands for a fixed working load limit (WLL) in straight pull. That lets the crane operator pick the right sling quickly and safely.

It continues with brown (6 t), blue (8 t) and orange (10 t and above). The stated WLL applies to straight pull. In a choke, basket or multi-leg hitch the mode factor changes the permitted load, and that value is printed on the label.

Why is edge protection critical for textile slings?

The biggest weakness of textile slings is sharp edges. Even a small-radius edge can cut through a loaded strap under tension. That makes edge protection mandatory, not optional, as soon as the load is angular.

• Protective sleeves and corner guards stop the strap from cutting in.
• An edge counts as sharp when its radius is smaller than the strap thickness.
• For unknown or metal-sharp edges, use round slings with a protective sleeve or switch to chain.
• Edge protection must stay in place under load and must not slip out of position.

When must a sling be taken out of service?

Slings must be inspected before every use and examined at least yearly by a competent person. As soon as a discard criterion is met, the sling is withdrawn immediately. If the label with WLL and standard is missing, the sling may no longer be used.

• Textile: cuts in the weave, chafed edges, exposed core on a round sling, heat or chemical damage.
• Chain: cracks, elongation of a link over 5 %, wear over 10 % of nominal diameter, bent hooks.
• Any repair to load-bearing parts is prohibited - defective slings are replaced, never patched.

Frequently asked questions