Sling Hitches, Angles and Tension

Slings carry their loads in one of three primary sling hitches. Most slings can be used in all three sling hitches, but some slings are designed for use in only one hitch. Slings have the largest Work Load Limit when used in a basket hitch. The vertical hitch Work Load Limit is 50% of the basket hitch. The synthetic choker hitch Work Load Limit is a maximum of 80% of the vertical hitch Work Load Limit.

Slings must be securely attached to the load and rigged in a manner to provide for load control to prevent slipping, sliding and/or loss of the load. A trained, qualified and knowledgeable user must determine the most appropriate method of rigging to help ensure load control and a safe lift.

The Sling-to-Load Angle is the angle formed between a horizontal line and the sling leg or body. The Sling-to-Load Angle has a dramatic effect on sling Work Load Limits. Slings with adequate capacity to handle the “scale” weight of the load have catastrophically failed because the Sling-to-Load Angle and increased tension were not taken into account.

This principle applies in a number of conditions, including when one sling is used to lift at an angle and when a basket hitch or multi-leg bridle sling is used. When selecting a sling, always consider the Sling-to-Load Angle and the tension that will be applied to the sling. As the Sling-To-Load Angle decreases, the tension on the sling leg(s) increases.

For years sling users have used angles to determine sling work load adequacy. One approach has been to determine the sling-to-load angle and multiply the work load limit by the loss factor for the specific angle. The result is the REDUCED WORK LOAD.